In the AFL there is the Battle of the Bridge between Sydney and GWS; in tennis there was the Battle of the Sexes between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs; now, the Goulburn Valley has its own sporting duel, the Battle for Tatura.
The seriously named Battle for Tatura will be a not-so-serious T20 cricket match played between Tatura Cricket Club and Tatura Soccer Club in a cross-code game.
Daniel Coombs is a member of both clubs and said the two organisations had been trying to organise a social event like this for a while.
“We have always joked about maybe having a cricket game against each other and maybe having a soccer game against each other, so we thought we would organise it,” he said.
“We have guys that play both sports and just wanted to do a bit more between the two clubs and link them together.
“It will be a bit of a social thing; there will be a barbecue and both clubs all attending and hopefully having a laugh and obviously playing a bit of cricket. It’s a T20; we will do short run-ups and just mix it up and make a bit of a game out of it.”
While the T20 match is set to be played next Thursday, plans are already loosely in place for a second part of this series involving a soccer match.
“We haven’t confirmed when that is, but I know the cricket boys are keen to have a bit of a crack at the soccer game as well,” he said.
“I’m sure it will be something that is on the cards soon.
“I think it will be great for the clubs. Obviously we use the same rooms and facilities and we have players playing for both, so it would be great to do it each year.
“It would keep the clubs a bit more joined together and have a bit of a function together, so it should be good.”
The match will be played in friendly conditions as the two clubs look to build on their relationship, but while there is no trophy on the line, Englishman Coombs couldn’t help but say what prize the victors would get.
“A moral victory,” he said with a chuckle.
“And sledging rights.
“It’s more about having a bit of fun, but knowing the boys from both teams, it will be a bit competitive as well, so it should be good.”