By Justin Fris
North Beach and Fremantle lock horns in Saturday’s preliminary final at Charles Riley Reserve.
Both sides went through vastly different situations last week.
Beach bravely fought hard against South Perth, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to see the game through.
The Roosters were tested early, but a lengthy injury delay allowed them to regroup and run away with victory against Willagee.
Last time these two sides met, Beach held on for a 23-16 victory, but they were pushed all the way.
Roosters coach Andrew Korn has got his men playing good football, but this game is unlike any other.
Preliminary finals are notoriously hard; some say even harder to win than a grand final.
Fremantle’s record at Charles Riley Reserve isn’t great, with Beach often lifting several gears in front of their passionate supporters.
Beach has consistently conceded early tries in their home matches, only to hit back with unanswered tries midway through the first half.
Korn must urge his players to keep on attacking with a lead and deny any Beach attempt to stay in the match.
With Jordan Stringer pulling the strings, both forwards and wingers can wear down Beach in the second half.
The North Beach faithful would disagree, believing their boys have what it takes to earn a shot of redemption.
Last week’s loss to South Perth would have stung Ryan Gundry, who has guided Beach superbly this season.
A side coached by Gundry very rarely puts in two disappointing results in a row.
Alarm bells should ring for the Roosters if Kani Solomon or Ben Taylor start breaking through the line.
If Taylor gets off the leash, he could single handedly seal an envelope of defeat for the Roosters.
Both sides go into the match delicately poised, only 80 minutes away from a shot of glory at George Burnett Park next Saturday.
All Preliminary Finals – Charles Riley Reserve
Women’s League Tag – 10.00am
Joondalup Giants v South Perth Lions
Head to Head in 2014
Rd 6 – Joondalup 22 South Perth 0
Rd 13 – Joondalup 24 South Perth 0
Rd 20 – Joondalup 36 South Perth 8
Third Grade – 11.10am
Joondalup Giants v Kalamunda Bulldogs
Head to Head in 2014
Rd 1 – Kalamunda 20 Joondalup 0
Rd 8 – Kalamunda 28 Joondalup 26
Rd 15 – Kalamunda 26 Joondalup 24
Under 18’s – 12.30pm
Kalamunda Bulldogs v Rockingham Sharks
Head to Head in 2014
Rd 5 – Kalamunda 64 Rockingham 10
Rd 12 – Kalamunda 20 Rockingham 10
Rd 19 – Rockingham 26 Kalamunda 14
Reserve Grade – 2.00pm
North Beach Sea Eagles v Joondalup Giants
Head to Head in 2014
Rd 4 – North Beach 18 Joondalup 16
Rd 11 – North Beach 22 Joondalup 14
Rd 18 – North Beach 12 Joondalup 10
First Grade – 3.30pm
North Beach Sea Eagles v Fremantle Roosters
Head to Head in 2014
Rd 1 – Fremantle 26 North Beach 18
Rd 8 – North Beach 34 Fremantle 14
North Beach 20 Fremantle 14
Get to Charles Riley Reserve early so you don’t miss any of the action. It’s do or die on Saturday and each game is set to be a thriller!!!