FOR the past two seasons the Bathurst Bulldogs' first XV have not lost a Blowes Clothing Cup match at Ashwood Park, but that unbeaten run will face a stern test in just the second round of the 2020 premiership.
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That is when Bulldogs will face Orange Emus - the side Bathurst beat in last year's absorbing grand final.
It was the 23rd consecutive match Bulldogs had played at Ashwood Park without being defeated, but Emus pushed the Bathurst side all the way before falling by three points.
It means while Bulldogs are eager to start their title defence with an away match against Dubbo Kangaroos on July 18, coach Matt McRobert also admits he is already looking forward to hosting Emus.
"A Bulldogs-Emus game is always special regardless of the circumstances, I think the main thing for us is that we're just excited to be back on the field, it was very uncertain there for awhile," he said.
"But we're back, we'll be back playing, and we'll be back playing Emus at Bulldogs. It's an entirely new set of circumstances and we've had a disruptive season - COVID has really turned things upside down - but getting back home and playing Emus will be fantastic."
Ashwood Park has certainly become a fortress for the Bulldogs and the record is one they will work hard to preserve. There is little doubt hard work will be needed in the July 25 match against Emus.
The Orange side was the last first XV to win a Blowes Cup match at Ashwood Park, downing Bulldogs 29-15 on June 17, 2017.
Last year's close grand final followed on from other gripping contests between the pair at the ground in 2019, Bulldogs winning the major semi-final 23-21 and regular season matches 21-15 and 20-17.
It is not just first grade which should be a good contest either. The second grade Bulldogs suffered a 28-25 loss to Emus in last year's grand final, the Orange outfit coming from an 11-point deficit with seven minutes remaining to snatch the win.
Though the women's draw is yet to be released, should the Bulldogs and Emus play a Ferguson Cup match on the same day, it would be yet another grand final rematch.
The Bulldogs women beat Emus 34-28 in last year's grand final and according to McRobert, have been training hard.
"Whatever the restriction allowed in terms of crowd, they are going to be in for a good couple of games against Emus," he said.
"Our numbers in the women's team have been really strong, they've actually been a real driving force within the club, they've been really keen to get back in and play.
"Their numbers have been pretty consistent all the way through. I see it's a 10-a-side comp, but to see such strong numbers of them at training is really positive.
"I'm just really enjoying have the players around and all the banter that goes on at training, the players have really put in a great effort. The attitude the guys have shown has been really humbling, they've trained very hard."
Bulldogs and Emus meet on July 25.
