THE Bega Roosters are ready to rumble with the Eden Tigers on Sunday.
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Roosters president Garry Arkin says the three-grade clash will be “the match of the round”.
“The Finnerty Automotive first grade side Roosters are two from two, while the Tigers’ one loss of the season was a narrow move in the dying seconds of their game against Narooma,” Arkin said.
Arkin said the Devil’s try was “hotly contested and left the Tigers fuming”.
After a bye round the Eden Tigers will be seeking redemption when they take on their long-term rivals in Bega.
The Roosters first grade squad had a bye during Bega’s home game against the Panthers and will be excited to play at the Rec Ground.
Playing-coach Ryan Apps said he was upbeat about the home round and looked forward to showing off the new Roosters line-up to fans.
“He is keen to give supporters a look at his fresh-faced young side who stunned all with their away win against Moruya last week,” Arkin said.
Apps said the win hadn’t given his squad a big head.
“That was last weekend and we now have both feet planted firmly on the ground,” Apps said.
Apps has a lot of respect for the “barnstorming” front-rower - and playing coach - Billy Michelin.
Young gun additions of Zac Mikula and Corey Schafer to the Eden line-up adds depth to a formidable squad.
However, the Roosters will have a small reprieve as Dylan Fletcher is out with a wrist injury.
Arkin said the “stage is set for a rousing match”.
Historically Eden has upset Bega in the Group 16 grand final a number of times, but the Roosters have also shut the Tigers out of final contention previously.
There will be no love lost when these two strong teams clash on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Bega’s reserve grade is bouncing after a shock win over Moruya last week.
Coach Steven Luff said he was pleased to see the turnaround in form from his squad.
“We eliminated a lot of errors from our previous encounter and we will be looking to improve on that again this week,” Luff said.
“Eden are unbeaten so we know the pressure will be on us to perform in front of our home crowd.”
Luff said he was excited to see a strong combination of players ready to take the park.
“Matt Grant is back from injury and with Jason D’Arcy working well, they are two players who are showing encouraging early season form,” he said.
Arkin said the league-tag clash will see two of the Group 16 powerhouses meet as the Chicks take on the Tigerettes.
“The Bega Chicks had to pull out all stops at Moruya and the Eden Tigerettes have improved despite a first round loss to the highly rated Cooma Fillies,” Arkin said.
Chicks coach Andrew Badullovich said it could be a tough encounter as Bega is still settling in to new routines.
“Riquel Umback stood up against Moruya to show that her game is rising to a new level last week against Moruya,” Badullovich said.
“And I will be looking for more improvement in several other of our players.
“April Alcock is progressing well and Taelar Willliams and Samara George are showing signs of settling into the team,” he said.
Badullovich said the experienced players in his line-up could make the difference.
“Tegan Mundy’s experience is invaluable and she has taken on a good deal of responsibility on the field.
“She is a great support to her captain Joccoaa Rogers,” he said.
All three grades will play at the Bega Rec Ground on Sunday.
Kick off for the league-tag is noon with the first grade to kick off at 2.30pm.