The Kempsey Cannonballs’ last hope of a premiership rests on the shoulders of their U14s side who will face the Southern Cross University Marlins on Saturday.
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The Cannonballs U14s team reached the grand final after defeating the Port Macquarie Pirates 45-5 last weekend.
Team manager Dave Munday believes the side is in with a real shot of winning, despite the team falling short against the Marlins in every meeting this season.
“We have been under strength most of the times we played the Marlins but on the two occasions we were close to full strength we almost beat them,” Munday said.
The Marlins defeated the Cannonballs 19-17 in their final regular season match before the Cannonballs were eight minutes away from earning the win in the grand final qualifier a fortnight ago.
The Cannonballs U14s lead 22-17 but they couldn’t hold on as the Marlins crossed for two late tries.
“They have played in good spirits all season and are a good enough side to win,” Munday said.
“They play as a team and they will be near full strength with New South Wales Country representatives Zac Hough and Darby Lancaster back in the side.
“I know the side will have a good chance of defeating the Marlins and earning a great win for themselves and their club.”
The U14s team is coached by two Cannonballs U18s players, Tyler Allan and Hugh Shannon.
Munday expressed the two young men do a great job and are well respected by the juniors.
“They both have been successful in representative sides and they bring that experience back with them for the younger boys,” Munday said.
“It is great to see two young guys putting in their own time to give back to the community.”
The side will be without James Sinclair, who Munday believes is the most dominant outside centre in the age group, due to a broken collarbone. Meanwhile other players battle illness.
The U14s match will kick off at 9.35am at Oxley Oval, Port Macquarie on Saturday.
