The Springfield Panthers CSI Volunteer Cup senior men’s side are looking to make it back-to-back grand final wins after defeating the Goodna Eagles 30 – 20 in the preliminary final on Sunday.
The win means the Panthers will take on minor premiers Brothers Ipswich who they were defeated by in the semi-final 40 – 18.
Springfield Panthers front rower and captain John Frank was proud of the effort of his team in tough conditions.
“It was a tough game today and they’re a pretty good opposition,” he said.
“We were playing to Goodna’s strength most of the first half but we just knew once we could tire our their middles our back five could get the job done for us.”
As the leader of the forward pack, John said they needed to muscle up earlier in the grand final this weekend.
“We will rest up this week and we’ve got to be stronger in the middle defensively,” he said.
“They have a good mobile lock and he controls the middle of the field well, so we have to be ready for that.”
Springfield Panthers coach Sonny-James Tahuriorangi was disappointed in the slow start but happy with the way the team regrouped.
“We started a bit slower than usual, but we stuck to a game plan and scored a couple of tries later in the first half,” he said.
The Panthers had to go the hard way to make the grand final having to play an extra final, but Sonny was happy with the team across the finals series.
“We’ve basically had the same 25 players since the start of the finals, so I think thats a good thing to go through a couple of hard games for that grand final spot,” he said.
Despite playing Brothers in the first semi final, Sonny knows its a whole new game when you’re playing for a premiership.
“It is going to be nothing like last time and we have to start the game fast with no errors,” he said.
“They’re a fast and strong team, so you can’t afford to make those errors against a side like that, but if we can control the middle and slow the ruck down, we can get the job done.”
