The Weston Bears will be forced to bounce back from the disappointment of losing the 2014 Northern NSW grand final before opening their campaign in the inaugural National Premier Leagues this weekend.
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The Bears were beaten 2-0 by the Lambton Jaffas in Sunday’s first grade decider at Jack McLaughlin Oval and less than a week later will host Palm Beach at Weston in the new-look competition.
“We don’t have any time to dwell on last weekend,” Bears coach Steve Piggott said.
“It was disappointing but we have to pick ourselves up and aim up ... I don’t know if the boys realise how big this competition is.”
The NPL is a brainchild of the Football Federation Association and brings together the premiers from eight member federations, including Sydney, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia and Tasmania.
The Bears were invited to represent Northern NSW, despite finishing the regular season in second place, because minor premiers Newcastle Jets Youth were unable to participate.
They will tackle the Queensland contestants Palm Beach on Saturday.
Cooma and Bonnyrigg, South Hobart and South Melbourne as well as Bayswater City and the Metro Stars will battle it out the same day.
Winners from this Saturday’s matches advance to semi-finals next weekend and the decider has been set down for either October 4 or 5.
The Bears kick off at 7pm on Saturday.
Patrons who buy a ticket go in the draw to win a PlayStation4 and FIFA14 game, to be drawn at half-time.
In other football news, Hunter Valley and Emerging Jets squads will contest the Northern NSW State Championships for under-12 and under-14 girls’ at Coffs Harbour from Saturday to Monday.
NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUES
Round 1 on Saturday
Weston Bears v Palm Beach Sharks
Cooma Tigers v Bonnyrigg White Eagles
South Hobart v South Melbourne
Bayswater City v Metro Stars
