Photo courtesy of Tumut and Adelong Times
The Tumut Blues and Gundagai Tigers will be vying for a place in the Group 9 First-Grade Grand Final when they go head-to-head in a blockbuster Elimination Final fixture at Twickenham Oval on Saturday.
Tumut claimed the Minor Premiership after finishing the 2020 regular season with an undefeated record, while Gundagai finished second on the competition ladder with five wins, one draw and one loss.
The Tigers finished the year with the best defensive record in the competition as they averaged just over 10 points conceded per game, while the Blues are ranked second for points scored (24 per game).
While one team will progress through to the decider, the losing side will have a second-chance and face the winner of the second Elimination Final fixture between Wagga Brothers and Young Cherrypickers.
It's a fitting encounter between two sides who have enjoyed some famous battles over the last 100 years and each boasts a proud heritage that resonates across the game.
Tumut have greats such as Bluey Watkins, wonder goal kicker Tommy Kirk, John Hobby and international Ray Beaven among a long list of former greats, while Gundagai have produced such stars as “Bluey” Freestone and also have international stars such as Chook, Fraser, Nevyl Hand and Peter Diversi as former players.
In the 21st century, both continue to be prolific clubs, with Gundagai breaking a 32-year premiership drought in 2015 with current Parramatta Eels superstar Maika Sivo in their ranks, while Tumut have won five premierships, and are the current reigning premiers.
While they each fight desperately for premiership glory in the coming weeks, both clubs will be together in celebrating their centenary years in 2021.
