Gunns finished fourth in Lachlan soccer’s (LASA) first division at the completion of rounds a fortnight ago and will meet fifth placed Lightning FC on Sunday afternoon (2pm).

Gunns midfielder Abe Duggan said while his team has the upper hand against the Parkes team in previous meetings, finals football is a different matter.

“We’ve had a draw and a win against them this year, but that means nothing to us on Sunday – the team [Tichborne] that beat us in the [division one] grand final last year, we had beaten three times through the year,” he said.

“This will be it for us if we don’t win, but we’re quietly confident – if everyone turns up to play we should be right.”

Gunns are fielding a new-look team this season, with several new members joining experienced central players Abe and Rory Duggan and captain Michael Sheather. 

New recruit Adam Harvey and some former and current footballers from other codes – Daniel and Tim West, Ash Hogan, Graeme Crapper and Darryn Piper – have given the side a new dynamic.

Abe Duggan said after a slow start, they were hitting good form at the right time.

“We should have a full strength side, pretty much. We’re hoping to keep going, but we’ve enjoyed ourselves for the year, that’s the main thing.”

Fellow Forbes team All Stars finished on top of division one this season and will meet the winner of Sunday’s other semi-final between Parkes clubs Tichborne Tigers and Rawson Home Raptors. Gunns kick off their match at 2pm Sunday.

In division two Bushrangers also face an elimination semi-final this weekend. See page 16 inside today