The two sides were always going to be playing each other again next Saturday in the first semi final, with the winner securing the advantage of the home game.

Having beaten minor premiers Wallis Lake on Tuesday night in a catch up game though, it was a slow start for the Redbacks and they just didn't look on their game throughout the afternoon.

Tuncurry started strongly and looked like they had more desire to play at home the following week.

The game was only 12 minutes old when Tuncurry made a decisive move down the right hand side of the field, and some sloppy defending at the back post saw the Tigers take the lead 1-0.

The Redbacks tried hard to get back into the game, but heavy legs and poor passing made the going really difficult.

It seemed every pass Tuncurry made found their teammates and the home side just kept turning the ball over cheaply.

The second half saw the Redbacks camped in the opposition half for long periods of the game searching for the elusive equaliser but it just wasn't to be.

The Tuncurry goalkeeper had a good day and saved a string of shots to keep his side in the game.

Redbacks coach Simon Hancox was not too disheartened with what he saw.

"Whilst it is disappointing to not have come away with the points we needed to get the home semi final, I am still pretty happy with how we went about our business on the weekend.

“The mid week game against Wallis Lake took more out of the group than I expected and I am confident with a seven day recovery the boys will be firing for Saturday’s semi final at Tuncurry.”

The Redbacks will travel to Tuncurry on Saturday for a 3.00pm kick off.

The winner of that game will play minor premiers Wallis Lake the following week for a place in the Grand Final, and the loser will go about it the hard way, having to play the winner of Kempsey Saints and Taree in a do or die clash.

This week was a busy one for the reserve grade Redbacks as they finished their season with a catch-up game against minor premiers Wallis Lake on Tuesday night followed by their last game of the season against Tuncurry on Saturday. 

The Wallis game certainly didn't look like a first versus a bottom three team as the Redbacks went within a whisker of taking a point off the competition favourites. 

Lakes claiming victory with virtually the last kick of the game which happened to be a cracking volley from 30 meters out. 

A brave effort from the Reds with Boon Morgan in goals deservedly winning players player with a great debut game between the sticks.

Saturday's game didn't get any easier for the Redbacks as they tackled second placed Tuncurry. Once again the Reds took the game right up to the opposition and were clearly the better side for most of the match. 

Unfortunately the game is about who can put the ball into the net and the Reds were left to rue some early missed chances. 

The final score of 3-2 certainly no reflection of the game at all with the opposition getting the benefit of most of the close refereeing calls.