Group 7 grand final rematch: Warilla-Lake South Gorillas and Gerringong Lions prepare to battle again
Group 7 heavyweights Gerringong Lions and Warilla-Lake South Gorillas are preparing to do battle in a grand final rematch and it’s going to be big. So, who’s looking good for the win?
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September 25 2022. It’s a date that won’t be forgotten for a long time, the day the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas beat the Gerringong Lions in a Group 7 grand final for the ages.
The 16-14 victory was the closest margin of victory in a Group 7 grand final since 2013 and marked the end of an 11 year premiership drought for the Gorillas.
On Saturday, Gerringong have the chance to avenge their loss as the two sides meet for the first time since the 2022 season decider.
“It was what we had been building towards and in the end it came a year or two earlier than we expected,” coach Neil Farmilo said.
“Halfway through the year we were really struggling for injuries but we kept our head above water, playing as a team and playing for each other.
“It was a terrific team effort in that final.
“Gerringong were totally attacking our line in those last 10-15 minutes. I think they came within about one inch of scoring about 20 times.”
The Gerringong Lions are the most successful side in Group 7 history with 20 premierships to their name, the most recent of which was their 2020 grand final triumph over the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas, in what is turning into a real modern day Group 7 rivalry.
“We have pretty high expectations and we always want to win,” coach Scott Stewart said.
“Looking back on that grand final, we actually played pretty well.
“We had equal tries, we only conceded a couple of line breaks.
“They just happened to be in front on the scoreboard come the end.”
After six rounds of the 2023 season, Gerringong sit in second place on the ladder having lost only once, while Warilla-Lake South sit in fourth with three wins and three losses.
After topping the league in 2022, Gorillas fullback Justin Jones once again leads the Group 7 try tally with seven tries, followed in second place by Gerringong’s Toby Gumley-Quine with six.
The Gorillas have a hefty injury list early in the season which has resulted in a lot of squad rotation and contributed to a couple of unprecedented losses.
“That’s footy, we just have to deal with it,” Farmilo said.
Coach Farmilo identified co-captain Jamie Burns as one of their standouts so far this season, having played just about every minute of the season from the lock forward role, leading by example and “never letting you down.”
As for Gerringong, coach Stewart highlighted the tireless work of forwards Alexander Weir and Hamish Holland as big contributors to the early season Gerringong success, as well as the influence of captain hooker Nathan Ford.
Stewart also praised the youth of his side that have stepped up this season, such as the likes of halfback Taj Ford and centre Hayden Buchanan, especially in their victory against the Shellharbour Sharks in which a large number of senior boys were away.
Both managers have respect for their opposition and are wary of the threats they pose.
“Gerringong have been the team to beat for a number of years now,” Farmilo said.
“We know they’ll be out for revenge.”
“We’ll be looking to control the middle of the park,” Stewart said.
“We know the threats they pose with Samuel Hooper out of dummy half and Justin Jones who is a quality fullback.”
The clash of the modern day Group 7 rivals is set for 3pm Saturday at Michael Cronin Oval.
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