By Chris Curulli
An old rivalry will see a new chapter unfold on Saturday when Belrose-Terry Hills host Curl Curl at Terrey Hills Oval.
Their history spans back to when both clubs occupied the AL/1 division, competing fiercely for silverware and promotion for a number of seasons.
Belrose sit in fourth and Curl Curl in second as they prepare to reunite in the top-flight this weekend.
For Raiders midfielder Jacob Rudman, there is no shortage of motivation heading into the contest.
“These are always huge games, with both teams having played each other in grand finals and semi-finals and always battling it out in the AL/1 league,” he said.
“Obviously we’ve been beaten in the past in finals and the league so the boys who have been there and lost to Curly will definitely have that in the back of their minds when we line up on Saturday.
“It’s a huge game where we are massive underdogs again so I’m hoping the boys turn up and we manage a good result.
“It would be nice to actually beat them in the league above this time around.”
Greg Fuchs’ newly-promoted side have surprised many this season.
Rudman believes their impressive form can be put down to hard work and a perfect blend of youth and experience throughout the squad.
“During COVID, a lot of the boys worked on their fitness and when we came back this year it has really shown,” he said.
“We’re a lot fitter than we were last year playing in AL/1s and I think the boys have stepped up a gear since we’ve come back, so we’re pretty pleased with how we’ve started.
“Obviously, each game we’re coming up against a new team we haven’t played against before and the boys are stepping up to the challenge.”
Elsewhere this weekend, Mosman host Brookvale, Pittwater travel to Wakehurst, Manly Vale meet St Augustines, CC Strikers entertain Harbord and Narrabeen visit Seaforth.
