TO say the Scone Thoroughbreds and Murrurundi Mavettes are evenly-matched in league tag this season would be an understatement.
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The teams finished the "home and away" competition in first and second position respectively - just a couple of points separating them on the ladder.
They also claimed a victory each at the expense of the other, with Scone prevailing 22-20 in June and Murrurundi turning the tables, 14-4, earlier in the month.
And, while the Thoroughbreds reaped the spoils as the best attacking outfit, the Mavettes shone in the defensive stakes.
Now, the latest instalment in their battle will come to ahead at Scone Park on Sunday, August 25, when the two sides lock horns in the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League major semi - with the winner earning a spot in the September 7 decider.
"We gained a lot of confidence from beating them recently," Murrurundi coach Marty Wilson said.
"But, we're not getting too carried away about it.
"We know they'll come out hard and fast this weekend.
"However, we're also aware we can only improve on that [latest] effort.
"Our defence was great; we need to work more on our attack."
Wilson and co-coach Darryl Rando are both expecting another close encounter on Sunday - this time, with an added incentive on the line.
"The grand final is definitely our goal," he said.
"So, we'd love to win and progress straight through.
"It won't be easy though.
"There hasn't been much between the Thoroughbreds and Mavettes all year.
"Even when we were beaten by them, it was only by two points.
"They're the minor premiers, and defending champions, we've got nothing to lose.
"We have had a relaxed week at training.
"So, we'll just go out there [on Sunday], play as a team and enjoy the occasion.
"The rest will take care of itself."
No matter what happens, it's been a big turnaround for the Mavettes, who took no part in the 2018 play-offs.
"I think the girls were disappointed we missed the semis, especially after being there the season before," Wilson said.
"This is a terrific chance to atone [for that].
"It's just a matter of sticking to our game plan, doing the little things right and putting our best foot forward.
"Hopefully, Murrurundi's defence will frustrate their better players; and the points will follow for us.
"So far, we're very happy with the way everything's gone.
"All the girls are combining well and having fun - Darryl and I can't ask much more."
Round 15 results
First grade - Scone defeated Singleton 46-10, Aberdeen defeated Denman 50-0
Reserve grade - Murrurundi defeated Greta Branxton 30-24, Scone defeated Singleton 30-16, Aberdeen defeated Merriwa 14-12, Muswellbrook defeated Denman 68-0
Under-18s - Muswellbrook defeated Denman 38-26, Singleton defeated Scone 62-6
League tag - Merriwa defeated Aberdeen 24-4, Scone defeated Singleton 36-0, Muswellbrook defeated Denman 58-0
Ladders
First grade - Scone 30, Aberdeen 16, Singleton 10, Denman 4
Reserve grade - Scone 25, Merriwa 24, Aberdeen 23, Muswellbrook 18, Singleton 18, Murrurundi 4, Greta Branxton 2, Denman 2 (qualification breach Rd.4 DRLFC loss of 2 points; qualification breach Rd.5 Murrurundi loss of 2 points)
Under-18s - Singleton 29, Muswellbrook 21, Aberdeen 15, Scone 14, Denman 9 (qualification breach Rd.1 DRLFC loss of 2 points)
League tag - Scone 28, Murrurundi 26, Merriwa 21, Muswellbrook 15, Singleton 12, Aberdeen 12, Denman 2 (qualification breach Rd.1 DRLFC loss of 2 points; qualification breach Rd.1 Muswellbrook loss of 2 points)
Club championships - Scone Rugby League Football Club Inc 125.5, Aberdeen Rugby League Football Club Inc 87.5, Singleton United Rugby League Football Club Inc 82, Muswellbrook Rugby League Football Club Inc 56.5, Merriwa Rugby League Football Club Inc 46.5, Denman Rugby League Football Club Inc 27, Murrurundi Rugby League Football Club Inc 22, Greta Branxton Rugby League Football Club Inc 3
2019 play-off draw
Saturday, August 24 -
Minor semi-final (Pirtek Park, Singleton)
10am: league tag, Merriwa v Muswellbrook
11.15am: under-18s, Aberdeen v Scone
12.40pm: reserve grade, Aberdeen v Muswellbrook
2.15pm: first grade, Singleton v Denman
Sunday, August 25 -
Major semi-final (Scone Park, Scone)
10am: league tag, Scone v Murrurundi
11.15am: under-18s, Singleton v Muswellbrook
12.40pm: reserve grade, Scone v Merriwa
2.15pm: first grade, Scone v Aberdeen
