No matter who you play for or what side you’re playing against, a preliminary final is a huge occasion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Luke Gale and the Macquarie under 18s are well aware of that but this Sunday’s match at Caltex Park is more anticipated than most as it a derby clash between the Raiders and fierce rivals, CYMS.
“There’s going to be a fairly big crowd and a lot of support for both Macquarie and CYMS and you do get the vibe it’s different,” Gale said of a derby compared to other matches.
“I think you play that bit harder as well it probably means that bit more too against your crosstown rivals.”
Storming back-rower Gale is one of the key figures for his side but he stated the job of he and his forward pack can be made even easier if star five-eighth Jai Merritt and clever hooker Kane McDermott continue their top form.
“Jai and Kane in the halves and at hooker have got a big job to do in ordering the squad around and giving us the path to follow,” he said.
“Then myself, Blaine (Gordon) and the forwards have got to set the platform.”
In recent weeks Raiders 18s coach Hale Gordon has said anything less than a grand final win will be a disappointment for his side and while there is very little between grand finalists Forbes, Macquarie and CYMS, Gale agreed.
“Based on that (work we’ve done) it would be disappointing not to go all the way,” he said.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
