It’s down to the ‘business end’ for the NRRRL

Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League gets down to the ‘business end’ of the 2009 NRRRL season this weekend with what should be two great semi-final matches.

On Saturday at McGuren Park, Grafton, the 2008 grand finalists, Byron Bay and Grafton Ghosts, clash in the elimination semi.

Byron Bay won the 2008 grand final in a thrilling match and have beaten Ghosts in their last three clashes, including last season’s major semi at Grafton.

But this year the Red Devils have not been playing as well, and they face a tough challenge to beat Ghosts at home.

The loser will bow out for 2009.

In the qualifying semi-final at Mullumbimby on Sunday, Mullumbimby Giants take on the free-scoring Northern United, who are in their first season of the NRRRL.

This will be a clash of the team with the best defensive record (Mullum) against a team which has scored more than 600 points this season but also has conceded a lot.

What United lack in defence, they more than make up for in attack, headed by centre Fred Waters, who scored 38 tries this season to set an NRRRL record.

This match could go either way.

The winner will play minor premiers Lower Clarence at Maclean the following Sunday, with the winner of that match hosting the grand final.

The loser this Sunday will front up against the winner of the Ghosts-Byron semi.

Evans Head, the second new club in the competition this season, will have a large contingent of supporters travelling to Grafton on Saturday to watch the club’s minor grade teams compete.

The Bombers’ Under-18s take on Northern United, while the reserves take on Byron Bay.

In Sunday’s minor grade semis, Lower Clarence and Ballina meet in Under-18s and reserves.

Saturday 29 August        

Elimination Semi-Final

VENUE: Frank McGuren Park, Grafton

11.30 am Start   
U/18s
Evans Head v Northern United

1pm  Start
Reserve Grade
Evans Head v Byron Bay

2.45 pm Start
First Grade
Grafton Ghosts v Byron Bay
Sunday 30 August        

Qualifying Semi-Final

VENUE: Les Donnelly Field, Mullumbimby

11.30 am Start   
U/18s
Lower Clarence v Ballina

1pm Start
Reserve Grade
Ballina v Lower Clarence

2.45 pm Start
First Grade
Mullumbimby v Northern United

Related posts:

1. Grafton to host minor semi-final; Byron’s loss proves costly
2. Big crowd expected for NRRRL grand finals
3. Grafton Ghosts, Byron Bay battle it out to host NRRRL grand final
4. Important match for Tweed Coast in NRRRL
5. Lower Clarence, Grafton Ghosts the highlight game in NRRRL

Related Articles:

Related posts:

1. Grafton to host minor semi-final; Byron’s loss proves costly
2. Big crowd expected for NRRRL grand finals
3. Grafton Ghosts, Byron Bay battle it out to host NRRRL grand final
4. Important match for Tweed Coast in NRRRL
5. Lower Clarence, Grafton Ghosts the highlight game in NRRRL