On Sunday the two arch- rivals meet at Jack Woolaston Oval in another chapter of an ongoing rugby league rivalry that stretches back many years, where a minor premiership and home-ground major semi-final advantage will be the  prize.

West Lions beat the Bears in their first encounter this year, the first loss for  the Bears, who won last year’s Group 4 premiership and Clayton Cup, since the 2013 grand final.

While the first-round win by West was a big result, the second-round demolition by North was an even bigger reply.

North had the first grade bye last weekend so come into this game fresh.

The Lions are coming off an unimpressive 48-29 win over Oxley Diggers last Sunday.

Down 17-14 after a poor first half of turnovers and ill-discipline, the Lions turned it around in the second half, with captain-coach Phil Beaton, halfback Sam Taylor, prop Shane Salvador, lock Tom Hine and fullback Sean Nean leading the way.

North will be a far different story with a much stiffer defence, Beaton said.

“It will be for the minor premiership,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of improving to do though if we are going to beat them. 

“Vids  (Chris Vidler) should be back though and hopefully Yum Yum (Kyle Cochrane) and Matty (Matt Nean) .”

Vidler missed last Sunday through a suspension gained from a  one-on-one dust-up with North centre Brad Marshall during the last Lions-Bears match-up at Scully Park.

That was a fiery day highlighted by fights in the crowd when the code received a huge black eye and showcased one reason why crowds have dropped  dramatically.

While West are hoping to have Vidler,  Nean and  Cochrane back to give the side a strong nucleus, the emergence of young backrower Zac Hatch has been a bonus.

“He’s the quiet achiever,” Beaton said.

“We do have a strong forward pack when we have everyone out there but Zac is a real worker.”

The lightweight second- rower forms a strong backrow with lock Tom Hine and Jake McLoughlin. 

Both McLoughlin and Hine are strong defenders, with Hine making a number of try-saving tackles last Sunday.

While the  minor premiership showdown is on Sunday, Oxley Diggers and Gunnedah  kicks off around 5pm at Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct tomorrow with a semi-final spot up for grabs.

Gunnedah is equal third with Narrabri on the first grade ladder just a win above Diggers.

However the Diggers might go into the game without captain-coach Jamie Trindall who reinjured his left shoulder when it looked like he was going to score a late try for his side against West Lions last Sunday.

Only a brilliant bulldogging tackle from  Hine saved the Lions but also ended  Trindall’s involvement in the match and maybe tomorrow evening’s semi-final “decider”.