SOUTH of the border, they do things differently.
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They play a game in tank tops on cricket ovals where 36 players punch and kick a leather ball in the hope of booting it between some posts at the end of the ground.
But it's not all about scoring points in this funny old game.
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It has a metric, not necessarily for acts which win you the game but, for things which go some way to stop you losing the game.
They're called one-percenters: usually a defensive play or some kind of action to hurry your opponent into making an error.
In this state, our oval ball league is a bit simpler, a bit more run-it-straightforward, almost in direct contrast to its elite players and their sometimes fascinating and compelling off-field lives.
Tamworth will host its second-ever league game next month and the event is undoubtedly great for the town, and the envy of many regional cities.
Because sport is imbued with a lot of meaning in some communities.
Its players are exalted for skills which can touch sublime, but as sure as night follows day, their clumsy clangers will enrage the couch coach who'd be supremely capable in the same scenario.
It's margins between great, good and grievous are whisker-thin.
That's why one-percenters are valuable, the small efforts accrue as the tightrope separating agony and ecstasy is tiptoed.
The council chambers, at times, are akin to a sporting arena filled with collaboration and competition.
There's one main question from the council clash over the $20,000 sponsorship for league fixture.
Does the spend heighten Tamworth's exposure during the 80-minute match? Probably not.
But does it highlight the city's desire to make NRL games a regular event in Tamworth. Absolutely.
It's one of those plays.
It's a bit off the ball, but it's keeping the opponents at bay and, in its way, helping Tamworth get closer to kicking a goal.
