The local team have a healthy lead entering the final round of the LASA (Lachlan Amateur Soccer Association) men’s division one competition this Sunday and are firm favourites to win their first premiership in more than a decade.

However, a poor record in semi-finals stands in their way, with Gunns unsuccessful despite qualifying for four of the last five grand finals.

Forbes Soccer president, and player with rival team Bushrangers, David Hayward thinks this year could be different.

“I think they would be [premiership favourites] now, but earlier in the year Rawson Homes Raptors from Parkes were probably doing better,” Hayward said.

“They’ve been a good chance for years, and last year was a bit unusual in that they didn’t do as well as usual.”

Since the competition’s 18 teams were split into two, and then three divisions, Gunns have beaten Raptors twice and currently enjoy an eight point lead over their closest rivals.

Sitting in fourth place in division one are Forbes All Stars, and Hayward said an all Forbes finale is not out of the question.

“All Stars are fourth, but are only a point behind third, so it’s definitely a possibility,” he said.

Meanwhile in division two, Bushrangers are also hopeful of playing right up to the competition’s last week.

“We’ve got a really good team, and I think there’s only one team in our division that we haven’t beaten, so I think on our day we are a good chance,” Hayward said.

Bushrangers have the bye in the final round (a team has withdrawn from division two, creating a week off) while Gunns host Cambridge Saints at Botanical Gardens at 2pm Sunday.

All Stars travel to Parkes on Sunday to battle Raptors.