SOUTH and West Tamworth will put their local rivalry aside for a good cause on Saturday when the two clubs clash at Tamworth No.1 Oval.
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Beginning at 10am, all four of the club's senior teams will go head to head in Twenty20 (T20) action as part of the Tamworth District Cricket Association's annual gala day.
However, this year's event will have a different feel, as all proceeds from the day will go towards local NSW Rural Fire Service brigades.
Fundraising efforts such as raffles, a 100 club and a barbecue will be featured off the ground, while all four grades will battle it out on the field.
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West Tamworth fourth-grade captain Stephen Rake said the fundraising effort was "the least the two clubs can do" to support people affected by bushfires.
"Every year we have the gala day, but this year with the devastation of the fires and the fact everyone has been in some way affected, we thought this would be a good way to show the firies they're appreciated," Rake told the Leader.
"It's not just about raising money, but it's also about raising some community spirit.
"Cricket is just a game - people's lives have been impacted, so for us to do something small like this while having a bit of fun is really special."
Souths' stand-in first-grade captain Mitchell Smith said the fundraiser was "a fantastic idea".
"Days like this just highlight the spirit of generosity of the Tamworth community," Smith said.
"We're two clubs who always play in good spirit and leave it all out on the field.
"It should be a really good day."
In first grade, a victory for both clubs could push them into semi-final calculations.
"This game will really be a win-win," Smith said.
"Both sides will be vying for a semi-final berth, so there should be some really high-quality cricket played.
"It's also a great chance for our lower-grade players to have the chance to play on No.1 Oval."
Rake said the four games back-to-back would allow the community the opportunity to show their support for the cause.
"The first game is at 10am and first grade starts at 7pm, so there is plenty of time for people to stop by and show their support," he said.
"We've got a barbecue running all day with meat donated by Teys and groceries donated by Woolworths and Coles.
"Even if people are just down the street, it would be great for them to pop in and dig deep for a good cause."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
