By Tallon Smith

The Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles have continued their remarkable run in the 2024 Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition after a 26-10 win over the the Shellharbour Sharks on Sunday.

A double to Dallas Harrison and tries to Cooper Tunbridge, Nash Hooper and Joshua Specia propelled the Eagles to the 16-point triumph, which sets up a monumental clash with Gerringong at Michael Cronin Oval on Sunday in the Major Semi Final.

The Eagles, now two wins away from an unlikely premiership, have not played finals since their 2012 triumph over the Lions, which was their eighth premiership in fifteen years at the time.

Gerringong however have been the benchmark all season as Minor Premiers, and will be a tough task at home as they aim for back-to-back titles.

Meanwhile, the Warilla Gorillas also progressed through to week two of the finals after a 24-18 win over Stingrays at Cec Glenholmes Oval on Saturday.

The Gorillas’ victory sets up another ‘Shellharbour City Showdown’ against the Shellharbour Sharks at Ron Costello Oval on Saturday afternoon, as Group 7’s fiercest rivals battle for survival and a Preliminary Final berth.

The Grand Final has been set down for September 15 at Albion Park’s Centenary Field, all that remains to be seen is whether the local side exercise their double chance to be there on the league’s biggest day or other contenders rise to the occasion.

Both matches this weekend start at 3:30pm on their respective days.