World Footy News

The combatants for the 2015 AFLCNE Grand Final have been decided after the semi-finals were played over the weekend. Once again the Manchester Mosquitoes powerhouse has reached the final match of the year, continuing their incredible domination of the league over recent years. But this year another challenger will step up to the plate – Sheffield Thunder.

For the Mozzies the salivating prospect of five grand finals in the past 6 years is a reality – and a fourth premiership over that time lingers large on the AFLCNE landscape. Last year the Huddersfield Rams did their best to stop the Mozzie juggernaut. That didn’t work, so the Thunder now has a chance.

So far this season the ledger is squared at one win apiece. The first meeting at Tyne back in Round 6 saw the Thunder roar to the top of the ladder with a big 74 point win over the Mozzies. They fired the first salvo in the war of psychology between the sides this year. By Round 11 it was the Mozzies that hit back – just – with a narrow 3 point win on Sheffield's home turf. The Mozzies won, but the Thunder knew they had what it takes to beat the Mozzies – especially since the Grand Final will be played at Sheffield. It makes for a fascinating grand-final.
The weekend’s semi-final results were hard fought but ultimately comfortable wins.

The Huddersfield Rams came out breathing fire early in a rematch of last year’s grand-final. The Rams led the Mozzies at quarter-time but as the game wore on the class of the Manchester crew shone as they ran out easy winners;

Final Scores: Manchester 23 18 156 d Huddersfield 10 18 78

In the other semi-final the Birmingham Bears threw everything at the Sheffield lads. After the game their coach acknowledged this by saying what a great game the team played – arguably the Bears’ best for the season. But it wasn’t enough for victory.

Final Scores: Sheffield Thunder 16.17.113 defeated Birmingham Bears 10.19.79

The 2015 grand-final will be played next Saturday at Sheffield Tigers RUFC, Dore, Sheffield. The game starts with a 3pm ball-up. It is sure to be one of the most fascinating grand finals yet.