Ballina Seagulls to host NRRRL preliminary final
Ballina Seagulls will need to repeat their semi-final win over Northern United when the two teams meet at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, on Sunday, September 12, in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League preliminary final.
The winner will advance to the grand final against Grafton Ghosts the following Sunday.
Ballina lost to Northern United in the second round of the competition, but fought back to win the semi-final 30-28.
That win gave Ballina a chance to contest the major semi-final against minor premiers Grafton Ghosts at Grafton last Sunday.
The undefeated Ghosts showed just how hard they will be to beat in the grand final by inflicting a 34-6 loss on Ballina. Meanwhile, Northern United were back to their best with a 45-28 win over Cudgen in the minor semi-final.
The Ballina Seagulls this year have dominated their home games at Kingsford Smith, but will have to be at their very best to overcome Northern United, who were without star five-eighth Roy Bell when the two teams last met.
Bell’s return could swing the tide in United’s favour.
Ballina’s Under-18s also will be in action on Sunday, taking on Mullumbimby, with the winner advancing to the grand final, which also will be against Grafton Ghosts.
PRELIMINARY FINALS
KINGSFORD SMITH PARK, BALLINA 12/08/10
1ST BALLINA v NORTHERN UNITED
RES BYRON BAY v CUDGEN
18S BALLINA v MULLUMBIMBY
TIMES 11.30AM 18S, 1.15PM RES, 2.45PM 1ST
