If Moss Vale win their history-making maiden final they will advance to the semi/grand final weekend - The Big Dance - at Gosford on August 9-10. A loss will see the Magic return home for a sudden death qualifying final against the winner of the Dubbo-Wagga final at Moss Vale on July 26, for a second chance to go to Gosford.

Magic coach Kev Campbell said he knows little about the Newcastle style of play but is sure the Hunters will be out to stop Moss Vale captain, former NBL legend, "Stormin’” Norman Taylor.

“He could be the difference if he gets going like he did against the Hornsby Spiders, where he scored a game high 40 points,” Campbell said.

“The Hunters have an impressive 11-4 record but they only had to play four other teams in their pool, which may have flattered their record given that the two teams at the bottom of the table - Dubbo and Central Coast Power - had only three wins between them.

“Playing Newcastle at Newcastle is going to be a tough proposition, and they have proven to be very competitive against the two leading teams in their pool, the Hawkesbury Jets and last year’s State League champions, Penrith Panthers. They only lost to Penrith by six points in round 11 at Newcastle after they had beaten Hawkesbury 72-67 the night before,” Campbell said.

“I am happy with the team’s preparation following the central venue weekend. We have fine-tuned our plays in a scrimmage game against the under-18 Illawarra Hawks this week.

“We have no injury concerns and vice captain Clint Bentley, who missed the three metro pool games, is back, so we are at full strength.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, July 18