Newtown head into the penultimate round of the RSL-Whitney Cup season with the chance to take a huge step towards sealing the minor premiership.
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The battle for top spot has been a fierce one all season, with Newtown, RSL-Colts and CYMS all sitting first at different times during the season.
The Tigers moved to the top again last weekend when downing Colts and this round the new ladder-leaders take on Rugby at No. 1.
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Rugby slumped to a loss at the hands of Macquarie last week and is well out of the finals race, handing the Tigers a handy advantage.
Charlie Kempston has found top form in the second half of the season, providing Newtown with more depth and another match-winner.
He'll be key again in this two-day fixture, as will regulars Wayne Dunlop, Ben Patterson, and Mat and Steve Skinner.
The other match which will impact the top three is the battle between Colts and CYMS at No. 3.
CYMS' destiny is in its own hands with games against the men in red and then Newtown in the final round, while Colts are keen to take back top spot.
The side defeated in this two-v-three battle is all but certain to miss out on the minor premiership.
The Cougars have been struck by unavailability, with Ben Strachan's suspension a major blow for the side.
Jake Settree is also missing for CYMS, while Lachlan Strachan is out in week one.
The final match of the round sees Macquarie take on Souths at No. 2.
The Blues have shown patches of real quality this season but lacked depth and consistency while Souths remains rooted to the foot of the ladder without a win.
With a match against Colts in the final round, this is likely the Hornets last chance to score victory in 2018/19.
All matches start at 1pm on Saturday.
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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.
