Lithgow Panthers take on Orange CYMS in grand final match up

Coach of the premier league side David Marshall said the girls were very excited to make it through to the grand final for the second year in a row.

"This team played in the grand final last year, and as a young side they hadn't been exposed to that environment before but this year they have that experience behind them," he said.

The Panthers have only played Orange CYMS once this season, going down 2-1. They didn't get to play them a second time due to the match being called off due to heavy snow.

"We have played the side before and won, so both teams are quite even," Marshall said.

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Marshall said that it will be a challenge to play an away game on Orange's home turf.

"Their turf is a bit bumpy compared to others around the region, and they will have the advantage playing at home but we have played there before and done well so we can do it again," he said.

For the match, the Panthers will have their full squad, with no one suffering from injury.

"For the last two weeks we have had our full squad for the first time all year, so it's really good timing," he said.

The team will come together for a training session tonight, Wednesday, August 28, to go over basic skills.

"I won't put pressure on the side, it's just going to be a normal training run, like we have been doing every week in the lead up to this point," he said.

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This is the eighth grand final the Panthers women have been involved in, and the second for Marshall.

"This is my second year coaching the girls, and they are such a young side so to get to the grand final again is amazing," he said.

"As a coach I am confident with the team I've got, the work the girls have done this year has been good, so I am slightly confident and am backing my side like any coach would."

As the Orange CYMS were the minor premiers and made it straight through to the grand final, Marshall said you shouldn't count out the Lithgow side.

"They [Orange CYMS] will be the favourite, but I am still quietly backing my side," he said.

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Marshall said he hoped that a crowd of Lithgow supporters would turn up to the game to cheer on the girls and give them extra support to take the win.

The women's match will start at 12.30pm.

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