Two sides in semis

After making the grand finals in the two previous seasons, coming up short of a championship both times (Cobram 2018/19 and Barooga 2017/18), the Rhinos are in familiar territory once again.

The two sides have split their wins against each other with Katamatite having the last laugh in a two day win against the Rhinos three weeks ago.

Rhinos captain Brad Todd said losing to Katamatite recently will be a good learning tool for the side on how they can bounce back in the do or die game.

‘‘We had a good hit out on Tuesday and everyone is keen to play finals cricket again,’’ he said.

‘‘We should have learnt a lot from that game, as we managed to bowl quite well for 90 per cent of their innings, it was only a period of 10 to 15 overs that we let them get away.

‘‘If we can be disciplined for the full 80 overs in the field that will hold us in good stead.

‘‘A fortnight ago we had a couple missing and they were pretty much at full strength; we will have our best team on the park this weekend and I can only assume they will too, so it'll be game on from the start.’’

The Rhinos will be looking to update their side with one change as star batsman Andrew Hogan returns to the batting lineup after a successful return from minor surgery in Division One last week. 

Hogan posted 41 runs and took 1/9 off eight with the ball against Finley. 

‘‘There should only be one change to the side, as Hoges will definitely come back in after getting through the Div 1 game last week,’’ Todd said.

‘‘We haven’t settled on the batting order for the weekend, as a couple of blokes have been in and out of the side the past couple of games, but I don’t think it will change much from what we’ve had through the year.’’

With Katamatite finishing third on the ladder just under the Rhinos, Todd is being extra cautious of their batting lineup and believes the match could be a close finish.

‘‘Ash Saunders (average 63), Sam Dorsey (40) and James Tierney (28) will be the keys for Katamatite, all can post a good score, while Ash and James can make runs quite quickly when they are in,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m hoping our guys who have been consistent throughout the year can once again perform when we need them with bat and ball.

‘‘Both teams have batting depth so it should be a good match and could go down to the wire on Sunday.’’

Division One Rhinos will be looking to bounce back quickly after finishing the season with a loss to Finley, as they face a hungry Katunga at Tocumwal.

Katunga will be looking to make their second appearance in the grand finals in a row, narrowly losing the premiership to the Cats last year.

The Rhinos will be searching for their first grand final appearance in club history.

They have already made history for the club with its first time finishing as Division One minor premiers.

The two sides are relatively unfamiliar with each other, having only played each other in one game this season back on November 16, 2019, where Deni took a commanding win.

Looking to repeat this win, the Rhinos will be out in full force tomorrow at the Tocumwal Recreation Reserve.

If all goes to plan the Rhinos will be taking the league by storm this season, with the potential a three team premiership season for the club.

‘‘A win gets us to where we want to be; it will be a good result for the whole club as Division One finished on top as well, so hopefully they can make it through to the grand final,’’ Todd said.

‘‘Our Under 14s won the flag on Sunday so fingers crossed come Sunday at 6pm, three out of our four sides competing in the MVCA will have made it to their respective grand finals.’’

The Premier Grade clash will be played at Barooga Recreation Reserve at 12.30pm tomorrow and Sunday. Division One’s semi final will start at 1pm tomorrow.