MATT CRAM: Forget soccer, Australian rules’ biggest rival on the Border is much more obvious.
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NIALL SEEWANG: Tiddlywinks?
MC: Rugby league. The Lavington Panthers have beaten the top team, we’ve stolen the grand final from Wagga and I suddenly find myself extra excited about the rest of the season. Next thing I know I’ll be road-tripping to Tumut to watch the boys play.
NS: I know what you mean, there’s certainly a bit of buzz around Greenfield Park at the moment. It always helps when the local team is winning but a lot of credit has to go to the Lavington administration. Josh Cale has done a terrific job as coach and figurehead and has deserved his contract extension, while president Rick O’Connell is always looking to improve the club.
MC: Getting the grand final is enormous and quite a risk for the competition. The O and M is reluctant to take its grand final away from the Border but taking the Group 9 grand final out of Wagga is a far more “adventurous” move.
NS: But I think it will be a winner. If Lavington makes the grand final the LPO will be choc-a-block, but I think an all-Wagga affair will still attract a fairly healthy crowd. Do you think many footy fans would go and watch a league grand final?
MC: I think that’s a given — Border sports fans aren’t exclusive in which football codes they enjoy, especially when it comes to big matches.
NS: I’m not too sure about that — I think there’s a lot of footy heads out there who can’t stand other codes.
MC: Maybe. But the other big change for Lavington is its name; we know they will become known as Albury, but Albury what?
NS: I like Albury Storm but apparently Titans is an early favourite.
MC: Mmm, it’s not bad, but the name “Albury Titans” hasn’t exactly been synonymous with sporting success in recent years.
NS: What’s your guess then?
MC: The Albury Cumberoonas?
NS: Oh dear.
What do you think the Albury Rugby League Club should be called? TEXT us on 0419 129 056
