WHEN the Bathurst Bulldogs run out onto Dubbo’s No.1 Oval on Saturday not only will they face the tough task of overcoming the Kangaroos, but the players must overcome emotion as well.
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Saturday’s Blowes Clothing Cup match will see the two clubs not only playing for competition points, but the Ken Laird Cup.
Given Laird, a life member of both Bulldogs and Kangaroos, died on Sunday, the honour of lifting the cup will be even more hotly pursued than usual.
“He was just an amazing fella, holy crap this weekend is important for us,” Bulldogs coach Nathan Pearce said.
“From my point of view, I have a job to manage the emotions this weekend and it’s going to be a challenge. We’ve got to hit the ground running, but it’s going to be tough, especially up there, that’s always our hardest road trip.
“Two weeks ago after we had Sandy pass away, we were terrible in the first five minutes after we had a minutes’ silence for him, so it’s going to be a challenge this weekend.
“We are going to be playing for the Ken Laird Cup, because he was president of Dubbo as well, and gee I’d be filthy if Dubbo end up with that cup this weekend. I know it’s horrible thing to say because I know they think as much of him as we do and it’s a credit to the guy because he was larger than life.”
The emotional gravity of winning the cup aside, the match also carries plenty of importance in terms of position on the ladder. Bulldogs currently hold down second, three points ahead of ’Roos, but a loss could see the Bathurst outfit drop to fourth.
