Caloundra coach Geoff Ingram believes their top-of-the-table clash with Noosa could be the best game of the season.
The local rugby juggernauts are set to collide at Lighthouse Park on Saturday, in the latest chapter of a formidable rivalry.
And the Lighthouses are plotting an ambush of the undefeated Dolphins, in Round 9 of the Sunshine Coast A-grade competition.
They met earlier this season, when undefeated Noosa inflicted Caloundra’s only defeat, via a 36-14 score-line.
But Ingram said his team is better prepared for this weekend’s showdown.
“I think we’ve improved in a number of areas, and I think we’re ready to go,” he said.
“We were pretty poor in a couple of areas in the last game against them, so those areas have got a lot of attention and we’ll find out whether we’re up to standard on Saturday.
“The whole team is really keen for the challenge.
“I’m hopeful it’s going to be the best game of the year so far.
“When both teams get it right, it’s pretty good to watch.”
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Ingram said the Lighthouses have practised their speed and physicality.
“They scored two or three maul tries on us last time so I’m particularly keen to see improvement from our side, and our speed, aggression and urgency in the midfield, with the breakdown and tackle.
“If those areas improve, then the score-line will change a lot to last game.”
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The teams have developed an intense rivalry in recent years.
Caloundra won the 2018-2019 season, while Noosa claimed the trophy in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
They’ve met in several big matches along the way.
Ingram said the two teams drive each other on.
“It’s always good to have quality opposition.”
“It keeps you honest.
“We’ve had to re-think and refine and improve on a lot of things as a result of Noosa’s resurgence during the last year or two.
“It’s good for us. It helps us get better as a team.”
Caloundra v Noosa: Saturday, May 29, 3.30pm.
Other Sunshine Coast Rugby Union A-grade game: Caboolture host University 3.30pm, Maroochydore host Wynnum 4pm.
