By Lawrence Machado
Arch rivals North West Sydney Hurricanes and Auburn Eagles will battle it out on Sunday, January 31, for the honour of being the first holders of the Alive 90.5FM Cup.
The annual cup will be presented to the club which has the most club championship points in the Sydney Shire competition each season.
Their Frank Gray Shield under-24 derby on Sunday will decide the winners of the inaugural cup. The Eagles are just one point ahead of their rivals in their points tally and are also placed fifth in the Shires Club Championship, two places higher than the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes and Eagles have split their four grade matches in the 2020/21 season, making the decider too close to call. The 50-over Frank Gray Shield under-24 match at George Parry Oval, Auburn, is scheduled to begin at 10am, weather permitting.
The winners will be crowned Alive 90.5FM Cup champions and will have the bragging rights for one year. According to Alive 90.5FM’s senior producer, David McDonald, the cup will provide more motivation for the clubs each year.
“Both clubs are excited over this idea and are backing the cup,” said McDonald, a former president and skipper of the Hurricanes.
“The clubs have produced very good players over the years with some going on to represent NSW or being signed on by other state teams.
“From 10am, the match will be live video-streamed by North West Sydney’s Facebook page and will feature full commentary from Alive 90.5FM.
“The stream will feature action replays and different camera angles while the match will be broadcast live on Alive 90.5FM and alive905.com.au/listenlive from 2pm.”
The cup has been donated by JAW Trophies and Sports.
“Thank you to all involved and we are looking forward to Sunday and helping build on the great rivalry between the Eagles and Hurricanes,” McDonald said.
