Mackay’s annual City V Country clash takes place tomorrow at Harrup Park
There will be more than bragging rights on the line when Mackay’s annual City versus Country match takes place at Harrup Park tomorrow.
Both teams will be playing for the ‘Anzac Country v City Challenge Shield’ , donated by the RSL in honour of the men and women who have served in Australia’s armed forces.
City is made up of the Mackay City Hawks, Eastern Swans, North Mackay Saints and the Crows U18 representative team, while Country comprised the Bakers Creek Tigers, Northern Beaches Magpies, Moranbah Bulldogs and Whitsunday Sea Eagles.
The City V Country match first came about in 2008 when officials were looking for something to engage players outside of the regular home and away season.
Moranbah was given hosting duties and Anzac Day was chosen as the date to host a ‘City V Country’ match.
A change of venue to Harrup Park – home of the RSL – in 2011 saw the match take on even greater significance.
David Harding Development Manager for AFL Queensland Mackay, said that the event was a great opportunity pay homage to the Australian military tradition through Australia’s game.
“The Anzac Country v City Challenge Shield” is a showcase of our game in this region and a gesture of appreciation and respect for our Diggers, serviceman and women in all of the Australian armed forces,” said Harding.
Last year, City beat Country 105-48 and is the hot favourite to take the shield again.
The game commences at 12:00pm tomorrow at Harrup Park, Mackay.
