Bega’s George Griffin Oval will be buzzing as the Bega Devils play host to the Wolumla Tigers. 

Tathra will be at home to visiting squads from Mallacoota.

It will also be a return for Mallacoota to the women’s competition after not fielding a side in recent years. 

Their hosts, Tathra, had an exceptional season last year, and will be looking to back up the efforts in round one.

Kirsty McPaul has taken over coaching duties of the Wolumla Tigresses and will be looking to start strong against the She Devils. 

“Our numbers  aren’t full, but we’ll be fielding a good team,” McPaul said. 

The club welcomes back stalwart wing and midfield player Anna Marlin, but also has two new recruits. 

“We’ve got Judith Orman over from Bega and Sharna Mitchell from Bemboka,” McPaul said. 

“They’re new to us, but very experienced and I’m excited to see how they slot in.”

Wolumla will not have a reserve grade team this year, but is focusing on its first grade roster and also has a  strong under 16s team. 

“We’ve got a new and exciting under 16s team and they’ve been training with the firsts and giving the old boys a run for their money,” McPaul said with a laugh. 

Meanwhile, the Devils have huge numbers in the junior competition with multiple under 12s and 14s teams. 

The Devils have also kept hold of their reserve grade roster and will prove a threat across the board in the senior competition. 

Tathra also has a full contingent of teams and will be looking to top the premiership hunt again. 

McPaul said it was an exciting time of year for soccer players as they warm-up for the competition. 

“We’re very excited to get back on the park and all the fields are looking great after recent rains,” she said. 

“This is the time of year where you’re excited to get out there and see what challenges the opposition throws at you.”

Bega will host two fields of games from 9am to the first grade at 2pm. 

Tathra’s juniors will kick off at 9am and the main game also starts at 2pm at the Tathra Country Club ground.