THE Wauchope Blues have secured its third consecutive Group 3 minor premiership despite a two point loss to the Forster Tuncurry Hawks on the weekend.
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The Blues went down 20 points to 18.
With a tough battle against the second placed Macleay Valley Mustangs the previous week - where the side displayed great discipline and commitment - captain coach Robbie Trembath said the club had an established culture of winner.
"We knew it was going to be tough against Kempsey but we just focused on our game plan and let our footy do the talking," Trembath said.
"To be minor premiers three years running is something I'm very proud of as a coach.
"We've created a winning culture at the club and I hope it stays that way for years to come."
The first grade side will now enjoy the first week of the semi finals off.
With the first round of the 2014 semi finals this weekend, the Wauchope Blues will contest the preliminary semi finals at Kempsey's Verge Street Oval on Sunday.
The 18+ grade will take on the Wingham Tigers at 12.05pm while the League Tag clash will feature the high-flying Blues and the Old Bar Beach Pirates.
That clash will commence at 10.55am.
The young gun Blues have been in tremendous form leading into the first round of the semi final series after finishing behind only the undefeated Port Macquarie Sharks (42) and the Wingham Tigers (32). The Blues were third placed with 31 points.
But the Wingham side features a reasonably big forward pack although the Blues are confident of matching their opponents upfront.
In the League tag, the Wauchope side was second at the end of the home and away series with 35 points, just two points behind minor premier Forster Tuncurry Hawks.
These two sides battled out the 2013 grand final with the Hawks coming out on top in an entertaining clash.
This year could be a different result, but the Blues need to overcome the Old Bar Beach Pirates (34 points) in Sunday's clash.
2014 Final Series Fixtures
Saturday August 23 - elimination semi-final
Regional Stadium, Port Macquarie
First grade, Port Macquarie Sharks v Wingham Tigers at 3pm.
Reserve grade, Port City Breakers v Old Bar Beach Pirates, 1.25pm.
18+ grade, Forster Tuncurry Hawks v Old Bar Beach Pirates.
League Tag, Taree City Bulls v Port Macquarie Sharks, 10.55am.
Sunday August 24, 2014 - preliminary semi final
Verge Street Oval, Kempsey
First grade, Macleay Valley Mustangs v Old Bar Beach Pirates, 3pm.
Reserve grade, Wingahm Tigers v Port Macquarie Sharks, 1.25pm.
18+ grade, Wingham Tigers v Wauchope Blues, 12.05pm.
League tag, Wauchope Blues v Old Bar Beach Pirates, 10.55am.
