Battle for Queanbeyan: Two teams, one town

[Archie]

Battle for Queanbeyan: Two teams, one town

THE RIVALRY between the Roos and Blues stretches back to 1968. Each time they meet for a derby game it’s a war – a battle for pride and bragging rights among the finest league players in Queanbeyan.


One town, two teams, one trophy. Who will seize the moment?

This weekend the battle continues and the rivalry deepens.

It was 1987 when the Roos and Blues last met in the grand final. Twenty-four years later they meet again to battle for Queanbeyan.

Kangaroo Club manager Leigh Kiely said sparks would fly this weekend as the two Queanbeyan teams met in the final.

He said even though the Roos were the Blues’ little brother they had dominated in the past few years winning most of the local derby encounters.

‘‘But that doesn’t mean anything when you’re playing for a grand final,’’ Kiely said.

The Roos are dismissive of their perennial underdog status when they come up against the cross town rivals.

‘‘They are absolutely the red hot favourites to win this game,’’ Kiely said. ‘‘I think most people are tipping a Blues victory by a lot, but as I said a grand final is different. It could go either way.’’ The last time the two teams met in the big one the Blues edged out the Roos 6-4.

After almost a quarter of a century the Roos will be looking for a grand final square-up. But their much fancied opponents have other ideas.

Queanbeyan Leagues Club secretary and Blues stalwart Tom Ebsworth said there had always been an intense rivalry between the teams. The teams first confronted each other back in the late 60s and the desire to remain top dog in town remains.

‘‘There is a strong rivalry and it is a healthy one,’’ Ebsworth said. ‘‘When we play each other we both lift. It doesn’t matter where you’re sitting on the table.’’

There is a buzz around town as talk of the final fills the streets. ‘‘To play the Roos in the grand final is great for the town,’’ Mr Ebsworth said. ‘‘People in pubs and clubs are talking about it and you can definitely feel the build up.’’

He said the weather could be ugly so how each team plays will depend on those conditions. He predicts those with the strongest kicking game will have the advantage if the weather is foul.

Source: The Queanbeyan Age