ONE of country football’s fiercest rivalries will be reignited tomorrow when Tocumwal and Berrigan do battle for the first time in 12 years.
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With the Bloods following their opponents across from the Murray league this season, officials have wasted no time locking in the Good Friday fixture for the next four years.
“It was a great rivalry and it’s good to have it back,” Berrigan coach Ty Russell said.
“There should be an enormous crowd.
“It goes back a long way with the kids going to school together from Berrigan and Tocumwal and it’s a game people have been looking forward to since Tocumwal joined the competition.”
In a promoter’s dream, Tocumwal and Berrigan will go into the match undefeated with Russell saying it would take his team’s best performance to stay unblemished.
Kyle Russell has been on fire early for the Saints while Harley Middleton is coming off a seven-goal haul and could cause Tocumwal problems in attack and through the midfield.
Former AFL player Justin Crawford will also have to be monitored by Bloods’ coach Danny Kirchen.
“We have been going pretty well, but Tocumwal will be our biggest test,” Russell said.
“Last week it took us three quarters to get going and we won’t be able to do that again.”
Tocumwal has found a reliable avenue to goal in Dylan Flanagan and he will keep the Berrigan defence busy if Nathan Tresize and Eli Boyer can break the shackles.
On Saturday, Katamatite takes on Katunga, Shepparton East does battle with Dookie United and Katandra plays Waaia.