Here we are. After 14 matches across 4 gruelling months, we are finally on the brink of the 2017/18 SRU National Leagues Premiership Final. Tomorrow at Queenstown Stadium, Wanderers RFC will take on SCC for the Premiership title.
Both teams have taken entirely contrasting paths to the final, but both will fancy their chances at bringing home the coveted trophy.
The Wanderers have once again been a dominant force throughout the season, reaching their 6th successive final in emphatic fashion. Dropping points just twice over the course of the entire league, the Wanderers have been as clinical as they have been ruthless, shutting down their opponents and taking every chance that comes their way. With the memory of last seasons’ final defeat certainly still fresh in mind, the Wanderers will be determined not to let history repeat itself come Saturday as they set out on the hunt for their 13th Premiership title. Their backrow have been in stellar form of late, as have the play of scrum half Damien Hoo and centre Nashrul who have certainly impressed the national selectors and will have all to play for on Saturday.
1997 was the last year that SCC last held a premiership title, and it certainly has been too long for the Padang Club. SCC are on a miraculous run of form having won three out of their last four fixtures. During this spell they inflicted upon the Wanderers their only defeat of the season, something they are sure to draw confidence from. Michael Oliver will want to correct the outcome of the 2016 final where the two sides last met in a final, and the SCC captain’s form to date has been nothing short of spectacular. Simon Etheredge has seemed to find another shot of youth to the system as his uncompromising style of play will lead a pack eager to have one up on the Wanderers. Matchup of the Day would be seeing young gun Marah Ishraff face off against the seasoned Damien Hoo in the matchup for best scrumhalf in the country.
Regardless of the result, this season’s finale is bound to be a banger. Entry is free, so be sure to drag down your family, friends and the neighbour’s pet and buckle up for the best that the Premiership has to offer.
