Two great rivals will meet for the second week in a row on Sunday as the North Tamworth Bears host a resurgent West Lions in the Group 4 major semi-final.
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A big crowd is expected at Jack Woolaston for the showdown after the Lions re-ignited the rivalry and the season with a surprise upset last week at Scully Park.
The – until then undefeated Bears growled first, scoring three unanswered tries before the Lions hit back with the same before skipping ahead in the second half to win the physical and heated encounter.
At the heart of the Lions return to top form was coach Shane Rampling, and a trio of returning stars including electric halfback Matt Nean, who returned from a suspension stretching back to last years grand final between the same sides at the same ground.
Sean Nean and Kyle Cochrane were also sent that game, with both returning from similar suspensions over the last few weeks before taking the field together for the first time in last weeks big win.
“Its is good to be back on the field with the boys," Matt said.
“I have been training and doing my own thing although that first game busted my lungs, especially at hooker.”
With Matt and Sean returning to the backline the Lions are flush with ball players on the edges, with current halves Sam Taylor and Chris Hunt two of the stand-outs in the competition this season.
The Bears are in no short supply themselves with skipper Scott Blanch heading up a combination that includes Group 4 skipper Kieran Fisher, as well as Abel Carney, Richard Clegg and Brock Wadwell, although the game will be won and lost up front and in the middle as it was last week.
“We knew we had to stick it to them and get up in their face,” Matt said.
“Our physicality in defence is where we beat them and we will have to do it again.”
As usual in this derby fixture discipline will be key to both sides.
“We can’t get baited or get sent off.”
“I love these games – hate on the field and mates off it.”