WERRIS Creek snuck into the Second Division major semi-final by an extra-time field goal in the final round although this week coach Lindsay Bowne said the pressure was all on Kootingal when the Magpies meet the Roosters in the major semi-final tomorrow.
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Cody Tickle cracked a one- pointer after Barraba fought back to be 26-26 at full-time, that one point keeping them just ahead of Boggabri, who beat Dungowan in the minor semi last week and awaits the loser of this match.
Kootingal have only been beaten once this season, the first round against Dungowan, but since then they have been firm favourites to finish on top.
Last season the Roosters were unbeaten all season until Dungowan got them in the final and Bowne believes that the minor premiers might feel the pinch again in front of a big home crowd in a final.
“All of the pressure is on Kooty so we are feeling pretty relaxed,” Bowne said.
“We just need to put our best foot forward and have a bit of fun.
“We are playing for the chance to host the grand final so it is a big opportunity.”
The Magpies’ biggest problem this season has been ball control, turnovers making the season a lot harder than it could have been.
The coach said the team got together after that golden- point win over Barraba and made an agreement for the finals.
“They were sick of putting themselves under the pump when they didn’t need to be,” Bowne said.
“If we hold the ball we can lay a platform for the win.”
Prop Thomas Brown has been a powerhouse this season and, with Bryce Parsons following his lead, the pair have laid the platform for plenty of victories with classy halves and big outside backs finishing the job.
Veteran halfback Stu Porter will lead the way tomorrow, along with Brendan Hunt at hooker who joined mid-season and has been an inspiration organising the side and getting the big boys on a roll.
Cody Tickle is another big game player the Roosters will have to watch regardless of where he slots in while Kaidyn Saunders will face his former team at fullback and is always a threat to the line.
“Those boys don’t play to a plan but play what’s in front of them,” Bowne said.
“We have a great squad with good depth this season.
“We just need to hold the ball and stand up in defence.”
The Magpies are expecting a big troop of supporters to follow them tomorrow, with a good buzz not only in the team but in the town this week as they play their first major semi-final since their centenary year in 2012.
