IN A game that is as tantalising as it gets, Yanco-Wamoon and the Leeton Greens will do battle for the Frank Fiumara Cup this weekend.
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The Hawks are the current holders of the cup and have been for some time, meaning the Greens are eager to grasp it from their hands.
This weekend’s derby at No. 1 Oval is the second time the two sides have met this season.
The first match went the way of the Hawks, who recorded a 24-18 win.
Since then, both sides have experienced mixed fortunes.
The Greens will be heading into Sunday’s match with a much-needed win up their sleeve, while Yanco-Wamoon are coming off a loss to Darlington Point-Coleambally.
It’s another match the Greens will be desperate to win, according to coach Brent Pike.
“We’ve really got to get the win to stay in touch with the teams above us,” he said.
“There’s not a lot separating teams on points, but we want to get that winning roll on.
“With the Frank Fiumara Cup, it means even more.
“We want to bring that home for the Fiumara family and for the club.”
Both teams said preparation for the derby match remained the same, but the intensity of the match and motivation to win always increased.
Yanco-Wamoon assistant coach Phil Puntoriero said it was always a big game.
“It doesn’t matter where either team is on the ladder, it’s always a brilliant game,” he said.
“I think both teams always look forward to the derby games.
“It would have been good going into this one with a win, but we know what we need to do.
“It’s about getting back to basics, sticking to our structures and not making silly mistakes.
“The mistakes we’ve been making have been what other teams are capitalising on and you can’t have that.”
Yanco-Wamoon do have some decisions to make about their final squad ahead of Sunday, with some players under an injury cloud.
Making the match even more mouth-watering is the two side’s position on the Group 20 ladder.
The Hawks are sixth and the Greens are right behind them on seventh, with just one point separating them.
“Everyone is really keen for it,” Pike said.
“There’s plenty to be playing for, that’s for sure.”
It will be a jam-packed day of football, with all lower grades and league tag set to take the field.