By MARK CASHMAN

Eastwood coach Ben Batger is well aware of the enormity of the challenge facing his side when they take on Gordon in the 7TWO TV match of the round on Saturday.

This isn’t just any old run of the mill home and away match – there’s the local derby aspect, the Sir Roden Cutler Shield is up for grabs and for the Highlanders there is the chance to grab the club championship with a whole of club effort.

No matter what the result here both teams will be playing in the first week of finals – Gordon on top of the table and the Woodies anywhere from second through to sixth.

So this one does matters and the perfect test not far out from playing for sheep stations, according to Batger.

“Gordon have the two most experienced coaches in the competition (Darren Coleman and Brain ‘Billy’ Melrose), they have a set of Super Rugby halves, they bring Wallabies and Super Rugby players off the bench so they don’t have many weaknesses,” Batger said.

“Having said that if we compete for everything and are able to build some pressure with and without the ball I’m confident we can get the job done.

“It’s going to be a playoff standard match and perfect practice for the run home.

“It may well be one v three on the Shute Shield competition ladder and we’re both in there finals but every team wants to carry some momentum into the finals.”

Gordon coach Darren Coleman feels the same as Batger about the importance of this one.

“Everyone loves playing for trophies and we have the chance to win both the club championship and the Sir Roden Cutler Shield – so that’s exciting,” Coleman said.

“Eastwood, in my mind are the form team in the competition at the moment. Their demolition of the Rats last week was very impressive.

“For them to be leading Warringah 47-7 late in that match says something about what a good, complete team that they are.

“This will be a really good test for us especially at fortress Milner.

“That said though I’m confident our boys will show up with the attitude to compete and we can keep the good momentum we have into finals.”

“But it won’t be easy by any stretch. They have some big physical carriers in Pat Sio, Tau, Fabien Goodall, Marky Nawaqanitawase and Enoka Muliufi.

“Then there are their unit leaders at No.2 and No.10 and some real speed with Matt Gonzales, and Tim Anstee.”

EASTWOOD (1-15):

Jed Gillespie, Ed Craig, Rhys Sheriff, Tim Anstee, Charles Granger, Ratu Tuisese, Tom Murphy, Pat Sio, Matt Gonzalez, Tane Edmed, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Enoka Muliufi, Devan Stoltz, Fabian Goodall, Chris Bell.

GORDON (1-15):

Charlie Abel, Mahe Vailanu, Dom Hardman, Jack Margin, John Bosco-Tagaloa, James Lough, Tom Silk, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Ellis Abrahams, Joey Walton, Oli Smeallie, Reece MacDonald.

IMAGE: SERGE GONZALEZ / EASTWOOD RUGBY