PARKES Boars are hoping for the support of a large and vocal crowd when they start their 2014 Blowes Clothing Cup campaign with a re-match of last year’s grand final against two-time defending premiers Orange City Lions at Northparkes Oval on Saturday.
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The Lions have been the benchmark team of the competition over the past two years and go into Saturday’s first round as favourites to win this year’s competition.
A number of Parkes players will be full of confidence after being integral members of the Country Championship winning Central West Blue Bulls teams last weekend.
The Boars go into the important match with the confidence that home-ground advantage allows, something club president Al Gersbach wants to maximise.
“You won’t see three better games of rugby in the central west this weekend,” Gersbach said.
“Our guys will be hoping for a good start to the season in all three grades and a large crowd showing their support would be a great help towards that.
“In first grade the two grand finalists will do battle and, if previous meetings are anything to go by, it is sure to be an epic clash.
“Our second grade side made a resurgence towards the end of last season and will be looking to build on those results early this year.
“The colts have the majority of the squad from last year still available. They will be tough to beat.
“They went close last season and the extra year of experience puts them in good stead to give the title a real shake this year.
“We have high hopes for all three grades this season.
Two players coaches Haemani Lavaka and Trevor Whitaker will have to do without this season are Joe Nash and Toby Baigent.
Star performers in the Boars 2013 campaign, Nash (shoulder) and Baigent (knee) have been ruled out for the season with injury.
Matt Hunter and Luke Freeman are also unavailable for Saturday's match with other commitments.
Colts kick off at 11am, with coach Fini Latu keen for his young charges to start the season with a win.
Molong Magpies will play Orange City third grade in a trial game at 12:15pm, with second grade to start at 1.50pm and the main game kicking off at 3.15pm.
Due to the removal of the old broken bench seating at Northparkes Oval, spectators are advised to bring their own comfortable chair to enjoy the afternoon of rugby.
PARKES BOARS SQUAD: Amoni Vae, Tim Lawler, Ben Ryan, Richard Webb, Israel Symington, Karl Oliver, Darcy Byrne, Dan Ryan, James Dean, Jonny Rathbone, Grant Danson, Mahe Fangupo, Jacob Brady, Marika Koroivui, Sam Standen.
