This season is Small’s third in charge of the Connolly Cup side and after missing the finals in his first year as captain, Small has taken Gunnedah to their second finals appearance in as many years.

From three rounds, Gunnedah didn’t lose a game this season, with two wins and a washout, to set up a semi-final clash with Armidale.

Those victories included a win Small described as one of his side’s toughest on the pitch.

“It was a real good win – beating Tamworth,” Small said of Gunnedah’s third round victory.

“It boosted the boys a bit.

“It was one of the hardest wins, we all had to dig in deep.

“[We were defending] 130 at Wolseley. We were confident with the bowling attack we had there.”

Gunnedah gets the home ground advantage on Sunday against Armidale thanks to their top of the table finish – something Small said could be the difference between winning and losing.

“It’s a big help to have a home crowd with us,” Small said.

“Hopefully the first XI boys come down and cheer us as well. Most of the players look up to those first XI guys.”

The Gunnedah side to take on Armidale will have a slightly different lineup to the one that beat Tamworth.

Ryan Cooper, Kaleb McIlveen, Adam McGuirk and Zac Wheatland come into the squad for Will Maggs, Billy Jupp, Pat Rankmore and Stan Gaynor. 

Small said the side still had the right mix of experience and youth that’s been a feature of the Gunnedah outfit.

“We’re pretty confident going in,” Small said.

“We’ve got a lot of young fellas coming through, and then there’s the likes of these older fellas in there to help them out.”

Gwydir and Pilliga face off in the other semi-final.

GUNNEDAH SIDE

Blake Small

Vinnie Winsor

Darrin Cameron

Shane Riordan

Jake Vigor

Stan Gaynor

Isaac Harris

Kaleb McIlveen

Oscar King

Trent Winsor

Ryan Cooper

Adam McGuirk