LEETON shire’s two Group 20 teams will put it all on the line on Sunday afternoon in one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season.
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The Greens will host Yanco-Wamoon at No. 1 Oval in what is typically always a fierce contest between the two rivals.
With the Frank Fiumara Cup up-for-grabs, as well as the usual two points, both sides are keen to claim bragging rights.
The Hawks are coming off a solid victory over Hay last weekend at Yanco Sportsground, while the Greens will be refreshed after the club bye.
Making the match more interesting is the current position of both teams on the ladder.
Leeton are currently at the top of the Group 20 table, with Yanco-Wamoon in third.
Hawks co-coach Glenn Dumbrell said it was a game all players looked forward to each year.
“It’s definitely one you mark down on the calendar,” he said.
“This year it will be a big one with both teams considering where we are on the ladder.
“There’s always a little bit extra to play for when these teams play. We obviously want to keep hold of the Frank Fiumara Cup.
“It should be a really good game.”
With the Hawks having the wood over the Greens in round one, the side could be up against it this time around due to various injury concerns.
“We do have a few out, which isn’t the best timing,” Dumbrell said.
“In saying that we’re coming off a pretty good win over Hay, which was a good confidence boost.”
The Greens will return to the field after a break thanks to the club bye last weekend.
However, the week prior to that they went down to the Black and Whites.
“It was a good chance for the boys to freshen up a bit and look forward to this weekend,” Pike said.
“Everyone is fit and raring to go.
“They had a good break, but we’ve been back in to it at training this week.
“At this stage we have a full team to choose from touch wood.
“We definitely want to get that Frank Fiumara Cup back in our trophy cabinet and have bragging rights for the next 12 months.”
The derby match is traditionally a game that draws out a large crowd. The Greens will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their 1966 premierships, as well as hosting a sponsor’s day.
The Greens used their break to “mix it up”, which included a training session with the Leeton-Whitton Crows.
“It was a bit different, but seemed to work well for both clubs,” Pike said.
“We’ve been back in to it properly this week and we’ll get another good session in (Friday).
“I think with games like this the intensity really steps up. Every one wants to win.”
The Greens are only holding on to first place on the ladder by one point ahead of Tullibigeal Lakes United, while the Hawks are on the same points as fourth-placed Darlington Point-Coleambally.
A loss could send either team on a slippery slope.
“There’s definitely a lot to play for,” Dumbrell said. “I think these games really bring out the best in the players.
“Everyone is always switched on and ready to give it a good crack.” Pike agreed and said the crowd would also have an impact.
“There’s always a good atmosphere at home games, particularly for the derby” he said.