JUNEE Jaguars women's coach Craig Duncan says his team is excited about the prospect of being the unofficial 'headline act' of Football Wagga's preliminary final day this Sunday at Junee's Burns Park.
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The Jaguars' Leonard Cup side is the only local team on the schedule after a goal late in extra time from unlikely hero Jodi Crowder allowed them to escape with a 1-0 win over Henwood Park in last week's elimination final at Rawlings Park.
Junee will take on Tolland after the Wolves lost the major semi 5-1 to Hanwood, with lethal striker Tara Ceccato bagging four goals to ensure the Griffith club are the first team through to the grand final.
"It was a great game, solid from both sides," Duncan said.
"I'm surprised that Jodi got the goal, she's mid-forties and plays reserve grade. She was in the right spot at the right time, and hit it well.
"I was already busy organising a penalty shootout because I thought that was where we were headed."
The Jaguars are looking to go one better than last season by advancing to the decider, but Duncan knows it will be tough against the defending premiers stinging after a big defeat.
Tolland beat Junee 3-0 in the qualifying final in the first week of finals, scoring all three goals in the second half.
"The previous week (against Tolland) we ran out of steam a bit in the second half, it was hot and we only had one sub," Duncan said.
"It's expected to be hot again this weekend but we'll have more reserves at our disposal.
"Our main aim is to get through to the grand final but we have to get through this week and it's going to be tough, Tolland is a very handy team.
"We always get good support (at home), we're the only team from Junee in finals this year and the girls are excited."
The Leonard Cup clash is scheduled to kick off at 11am, with Sunday's program to finish with the Pascoe Cup men's preliminary final between Wagga rivals Lake Albert and Henwood Park (3pm).
Preliminary finals schedule: Second grade women - South Wagga v Wagga United (9am); Leonard Cup - Tolland v Junee (11am); Gardiner Cup - Hanwood v Wagga United (1pm); Pascoe Cup - Lake Albert v Henwood Park (3pm).
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