Bragging rights are up for grabs
FRIENDSHIPS will be put aside for a day when Torquay hosts Jan Juc in the ninth Battle of the Bridge on Sunday.
The clubs are less than 3km apart, separated by the Torquay Golf Club, but with the Tigers playing in the GCA and the Sharks the BPCA, the annual T20 contest is the one chance to see who owns the Surf Coast.
Torquay coach James Fisher is familiar with the threat posed by some of Jan Juc’s star players.
“I used to play at Barrabool so I have played a bit against them then, but this will my first one playing for Torquay,” Fisher said.
“The depth is definitely there and they have some really good players we have to be aware of.
“It is a massive opportunity and a big day for the club. There will be a nice big crowd there and we are picking our best team to win.
“We only get to play these guys once a year so that is how we are going about it.”
For Jan Juc, the game will be one of two inside three days, as it takes on Anglesea on Australia Day.
Sharks coach Jordan Graham said he would use the Battle of the Bridge to see how some of the club’s younger players fared against a high-quality opponent.
“A few of our older blokes won’t
play, particularly because we are playing on Tuesday as well,” Graham said.
“So we have a couple of blokes in the twos who will play.
“But it is just a good chance for both clubs to get together and, result aside, we all have some mates at Torquay and it is good for both clubs.”
The action gets under way at 1.30pm with a Legends game, followed by the main match from 5pm.