THE much-anticipated Second Division grand final replay will kick off today with Kootingal making the trip to Dungowan for the first time since the Cowboys rained on the Roosters’ parade in the big one last year.
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The ground was also to be the same but the dogs have chased them off, not Barraba, but the Kootingal Dog Show, which won the double booking, with the two clubs swapping home and away venues for the year.
A round win will be little consolation to the Roosters, although the two points will have plenty of meaning as, once again in a reflection of last season, the Roosters are sitting unbeaten on top of the ladder with Dungowan a win behind.
After a stumble at Werris Creek, the Cowboys have been on their game and are coming off back to back wins at home.
The game promises to be a firecracker with plenty of feeling, the early battle in the middle sure to set the tone.
Up the road at Bendemeer, the Mountain Men are also coming off back to back wins and will be looking to put the chokers on the Bulldogs and take the points while the Bulldogs are shaking off some early season rust.
Barraba secretary Jacob Hawley said the side was full of young blokes this year but they are starting to find their feet.
A big win over Manilla last week kept the Dogs in touch, although mightn’t have been the game they needed.
“It is hard to play a natural game in big wins like that,” Hawley said.
“It was a chance to blast some cobwebs out but it will be much tougher this weekend.”
The Bulldogs’ hopes of retaining the services of Joey Latham have officially evaporated. Latham retired last year but returned early this season for a few runs before officially retiring again.
“I think he is done this time for good,” Hawley said.
“He has played a lot of footy and was one of the best in the region.”
Latham’s departure has left a big gap in the halves, although they did pick up former Wyong first grader Luke Cox, while Ty Fairweather has come in a few places to five-eighth and is improving with each run.
“We are getting better each week, although maybe some of us old blokes aren’t,” Hawley said.
“You don’t win competitions this early in the year.
“As long as we stay in touch and come good at the right time.”
Bendemeer were the first side to crack the ton, posting 108 against Manilla a fortnight ago, before beating the Tigers last week by running in another 36 points.
Boggabri will host Walcha in the first clash of the two Roos, while an under-strength Werris Creek go to Manilla and Quirindi host Uralla.