Rankins Springs take on Ivanhoe in the knockout semi which will be followed by the minor premiers Goolgowi lining up against Narrandera.

The winner of the minor semi-final will go through to play the loser of the Goolgowi and Narrandera game on Saturday week in the preliminary final while naturally enough the winner of the main contest get the saloon passage straight into the grand final at Ivanhoe on July 27.

Both Goolgowi and Narrandera will go into the major semi-final at close to full strength following final round victories at Barellan last weekend with both turning in impressive performances.

The Rabbitohs probably deserve to go into the games as favourites on the back of finishing the competition rounds as undefeated minor premiers and also the fact they defeated Narrandera 28-0 in May at Rankins Springs, but the Lizards have improved since that game.

While the Lizards forward pack has more or less held its own with the other sides, the standout has been the performance of Narrandera's backline lead by its two centres Jamain Morgan and Wade Williams both of whom are loaded with pace, and they both give their speedy wingers every chance.

It will go down to the wire, and whoever can play the full 70 minutes will take the win.

Defending premiers Rankins Springs will start warm favourite to defeat Ivanhoe in the minor semi-final although the Roosters won their previous encounter 2-0.

Ivanhoe have been knocked sideways with injuries including captain Conrad McGinty (shoulder), in-form forward Quinton Plum and centre Kyle Archibald and if these three are not there tomorrow, it's going to make things hard for the Roosters.

Rankins Springs has been a fair way short of their best form in recent games, and naturally, enough supporters will be hoping for a quick return to its best tomorrow.

Ivanhoe will give it everything, there is no doubt, but it's the Rankins Springs side to advance to the preliminary final.

RELATED

***

While you're with us, did you know that The Area News is now offering sports as part of its growing email newsletter service? Our sports email will keep the sports-mad up-to-date with a round-up of all the weekend's sports action - sign up here.