TWO weeks without a game hurt the Blayney side ahead of last week’s President’s Cup semi-final but the Rams will be much stronger in tomorrow’s final against Mudgee with some game time under their belts.

Defending champions Blayney host Mudgee at King George Oval tomorrow with the final place in the grand final on offer.

Wellington beat Blayney 18-14 last week to earn grand final hosting rights with the Rams coming off two weeks without a game as they had the bye in the final round and finished minor premiers.

Blayney coach Steve Hamson thinks the break from playing wasn’t a benefit for his team and now believes his side will be stronger against the Wombats after last week’s run.

“We had two weeks off coming into the game last week and I didn’t think it did us any good ... so we’re happy enough to play,” Hamson said.

Hamson is tipping a close battle between the Rams and Mudgee despite Blayney winning both clashes so far this season.

He is anticipating a bruising encounter but believes his team will prevail if they can make a good start.

“The game (in Mudgee) was about the most physical game we’ve probably played in three years,” Hamson said.

“There will be nothing in it, I expect it will be close.

“I think the great thing with us is we don’t have to go there and play out of our skins.

“If we play to our best we should win it. If we get out of the blocks well we should get up.”

The majority of the Blayney side played in last year’s premiership winning side.

Kick-off between Blayney and Mudgee is at 3.15pm tomorrow at King George Oval with the winner going on to face Wellington in the grand final next weekend.

BLAYNEY: 1 Craig Gosewich, 2 Geoff Knox, 3 Sam Nixon (c), 4 Brendan Kilby, 5 Dean Ryan, 6 Tom Ferson, 7 Sam McRae, 8 Chris Wilson, 9 Tim Jamieson, 10 Mick Owen, 11 Steve Ryan, 12 Jack Ryan, 13 James Millner, 14 Brad Worland, 15 Brad Henry