The Glen Innes Magpies are gearing up for a massive home fixture for their annual Old Boys' day this Saturday.
Minor league suits up first at Mead Park before seniors get underway.
For the Magpies men, the game against Ashford is the chance to bounce back after going down to Narwan 36-18 on Sunday.
Coach Gav Petersen said it was "very disappointing."
"Our bench rotation was a bit short, our preparation during the week wasn't that great so that probably went out on the field," he said.
"[This Saturday is] a good opportunity to regroup this week and lift ourselves up for the Old Boys' Day.
"Ashford, I don't think they have won yet but they have been close and they are not going to be pushovers either and we are expecting a tough game once again."
In the league tag, Magpies coach Andrew Hodgson lamented they got off to a slow start once again but once the women hit their straps, he was "very happy."
"Our training is starting to come together at the right time of year and it is starting to show on the field so I was really happy," he said.
"We had a bit of a scrappy start but once we got into the groove I thought we were pretty good."
The Old Boys Day this Saturday is set to be a huge event with celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the 1971 under 17 and reserve grade premierships as well as the opening of Mead Park.
There will be memorabilia on display at the ground on Saturday. Celebrations begin on Friday at 6pm at the New England Club.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
