The traditional rivalry between the Blighty Redeyes and Deni Rovers will be played at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park tomorrow.
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The two teams will go head to head in the Warner Tasker Cup clash.
It will be held under lights for the first time.
All the games will start about three hours after the usual start time.
The cup clash was started in 2007 as a tribute to the late Warner Tasker, a passionate local footballer and administrator strongly associated with both clubs.
Also up for grabs will be the Warner Tasker Memorial Medallion, awarded to the best on ground.
The Rovers have won the last six Warner Tasker Cups, with the run starting in 2018.
There was no cup clash in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Redeyes will be looking to end the streak in the 18th edition of the cup.
Blighty is coming off a back and forth 23 point loss at home in round one, finishing 8.10 (58) to Jerilderie’s 12.9 (81).
Blighty senior coach Dane Leyden said he was happy overall with the effort his team showed, “It was nice to have such a positive, competitive game.”
“Our goal was just to compete, keep ourselves in the game and give ourselves the opportunity to win it and while we would’ve loved to win it, and that was our main goal, to come out and be competitive is good and to not get blown away and stay in games is nice.
“Although, we could have got a little closer and we missed some opportunities, which makes us think we could’ve won it.
“But to compete is good to see and overall, I was pretty happy with the performance.”
Leyden said the team’s recruits gave handy contributions across the board.
“When you put some new players in, it can always take a bit of adjusting to and I thought it might have affected us a bit on the weekend.
“But the chemistry looked better than I expected, to be honest.
“It takes some time to get to know each other, familiarise with each other’s games, and it improved throughout the game and hopefully that progression is linear.
“It is nice to have a couple in each line. Jordy Priestley brought a bit of class in the backline and showed he’s played at a higher level and Mason (Coote) brought good endeavour all around the ground and in the midfield.
“It was really pleasing to see they did what I asked of them from the start.”
Ahead of the Warner Tasker Cup match, Leyden said he was looking forward to the challenge for his team.
“I’m really excited about it being something different. It would be a really good way to start our season.
“Hopefully, we can then start to string a few wins together.
“I want our team to show we’re not intimidated by anyone.
“If we get our opportunities, hopefully we take them and get ourselves in a position to win the game.
“I hope the endeavour and defensive pressure is there from the start and that the players show that they want it.”
As for the later start time, Leyden said the added layer brings a variation for his players.
“To prepare for night games is something I haven’t really done in a while.
“Although it’ll probably still be pretty warm at 5pm, as it can be here, but it should give the game something different and something for the boys to enjoy.”
The Rovers are coming off a 168 point win away last week, ending on 28.19 (187) to Mathoura’s 3.1 (19).
Deni Rovers’ senior coach Alex Hay said round one was a good start for his team, but they will take each week as they come on their merits.
“Obviously, it was pleasing to score heavily and consistently throughout the game, but to hold Mathoura to only a few forward 50 entries was a good takeaway.”
“Having said that, we made a pretty quick start to last year but fell in some crucial stages of the year, so we won't be taking anything for granted.”
As for the way his new and returning players fit in, Hay said he was “really happy with how the team gelled on the weekend”.
“Having a few new faces who we weren't able to see quite as much of over the preseason comes with a little bit of uncertainty, particularly with the playing group having been together for the best part of 5 years now.
“They are a really tight bunch, but the players welcomed everyone into the circle.
“With that in mind, I think that our leaders on the field were outstanding in keeping the guys level-headed.”
“It was great to have Adam (Bodey) and Gilly (James Gilligan) back out there. You really can't underestimate the value that they bring, and they were supported by Pittsy (Jayden Pitts) who has been the perfect addition to the group, as well as Nick (Hay) and Rhys (McCulloch) returning.
“It gives us great balance.”
Hay said it is always an occasion when the Rovers play Blighty for the silverware.
“The Warner Tasker Cup is such a great event, and you can argue that, every year, no matter how each team has been tracking it's always a pretty fierce hitout.
“Adding the element of it being a twilight game changes the dynamic a little bit, and something that many of our players never would have experienced, so that's exciting.
“I'd expect a slight change in conditions which we will have to account for and hopefully a good crowd which will provide a great atmosphere.
“I'd expect going into the game that we’re pretty clear after last week that pressure on the ball will be the focus.
“We've been training to use the wide expanses of the ground, so I'd like to see us putting on some heat in the contest and get them running on the outside.
“Looking at their list, they certainly have some very capable players and a few that we will be putting some time into, which will be a good challenge, but overall, we're really looking forward to it.”