THE first barb has been fired for what is one of the most eagerly-anticipated sporting events on the local calendar.
A day on which good mates become arch enemies for the duration of the contest.
Where the winners not only get to savour the sweet taste of victory, but bragging rights become theirs for the next 364 days.
The magnificently manicured turf at the Illabo Showground will become the centerpiece for the annual North Versus South cricket match this Saturday.
The build-up to the 2010 challenge has been intense.
The Southerners are hell bent on gaining revenge and lifting the trophy aloft for the first time since the inaugural match in 2007, while the North boys are keen to maintain their dominance of the past two years.
“They’re kidding themselves,” Northside spokesperson Scott Churchill said.
“They (South) have as much chance of winning this year’s match as the West Indies had of winning a game of tiddlywinks against the Aussies.
“The difference in class between the two teams is that big.”
While Churchill has every reason to boast, Southern star Craig Hamilton also exudes confidence given the fact his side has claimed the greatest off-season recruit since Bradman moved to Bowral.
“Richie McGowan has switched over from the dark side and joined the force of the South,” Hamilton said.
“We found him a house on the south side of the line, it cost us a bit, but we’re confident he’ll repay us in spades when he destroys his former teammates on the weekend.
“Without Richie the Northies are nothing.
“Their main strike weapon now would be Rabbit (Justin Roberts) who bowls like he used to play football. He’s more of a chance of hurting one of his teammates than he is the opposition.”
Hamilton is adamant the moons will align perfectly this year and has been holding private training sessions with several of his big guns including Jock Commins, Simon and Angus Brabin and Phil and Scott Carter.
“They won’t know what hit them,” Hamilton said.
“I also have it on good authority that Micky Ryan might be cutting his honeymoon short just to be back for the match.
“He’s more electrifying in the field than Viv Richards and Jonty Rhodes combined.”
North’s hopes will fall heavily on the shoulders of Churchill, whose speed between wickets is legendary, while Tim Pratt, Joe Belling and Anthony Hart also ooze class when decked out in the creams.
Self appointed Northern captain John Hogan is still
basking in the glory of his ‘apparent’ top score from last year’s game, a score Hamilton can’t recall with the same clarity.
“I think Hoges is confused with the last time he played his son Jimmy in the backyard,” Hamilton said.
“He couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a dish full of wheat.”
While the annual grudge match will be the highlight of a pulsating day at the village venue, there’s plenty of other action to keep the crowd entertained.
The morning will kick off with junior matches for the 10 to 16 years olds, while a ladies game will split the two innings of the main event.
Off-pitch activities will also be in abundance, while the presentations back at the Illabo Hotel are a highlight in themselves.
So confident is Churchill of victory, he’s vowed to give up the grog for 12 months if the Southerners somehow sneak home.
Always up for a challenge, Hamilton matched his rival’s bid, meaning one of the two will be facing the longest night (and year) of their lives come Saturday evening.
However, in what he calls a restraint of trade, Illabo
publican Phil Carter is desperately trying to have the bet declared null and void prior to the toss.
Email a friend