In the lead-up to last year’s Blowes Clothing Cup season, the two clubs established a pre-season competition in which their players, coaches, supporters and families squared off, trying to make the most whole blood or plasma donations.

Emus prevailed in the competition’s inaugural year, winning the aptly-dubbed Claret Cup, with this year’s second edition already under way after kicking off on January 1.

But while they consider winning the trophy nice recognition, Emus and Orange City’s club captains agree everyone involved is far more concerned with the bigger picture.

“Winning’s nice, we like getting one up on Orange City in any situation, but it’s a very friendly competition and the main focus is helping people in need, because there simply isn’t enough blood donations being made Australia-wide,” Emus club captain Matt Findlay said.

“We’re really excited to be able to link with Orange City again for this. It was their brainchild and it’s something we’re very proud to be a part of.”

“We obviously want to win too, but the real satisfaction for everyone comes from knowing we’re making a real difference in the community,” Orange City club member Paul Hepworth, the Claret Cup’s pioneer, added.

“Last year was an incredible start and we want to go bigger and better this year, and in the future. For 2019, that means eclipsing last year’s total amount of donations and lives saved.

“In future years we’re hopeful we can bring in more sporting clubs and associations from around Orange, to create something really special that has a touch of competition to it too.”

In last year’s inaugural edition, the two clubs combined to make 233 whole blood or plasma donations, which equated to 699 lives saved. Emus accounted for 121 of those, and Orange City 112.

Mr Hepworth explained this year’s combined target is 250 donations, which would equate to 750 lives saved.

“We’ve already kicked off, with both clubs having made six donations so far for 18 lives saved,” he said.

“That means we need to triple our weekly donations from now until the end, but we’re very confident of doing so.”

Anyone interested in donating and contributing to either club’s tally can do so by making an appointment at the Orange Blood Donor Centre by calling 13 14 95 or visiting the Australian Red Cross Blood Service website.

When doing so, they need only specify which club they will be donating for.

Whole blood donations can be made every three months, while plasma donations can be made fortnightly.

The 2019 will run until March 31, with the winner to be announced following the two clubs’ first local derby of the Blowes Clothing Cup season.

The progressive tally can be found here.  

Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below …