THE Bega Roosters first grade side can turn their hard work into reward on Sunday.
After turning their season around in the past two months, the Roosters have an opportunity to take out the Group 16 premiership.
To achieve this, they will need to defeat minor premiers Eden Tigers at the Bega Recreation Ground.
Coach Mitch Creary said that he can’t wait for the game.
“This is a big day for the club and a huge day for Bega,” he said.
“Rugby League is the heart and soul of this town.”
The Tigers have lost just two matches this year and have shown confidence against all opponents.
Bega has had an outstanding finish to the season, winning their past five straight victories to become the dark horses of the competition.
But Creary isn’t getting carried away.
“Eden has by far been the best and most consistent side all year,” he said.
“They’re a well-coached outfit who know how to win big games.”
The Tigers have won the past two grand finals and are keen to add to their trophy cabinet.
Led by captain-coach Mark Miller, Eden has the experience to remain calm in tight situations in a contest.
Miller has had an outstanding season in the halves, steering his side around the park with confidence.
He has a solid kicking game and always presses for attacking chances.
Ready to pounce on any opportunity are speedy winger Matt Creswick and fullback Todd Bolton.
Tiger’s veteran second-rower Neil Baker’s form has been strong again this year and his experience will be invaluable to the side on Sunday.
He has received good support up forward from veteran prop Brent Michelin.
Michelin has constantly been among the leading hit-up counts this year and has tightened up his defensive game.
The last time that these two sides met was in round 10 when Eden won by 16 points.
Despite the score-line, the Roosters were always in the contest and only fell away in the final stanza of the game.
“If anyone can beat Eden, it’s us,” Creary said.
“Anything can happen over 80 minutes in a grand final.”
Bega will enter the game full of confidence after their impressive comeback win last weekend against Cooma.
The Roosters were down by 17 points with 20 minutes to go before a stunning turnaround saw them home, 42-29.
Lock Deon Apps was the catalyst of the victory and has been inspirational since switching from the centres.
Apps narrowly missed out on being the Group 16 Player of the Year, which was named last week.
The excellent form of Apps and several of his teammates have been the drive behind Bega’s late season revival.
The Burton boys, Dane and Kale, have been outstanding in gaining solid metres for the side.
Kale has consistently been among the best-on-ground for the Roosters each week as he continues to develop into a quality footballer.
Dane has been a revelation since taking over the captaincy, with his courage spurring on his team-mates.
Fellow second-rower Justin Elliot has had an outstanding second half of the year since returning to the side, injecting enthusiasm into each match.
In the backline, halves pairing Dale Finucane and Matt Blacka have developed a strong partnership.
Finucane’s fine debut season received acknow-ledgment when he was named Group 16 Rookie of the Year.
He has shown composure and skill since being elevated to first grade to become a key for the Roosters.
Blacka has arguably been Bega’s most improved player this year, becoming a significant player in the sides’ finals run.
The Roosters possess a fast three-quarter line which has opened up plenty of offensive opp-ortunities for Finucane and Blacka.
Wingers Ben Cogan and John Sauer have raw pace which they have used to full effect in the past month.
Both have become viable try-scorers for the Roosters.
Fullback Grant “Scrubber” Jessop has been outstanding since moving from the forward pack, showing great leadership.
During his purple patch late in the season, Jessop almost single-handedly turned a few matches in Bega’s favour.
But Creary and his side realise the challenge ahead of them and what is required to win the game.
“This is the game of their lives and I have belief in the boys.”
Only time will tell.
TIP: Roosters by 8 points.
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