ONE last game, one last chance to show what they’re capable of.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
St Pat’s will face a stern test for their last game of the Group 10 premier league season when they travel to face finals hopefuls Orange Hawks this Saturday.
Pat’s are unable to budge from second last on the ladder but Hawks have the opportunity to leap up into fifth spot.
That scenario can unfold for the Hawks should they best Pat’s and the Mudgee Dragons overcome Lithgow Workies.
Even with nothing but pride to play for, Saints assistant coach Daniel Finn wants to see Pat’s turn up for each other at Wade Park.
“The biggest motivator for them is that this will be their last dig together,” he said.
“You’re always going to have a different group of players together in a new season so hopefully they can end it on a high note as a group.”
Pat’s will want to avoid a repeat of their earlier meeting with the Hawks from this year.
Hawks trounced the Saints over the second half to run out 56-12 winners at the Sportsground.
It’s a match Finn highlighted as the origin of the team’s mid-season slump.
“That was the start of our run of games where we wished that we didn’t have to go into the sheds and that we could just keep playing,” he said.
“Over the first 40 minutes this season we’ve been competitive, but we’ve fallen away after. Coming out from the sheds fired up is something that will no doubt be talked about before the game and at half-time on Saturday.”
Pat’s get a boost for their 2017 finale as they welcome back front rower and captain Brady Cheshire from a three-week suspension.
The biggest motivator for them is that this will be their last dig together.
- Daniel Finn
It’s still a big day at Wade Park for the blue and white as a club.
The Saints remain in the finals race across the under 18s, reserve grade and league tag competitions.
League tag will be the most exciting clash of the day for the visitors.
Saints must down the unbeaten Hawks if the Bathurst side is to guarantee themselves a top three finish.
Pat’s also need a victory over Hawks in reserve grade to maintain their hold on fifth spot.
The pressure is off the under 18s, who will finish second regardless of their outcome.