TWO weeks, two grand final rematches, two derbies under lights and 15-minute quarters - the opening fortnight of the new under 18s Western Rams league promises plenty of excitement.
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Formed in the wake of the cancellation of the senior Group 10, Group 11 and Woodbridge Cup competitions, teams from across Western Division have been split into three pools for an under 18s league which will kick-off on July 18.
The draw was released on Friday night and it features some tantalising contests early on.
There will be a replay of last year's Group 11 grand final - a match which saw the Forbes Magpies beat Dubbo CYMS in a 24-22 nail-biter - on the first weekend.
Three days later under lights at Jack Arrow Oval will be a replay of the 2019 Group 10 grand final as defending champions St Pat's host the Bathurst Panthers.
The Saints, who have the first round eastern pool bye, will be looking to build on the performance that saw them win last year's decider 20-8 over their local rivals.
That same Wednesday evening will also feature an Orange derby under lights with Hawks hosting Orange CYMS.
"Basically we've done that to give the opportunity to play as much footy as we can, we've got a short period and the different pools with less travelling allow mid-week games," Western Region manager Peter Clarke said.
"We had an odd number in that eastern pool and we wanted to make sure, if possible, everyone played the same number of games."
The format of games will be four 15-minute quarters with all breaks - six minutes at half-time and two minutes between quarter-time and three-quarter-time - to be taken on the field.
It will present a different challenge to teams as it is less time to work for repeat sets and build pressure, but it could make for a more attacking brand of league.
"That's interesting. Basically everyone has their own water bottle and we are not allowed to run water, so that's basically for hygiene practice," Clarke said of the decision to split the game into quarters.
The other feature of the draw is cross-over matches between the teams in the southern and northern pools, something which will happen in the opening fortnight. It will see more games between teams who normally don't play each other.
"We would have liked to do it a little bit more, but just the logistics didn't allow for it. The other thing is that - even though we hope it doesn't get to that - that is if there is an issue in a pool with COVID we don't have to necessarily shut it all down," Clarke said.
Overall Clarke and the participating clubs are happy with the draw which sees each team play eight games. The top two teams from each of the three pools as well as the two best performed third-ranked outfits will then progress the the sudden-death finals series.
"It's looking really strong, which is a real positive. I think any side in there will think they are a chance of making the semis and then who knows what can happen from there?," Clarke said.
"We're really happy with the format and we think it adds a bit more excitement in a strange ole year we've had. Those semis will be three weeks with an eight-team knockout format.
"Most of the clubs are pretty positive with numbers too, a lot of players who have been sitting at home with cabin fever have come out and I think the shorter season may have appealed to a few people."
Clarke stressed that players, coaching staff and supporters still need to be vigilant in adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols.
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