Bone jarring defence would be one answer, but the promise of the closest Cup competition the region has seen in recent times is the most obvious.

This weekend we have the western derby when the Trundle Boomers, competition front runners, host Condobolin Rams, both last-start winners. 

Trundle won the first Round 24-16 in a close game at Condobolin. Traditionally high scoring, entertaining games, the Boomers start favourites against a desperate Rams outfit looking to leap into the top five.

In another derby of sorts, the neighboring Canowindra Tigers take on the Eugowra Golden Eagles. 

The Tigers hold bragging rights in 2016 having won 46-10 in round two, however, the Eagles are a much improved side since that game.

The black and golds pushed Trundle all the way last Sunday, going down 26-16 with the game in the balance late in the second half. A side renowned as tough to toss at home, the Tigers will be pushed by a fast-finishing Eagles at Canowindra.

Clinging to the edge of the top five, Grenfell hosts the Peak Hill Roosters in a game where the Goannas, at home, should be too strong for a struggling Roosters side.  

The Saturday games have Manildra Rhinos up against Binalong Brahmans, a side also having a hard trot. 

With all three grades in action, the Rhinos at home should win in a big day with three top games – the youth league and league tag will be hard close encounters at Jack Huxley Oval today

The other Saturday clash has last-placed Burrangong Bears hosting the Cargo Blue Heelers, currently sitting in second place, must win to keep touch with premiership favourites Trundle.

In other youth league clashes, Manildra takes on Binalong in another close one, while Trundle will play Condobolin and Grenfell has the bye.

In league tag, Manildra plays Binalong, Burrangong takes on Cargo, Trundle meets Condobolin, Grenfell will face Peak Hill and Canowindra will run out against Eugowra.