One game remains in season 2023 with Endeavour Hills and Melbourne University set to lay it all on the line for the title of Lindroth Cup Champions.
The WRDA Lindroth Cup Grand Final takes place this Saturday with reigning premiers Endeavour Hills looking to become the first team to become back-to-back premiers since Northern in 2006.
Standing in their way is Melbourne University, who will be out to break Endeavour’s unbeaten run in 2023 and secure their first standalone premiership since 2000.
Both teams punched their tickets to the Grand Final with Endeavour Hills showing just how difficult they are to beat, overcoming Power House 75-10, while Melbourne University secured a gritty 17-15 win over WD/Northern.
Going into this game undefeated, Endeavour Hills Head Coach Presley Naea said nothing changes for his side in terms of how they prepare, focusing on their routines and sticking to their processes.
“This year we were able to transition some of our U18 Youth Girls into our Women’s team, as we continue to bridge the gap from Junior to Seniors,” said Naea.
“We have learned to always enjoy playing this game together as a team, taking our opportunities when they are presented, yet most importantly having fun.”
To win a premiership is a feat, let alone back-to-back competitions with Naea noting the team must stay humble and grounded despite their unbeaten run to date.
“Making history and winning the Lindroth Cup last year was a very special moment for us, and now we get another opportunity,” said Naea.
Endeavour Hills Captain Teuila Pritchard echoed this, noting the club isn’t just a regular club, we’re a family with a very strong culture that money could never buy.
“If one wins, we all win! From the players to our volunteers and all our supporters within our community,” said Pritchard.
On Melbourne University, Pritchard said Melbourne University are a very good team, led by quality coaches and will come out firing with nothing to lose.
“They’re a strong side with depth in their team from their forwards right to their backline. We’ve had some close games throughout the regular season but at the end of the day it’s finals footy, it’s different and on the day it’s anyone’s game,” said Pritchard.
Melbourne University will hope to crack Endeavour’s unbeaten streak when it matters most, with Captain Emily Harvey believing her side is peaking at the right time.
“We have learnt as a team to have confidence and belief in ourselves,” said Harvey.
To get the victory come Saturday we have all we need - all that’s left is to ensure we stick to our processes and perform our best on the day.”
For the Melbourne University club and community, overcoming Endeavour Hills would be a mammoth achievement for the team, who continue to grow each year off the back of a strong culture.
“For most of us this weekend, it is our first opportunity to be part of a Grand Final so we are first and foremost grateful for the opportunity to become WRDA Lindroth Cup Champions,” said Harvey.
“The support that the club, management, Men’s and Colts players and all the family, friends and partners have provided throughout the season has been immense.
“We couldn’t be more proud to wear the colours and represent our club and community this weekend in the Grand Final.”
Tune into Rugby Victoria’s Facebook page for a livestream of the WRDA Lindroth Cup Final from 12:55PM or head to RHL Sparks Reserve at Box Hill from 1PM to catch the game live!
