Avondale Wombats facing sudden-death clash on Sunday

AVONDALE Wombats will face defending premiers University in a sudden-death Illawarra Rugby showdown at Vikings Field on Sunday.

The Wombats finished their 2007 regular-season campaign in fourth spot after a 34-17 win over Tech Waratahs on Saturday.

Avondale coach Darren Bray said the game was an ideal hit out before the finals series.

The victory snapped the Wombats' two-game losing streak, including a 30-20 loss to University in round 17.

Despite finishing nine points ahead of the defending premiers on the ladder, Bray said his side would be underdogs heading into the clash.

"We would have to be the underdogs because they beat us two weeks ago," Bray said.

"We can't take anyone lightly " what happened in the regular season doesn't really matter now.

Bray said the challenge for the Wombats at this stage of the season was more mental than physical.

"We can go deep into this tournament " it will be a case of how well we handle the finals pressure as a lot of us haven't done it at first grade level," he said.

Bray would also like to see his side toughen up in defence.

"Defence is a massive part of finals football, Uni put 30 on us last time we played them," Bray said.

Although Bray conceded unbeaten minor premiers Shamrocks were the standout contender any of the other five teams in the finals were a chance of toppling the competition leaders.

"We have had two close matches against Shamrocks but semi-final football is harder and faster " everyone has to rate themselves a chance," he said.

The Wombats will go into Sunday's qualifying final under strength, with second rower Brendan McAlpine (sternum) and hooker Roger Cairns ('flu) in doubt.

Avondale's second grade side booked a spot in the fourth versus fifth clash with a 32-20 win over Tech.

First will kickoff at 3pm Sunday.