When Mernda and Epping step on to the footy field for the opening round of the Northern Football League division 3 season on Saturday, the two clubs won’t be playing for just four points.
For the first time they will play for the Patrick Chow Cup, a trophy put up by loyal sponsor and supporter of both clubs Patrick Chow, who owns Chow Gardens Restaurant.
Mernda and Epping will compete for the cup in the first meeting between the clubs each season and will play a preseason match if they’re in different divisions.
Demons president Vinny Hanlon said the rivalry between the clubs had been going on since the 1950s and 60s.
“It’s been going a long time and there have been a lot of players going from one club to the other,” he said.
“The rivalry has also been there and Epping, along with Whittlesea, are our biggest rivals. The two clubs get along really well, though.”
Hanlon said both were thankful for the support Chow had given them in his 30year sponsorship of both clubs.
“He loves both clubs and he comes to home games when he can to keep an eye on how things are going,” he said..
“The only winner out of this decision is the clubs and we get to play for a beautiful cup.”
The match between the two sides on Saturday will be the first at Mernda’s new home ground Waterview Reserve. First bounce is at 2.10pm.
It will also be the first time the two teams have played each other since 2014. The Pingers were relegated to division 3 in 2014, while the Demons suffered the same fate last season.
“We’re expecting a mammoth day,” Hanlon said.
“The facilities are amazing and give us some of the best facilities in the competition.
“Hopefully the weather holds off and we can get a good crowd. This could be one of the biggest games ever for the club.”
In other first round division 3 matches, Watsonia plays South Morang, Heidelberg West faces Banyule and competition newcomers Kilmore play St Marys.
The other two divisions kick off their seasons the following weekend.
