WEST Tamworth had a home grand final in their paws last week but the Lions let North Tamworth back in the game in the second half to go down by just two points and will now have to muzzle the Bulldogs if they want another crack at the Bears.
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The two Tamworth sides have been the form teams all season and have now racked up two wins each at the other’s home in their four matches, although West shouldn’t be too quick to write Gunnedah off at this time of the season and with close to a full squad back on the park.
Lions skipper and contender for The Northern Daily Leader best and fairest award Chris Vidler is confident the Lions can bounce back at Scully Park tomorrow.
“We got a little taste when we had it in our hands last week,” Vidler said.
“We know where we lost it and we know what we need to do to win against Gunnedah.”
The powerful prop has been almost unstoppable this season, which he claims will be his last.
Vidler crossed 15 times in the regular season, only beaten by North Tamworth’s Scott Blanch who managed 17.
“I have really enjoyed coming back into West this year and playing good footy with this team,” Vidler said.
Last season Vidler took the reins of an ill-fated and winless season at Manilla, after playing a lead role in the
Lions’ five straight premierships, and the front rower is keen to drink from that cup one more time.
“As a team, we know what it is about,” Vidler said.
“We always play our best games against Gunnedah so I am confident we can roll them, get another good game under our belt and go to Norths with some extra match fitness.
“The semi was tough after two or three weeks off.”
Wests impressed with their discipline last week, frustrating Norths into making mistakes and giving away penalties, while Matt Nean and Sam Taylor took full advantage of the Lions’ share of possession, jumping to an early 22-nil lead before the Bears fought back.
“We were making piggy- back errors in the second half and we know that Gunnedah will just keep coming with their pack,” Vidler said.
“Our discipline was good for 70 minutes but we need to make that 80 this week.
“We know what finals are all about and we will bounce back.”
The same two sides will also do battle in the U18s game, with the winner also to face North Tamworth after the Bears won three from four in the major semi-finals last week.
North’s reserve grade will be out to make next week a red and black day at Jack Woolaston Oval – a win over Narrabri tomorrow will see North Tamworth feature in all four grades of a home grand final for the second successive season.
In the ladies, Oxley Diggers will also face Gunnedah, who have the chance at getting three grades through to the big one, the girls kicking off proceedings at 11am.
