LIVESTREAM: Australia – Melbourne University Royals face Western Crusaders in VicBowl XXXIII Sat. Oct. 14 3p (6a CEST, 12a EDT)

Aaron McNaughton | American Football | 10/13/2017

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic, Photos: Barend Photo

The Melbourne University Royals will face local rivals the unbeaten Western Crusaders in VicBowl XXXIII Saturday at MacPherson Park, Melton.

The Royals staged a come-from-behind 24-13 victory over the Monash Warriors in one semifinal while the Crusaders downed the Croydon Rangers 34-10 in the other.

The Royals and Crusaders reside just 5km from each other and have established a healthy rivalry in recent years. The Crusaders go into the match as hot favourites, looking to finish the 2017 season undefeated. Leading the Crusaders dynamic offence will be Canadian import quarterback Andrew Healy, who has had an outstanding season and is a leading contender for the Gridiron Victoria MVP.

07/10/2017. Hobsons Bay Star Weekly. Gvwescro. Issue Date 11/10. Gridiron Victoria Division 1 Semi Final Western Crusaders v Croydon Rangers. Crusaders Richard Fatafehi. Picture Shawn Smits.

Jnala Saluni on the Crusaders defensive line has been a commanding force and will lead the team’s defence in the match, also rivalling Healy for the league’s MVP award after a tremendous regular season.

Leading the reigns on offence for the Royals will be 20-year-old quarterback Dylan Letoga. Letoga has played a key role in the team’s recent results, showing he can be effective on both the ground and through the air. Strong performances from the supporting cast of Tangatakino, Franklin and Kerin will be key for the Royals offence on Saturday against a talented Crusader defence. The Royals defence have been dominant against the run in recent weeks with contributions from across the board. An all-around performance will be vital to stop the Healy and the league’s highest-scoring offence.

Photo: Barend Photo

Coach John Trana said the Royals have a big challenge ahead this weekend.

“The Crusaders have had a dominating season and have rolled through the competition. We are coming into the game with confidence and a determined attitude. We have continued to get better every week and are ready to play our best game of the season.”