The Griffith Black and White Panthers will attempt to break a long-running hoodoo when the side makes a long-awaited return to EW Moore Oval on Sunday to take on the Darlington Point-Coleambally Roosters.
DPC hasn't tasted defeat against the Black and Whites since at least 2011.
The lean run can be attributed to some tough years for the Griffith club but this weekend’s match looks to be one the Black and Whites’ best chances to break the streak.
They head into the game after winning their last two games, sit third on the ladder and came through last week’s win against Leeton unscathed.
“I can’t remember the last time the Black and Whites beat the Point, so it'll be a good contest and we’ll have to go in with the right attitude,” Black and Whites co-coach Craig Morriss said
“Each time, they’ve turned up and we haven't matched them.
“Everyone should be pretty well right to go, the side looks pretty similar to last week.”
The return home comes as the Black and Whites look to further solidify their place in the top five.
With just six points separating first from seventh, Morriss knows how important wins are.
“You can’t afford to drop any games,” Morriss said.
“If you drop one or two you’re back out of the five and sixth [West Wyalong] and seventh [Waratahs] are there nipping at everyone’s heels.”
The Roosters come into the match refreshed after a week off with the bye.
Captain-coach Clinton Green gave the Roosters an extended break from training to go along with the bye, a move that seems to be paying dividends.
“It was good to get away,” Green said.
“We just trained on the Tuesday. The way the weather’s been all the grounds are wet and everyone gets sick of training in the mud.
“With a bit of dry weather we had really good numbers at training last night [Tuesday] and everyone was keen.”
Before the bye, DPC lost to Leeton to continue its topsy-turvy year.
The Roosters haven’t strung back-to-back wins together since rounds one and two but on the flip-side, they haven’t suffered consecutive defeats either.
“Consistency has definitely been a problem for us, we haven't put 80 minutes together,” Green said.
“We just switch off and let sides back into it.
“Some of it might have to do with he weather,. It brings sides closer, it’s slower and there’s not as much free flowing football.
“Along with it, having everyone in your face, it can cause a bit of frustration.”
