INTERNATIONAL rules will return to Wangaratta for a second straight year with two local teams from two different sporting codes set to go head-to-head later this month.
Ovens and Murray football side Wangaratta Rovers will take on Albury/Wodonga Football Association team Wangaratta City in the clash set down for Sunday, December 18 at the WJ Findlay Oval.
The Hawks played in last year's inaugural clash against the Wangaratta Magpies, prevailing 45-15 in front of a supportive crowd.
But with the Red Devils expected to be more skilful with the round ball, this year's clash could prove a little more challenging for the Hawks.
Event organiser Wally Pasquali said he was delighted to be able to set up another clash and believed it was good to have a different code involved.
"It is an event we think we can do every year," he said.
"It's a good time of year as well because it's a bit more light-hearted and it gives the players a chance to do some extra fitness work.
"I think they (Red Devils) will certainly add a different element to the game.
"They will have a lot better skills with the round ball.
"Last year both sides struggled a little bit to hit targets so I think the soccer boys might have the edge in that department."
The match will be played under much the same rules as last year with marks paid as per normal AFL rules while players can only bounce the ball twice while in possession and must solo (ball touches foot) every 10m.
Net goals will result in six points, goals over the cross bar are awarded three points while behinds will add one point to the total.
However, this year's match will have no tackling involved and Pasquali believes this will give players more chances to attack.
"That was the main reason for the change," he said.
"It will give the players more freedom to move around."
As a massive supporter of the Wangaratta Sports Carnival, Pasquali has once again organised proceeds from the gate going towards the Wangaratta Sports Club.
Pasqauli said while the carnival had been struggling of late, it still remained one of the most important on the state calendar.
"I love the carnival," he said.
"We really need to see the carnival continue.
"It's got huge tradition and the Wangaratta Gift is still rated as one of the best on the calendar."
Last year thunderstorms threatened to cause the cancellation of the game, however, the weather eased and more than 200 people showed their support by attending the match.
Pasquali said he was hopeful of a much bigger crowd this year and thanked the Rovers United Cricket Club for the use of the WJ Findlay Oval.
"Rovers have organised a Hi-Tech Day so hopefully with that and the general people coming in we can get more," he said.
"We were pleased with last year I think we made about $1500 so I'm hoping for something similar, if not more."
Entry will be $5 for adults with kids under 16 admitted free.
By - JEREMY WILSON.
WALLY Pasquali is excited at the prospect of International Rules returning to Wangaratta after he organised the Wangaratta City Red Devils to meet the Wangaratta Rovers in a battle between soccer and football. The game will donate proceeds to the Wangaratta Sports Club as well.
Last Modified on 07/12/2011 18:19
