THEY’VE had some titanic battles in the past so today’s latest battle between West Lions and Tamworth Tamworth Bears could be another fitting clash to commemorate the Anzac Day memory.
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At times, some of the local derbies could resemble war zones and have been dramatic without the lethal and fatal trappings of war of course.
The 2005 grand final between the two clubs was a typical league battle, one the Bears trailed in before last year’s non-playing coach Brad McManus stepped into the trenches to crash over for two second-half tries and turn the tide.
Down 24-18, North won 34-28 to secure their first first grade title in 20 years.
This weekend McManus has organised a reunion of that 2005 side to coincide with the Anzac Day weekend and a big home game against a club he joined from Bingara and won a 2001 premiership with.
He has since handed over the reins to Zac Russ but still runs their bench on game days and will be remembered as the man who led them to an unbeaten 2014 season and second Clayton Cup.
So Russ and his 2015 side hope to salute the 2005 Bears by toppling a new-look Lions at Jack Woolaston Oval when they kick off around 1.30pm today.
“It’s a big day,” Russ said.
“Spitter (McManus) has organised the 10 year reunion. We’ll be celebrating that at the Oxley Bowling Club afterwards.
“We’ll be close to full strength too.
“Corey Manicaros will be about the only one missing.
“He’s got Greater Western CHS Trials at Coonabarabran (yesterday).
“His brother Dylan should be right though. He’s recovered from a hamstring.
“It’s great to have him back from the Knights.”
A ball-playing backrower, Dylan Manicaros adds mobility and ball-playing value to the side off the bench for a side coming off a bye and a big first- round win over Oxley Diggers.
While they beat Diggers 70-18, the Lions hammered the Diggers 112-10 last Saturday.
That has Russ and his side more than wary of the new- look Lions under Phil Beaton.
“They will be good,” Russ said.
“Having Matty Nean, Chris Vidler and Kyle Cochrane back makes them a dangerous side with Phil there.
“Dylan Lake is also outstanding, so fast.
“We’re going to have to be at our best.”
Beaton said North would have to be at their best because he and his side are confident of “knocking them off”.
“We’ve also got three to come back – Sean Nean, Matt Lillicrap and Shane Salvador.
“We are confident we can beat them, if not Saturday then at least once during the year.
“We couldn’t take much out of last week’s game bar the score.
“And we can only get stronger with some of these young blokes stepping up.”
Young wingers Josh Moncaster and Corey Hall are developing well, with Moncaster also named fullback in the Group 4 Under 18s.
Then there is second-rower Zac Hatch.
“He’s only 19 this year but going real well,” Beaton said.
“He’s still learning the game.”
No better way to learn than to play in such a willing local derby.
It is part of an Anzac weekend through the three Greater Northern Groups.
Group 4 Second Division started the weekend with two games in Tamworth last night and three more today.
Group 21 had Aberdeen and Denman matching up last night as well at McKinnon Field, Aberdeen while Muswellbrook and Scone host Singleton and Greta Branxton tomorrow . Group 19 had five games programmed over the weekend as well including a local derby “birdathon” between Inverell Hawks and Ashford Roosters at Varley Oval this evening.