The Devils proved too strong for the Condobolin Rams on Saturday and booked themselves a spot in the Oilsplus South West Grand Final against Coota on Saturday. The Tri-Colours are currently unable to utilise their home ground, Country Club Oval, while the new amenities building completes the construction phase. This means both teams return to Les Boyd Oval in a repeat of the Major Semi Final.
A copybook James Wallis tackle with Henry Messner coming in over the top. The Devils won last Saturday’s match against Condo 40 points to 23 with Harden Centre Jack O’Connor scoring a hat-trick, in a great show of leadership and determination from the Harden Coach. Shahid Khalfan crossed for an early try whilst Centre Ben Lenehan got over for a meat pie. The highlight of the match was the barnstorming run of big Front Rower Jeremy Martin late in the second half. ‘Marto’ ran what could of been 10 metres or 40 depending on who you speak to or ‘Marto’s’ opinion, but it was a great effort from a young Prop who is starting to peak with his on field intensity and all around game. Lenehan was on song with the boots and kicked 5 from 6. Harden were an improved side on Saturday with the 3, 2, 1, points and Player’s Players spread right across the team. The Devils stiffened up the middle of the paddock in the forwards against a strong Condo pack, however, they will need to go up another gear against the best pack in the competition in Coota on Saturday.
Harden will be looking to claim back to back Premierships if they can overcome Coota, however, the task is a difficult one with the Devils 0 from 3 this season. Their best performance was at Harden when they went down by just 7 points in the 34-27 loss. The other 2 wins by Coota have been convincing against the men in red. In Harden’s best performance it was line speed by the Harden defence which put them in the match. Harden must be able to account for Coota’s danger men in Aaron Byrne and Darryl Hemopo, amongst a squad littered with talent.
Byrne directs his charges like a General and Hemopo is an explosive runner and very good pilferer of the ball. If he isn’t tackled around the legs, forget it, he will run straight through. Harden’s young guns will have to step up. James Wallis has been showing the forwards how it is done with brutal defence around the opposition’s legs preventing them from running.
There is an old saying they can’t run without heads, but in today’s game that sort of bravado is long gone. Wallis is an old school player and around the legs tackler, and he gets the job done with precision.
Clint Stevens will have his usual run through a brick wall game. He only has two speeds, flat out and stop.
Jack Quinn and brother Will are peaking at the right time and will have to bring some more of the mongrel they have shown in previous weeks to the GF.
Jeremy Martin’s ball running is also starting to pay dividends highlighted by last weeks try.
The Backrow of Messner, Wallis and Honner will have to go up yet another gear. All 3 have been playing great footy with Messner showing plenty of skill in the line out and Honner ever consistent.
The Old Man Of The Sea John Manchester always brings his A game to the finals and will be barking orders from the get go. He will provide efficient and sound service from Half.
Tom Lenehan and his backline is where Harden will have to go next if they can match the Coota forwards. Lenehan has proven an accomplished ball runner and director of play and is supported by Centres Jack O’Connor and Ben Lenehan who are capable of plenty of breaks and points, if Harden can give them space or broken field play.
The back 3 of Khalfan, Quinn and Bolger can mount an attack from anywhere on the field with each of them possessing a very good kick to get Harden out of trouble if needs be.
Harden’s bench has veteran Prop Heath Kirk who will come on and do a job for the team with some strong running and tackling. His experience in the set piece is priceless. Hamish McGrath is back and the big fella will be champing at the bit for a strong game. His defence can be brutal. Gus Shea returns for Harden in the Front Row with the young charger ready to win his first Senior Pemiership. Haydn Dunhill had a blinder on Saturday and was everywhere in defence and attack, his return is a welcome one. Jacob Chandler is the utility star for the Devils and can come on in the Backrow or in the backs. Chandler knows the game in and out. Jacob Prosser like Chandler can play anywhere and has played very well for the Devils coming on to give Manchester a break at Half. Prosser has years of high level footy under his belt. James Daly will fill any role in the backs and will likely come on at Fullback or on the wing. The veteran has big game experience and knows what to do with the ball. Matt Stadtmiller will be unlikely to get a start and is under an injury cloud. His best days are behind him. Eating Doritos appears to be his favourite past time now.
