COACH Peter Hooper admits Warilla will need every moment to recover from Sunday’s thrilling field goal victory over Jamberoo in time for the grand final qualifier with reigning premiers Gerringong.
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The Gorillas edged out Jamberoo 25-24 at Kevin Walsh Oval, sending the Superoos into a do-or-die clash with Shellharbour.
“It was pretty physical,” Hooper said. “I’m glad we get to play next Sunday and have an extra day to recover.
“We’re just going for a swim now and then it starts for next week.” Halfback Josh Kent snapped the winning field goal to seal victory.
Hooper made a major tactical decision, switching back-rower Jesse Dee into the halves to match the Jamberoo pack.
The win continues the Superoos surge in the second half of the season, sneaking into third on the ladder after a review of the season scores, before gaining a shot at being the first team to move through to the Group Seven grand final.
“We needed to be really physical,” he said.
“The blokes for Jamberoo in the middle have been outstanding, the Grigg boys and Joey Rokoqo.
“Our back row was outstanding again. We had Mark (Walsh) play 80 minutes and Jesse Dee had to switch to the halves, so the idea to that was going a bit more direct. It’s very pleasing to come to Jamberoo and get the win.”
GROUP SEVEN
Qualifying final
WARILLA 25 (T Brown, B Grant, J Kent, J Dee tries; B Grant 3, C Lisch goals; J Kent field-goal) d JAMBEROO 24 (J Saunders 3, C Grigg, L Asquith tries; T Ryan, C Grigg goals)