THE Criterion Hotel Singleton Greyhounds will travel to Denman this Sunday for major semi final day of Group 21 for the 2012 season.
The Greyhounds will meet the locals in first and reserve grade and Scone in the Under 18s.
The home ground advantage at Denman is always a significant factor and The Greyhounds are hoping that plenty of Singleton supporters make their way to Denman on Sunday to negate the local crowd. Under 18s will start the day at 10:45am with First Grade to kick off at 2pm.
The Bradken First Grade side has the task of needing to defeat Denman at home to secure the grand final at ResCo Park on Sunday August 26.
A loss to Denman will see the preliminary final at ResCo next Sunday against Muswellbrook. Denman were clear winners of the minor premiership in first grade and will start the match as favourites having recorded victories over Singleton in all three games this season.
Singleton has threatened Denman in all matches during the season and if they can put an 80 minute performance together they will be victorious on Sunday afternoon.
Singleton coach Mark Newman has made a number of changes to his squad in recent weeks with the availability of Josh Desmond, Jacob Miller and Russell Richards giving the side a much more imposing look.
The addition of Miller and Richards to the back row has allowed Newman to move Zac Solman to hooker. In the 2011 finals series Solman was Singleton’s best with some outstanding games. If he can regain that form Singleton will have a big chance against a Denman side that has been very strong around the ruck area all season.
If the Singleton forwards can match their opponents the Greyhound backs will be able to show their attacking prowess. Chad Solman will be the key player once again in a backline that must make the most of any opportunities that come their way. In previous games they have wasted chances that could have provided the winning margin.
The Bradken squad for Sunday is Scott Griffiths, Jarrad Castledine, Luke Gardner, Nathan McLoughlin, Luke Boldrey, Chad Solman, Kerrod Holland, Chris Martin, Zac Solman, Jason Brand, Jacob Miller, Russell Richards, Dale Watson, Kurt Neely, Josh Desmond, Luke Holz, Steve Warburton.
The COR Cooling Reserve Grade side have been competition favorites all year, only suffering the one defeat throughout the season.
Singleton has defeated Denman in all three games this year and with Jake Smith and Scott Matthews coming into the side after spending most of the season with first grade, the Greyhounds will be a popular pick to be first team into the decider.
The loser of the game will meet the dangerous Scone side next Sunday.
With Jake Smith at halfback, Jake Hardy will move to pivot and he should appreciate the extra room to move.
Zac Howlett will be a key player for Singleton from the fullback position with his speed and attacking skills.
A strong forward pack and bench gives Singleton coach Ben Deaves the luxury of a number of players who can change the course of the game.
The COR squad for Sunday is Zac Howlett, Jimmy Bonnar, Brewer Williams, Daniel Robins, Lewyn Rapana, Jake Hardy, Jake Smith, Max Willis, Nick Cox, John Boyle, Scott Matthews, Ben Deaves, Andrew Winsor, Cliff Newling, Matt Brock, Eliot Langdon, Taison Morgan, Justin Black, Matt Carroll.
The Singleton Tyre and Battery Centre Under 18s finished as minor premiers and will look to book a grand final spot against Scone on Sunday morning in the opening game of the day.
Singleton and Scone in previous encounters have provided torrid, close matches and this will no doubt continue that trend.
Singleton coach Paul Neely will once again rely on all his front row forwards, King, Kenny, Willis and Hamilton to provide the necessary go forward to allow Brodie Rinkin, Nathan Brock and Jordan Watson to direct the ‘Pups’ around the park.
The loser of the game will meet Muswellbrook next Sunday.
The Singleton Tyre and Battery Centre squad for Sunday morning is Daniel Greene, Brady Smith, Jay Ferrie, Jayden Stewart, Bailey Johnson, Nathan Brock, Jordan Watson, Josh King, Brodie Rinkin, Jake Willis, Damien James, Scott Harrison, Jeremy Richardson, James Hamilton, Josh Kenny, Josh Dicker, Eligh Miller, Dylan Palmer, William Baker, Mitch Carroll, Tom Lynch, Clayton Ellis.
The Better Get Pumped Third grade side will play Gloucester on Saturday afternoon at 3pm at Gloucester.
The Greyhounds currently sit in equal third spot on the table with Gloucester in eighth position.
Spectators welcome to cheer on their local league teams.