THE Murrurundi Mavettes will need to be at their best to upset the Merriwa Magpies in the Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League Women's 11s grand final this week, according to coach Dean Brown.
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But, he's positive his girls can prevail when the two combatants meet on Friday, November 15, at Muswellbrook's Olympic Park.
Murrurundi finished second to Merriwa on the ladder and discounted a serious threat to its quest, the Singleton Greyhounds, courtesy of a 6-0 triumph at Scone Park in the last round.
"That was the perfect game [for us] in the lead-up to the decider," Brown said.
"They also focused on a few things I wanted them to.
"What we spoke about during the week, we did [on the field].
"It was a really good hit-out - and one of our better matches."
The Mavettes actually pushed the Magpies all the way in their previous outing, before Merriwa prevailed 10-0 in a scoreless second half.
The result was Murrurundi's only defeat thus far.
"It was pretty close," Brown said.
"We had options, especially after the break, but bombed a couple of tries.
"I believe the girls have learned from that - and took some confidence out of the performance.
"However, we need to take the opportunities when they arise.
"Otherwise, the Magpies will punish us.
"You have to give it to Merriwa and coach Matt Morgan; they're a great team.
"But, we'll just worry about our game.
"And, I think we can match them.
"The extra 10 minutes will make a difference, too."
After claiming a top four spot in 2018, the Mavettes have done brilliantly to be eyeing off a title 12 months later.
"We've improved a lot since last season," Brown said.
"Even though we lost a couple of players, we gained Brooke Davis and Taylor Quinton-Widl who played for runners up Greta Branxton.
"The pair of them have fitted in well - and helped build this side.
"In fact, they've been great and bought into the team environment.
"Hannah Rando's also impressed me, stepping up from league tag to tackle.
"It's a terrific little competition, the women's 11s.
"At the moment, the girls are loving the concept.
"Many of them wish it was all year, instead of just six weeks."
The main showdown is set to kick off at 7pm, following the Aberdeen Tigers-Singleton Greyhounds' encounter from 6.15pm.
MURRURUNDI MAVETTES (squad): Rebecca Bennett, Kate Brown, Kimberley Brown, Talia Bruce, Aimee Cunliffe, Brooke Davis, Eve Engel, Jodie Holman, Bridget Hunt, Megan McLoughlin, Sharna Milgate, Taylor Quinton-Widl, Hannah Rando, Tracey Saunders, Jakira Vallance, Kaitlyn Vincent, Rebecca Willard
Finals draw
(Friday, November 15 - at Olympic Park, Muswellbrook)
6.15pm: Aberdeen v Singleton
7pm: Merriwa v Murrurundi
