THERE’S no love lost between Orange City and Bathurst Bulldogs, which makes the two clubs’ Blowes Clothing Cup clash after the June long weekend even juicier.

Since Bulldogs overcame Orange City in the 2010 preliminary final, in abhorrent conditions in Bathurst, the two sides’ rivalry has built consistently each year, to the point where Lions’ co-coach Mick Gray labelled it “probably as intense as our local derby rivalry”.

Said rivalry will come to a head in round eight when the Lions travel to Bathurst’s Ashwood Park. Incredibly, all four grades will play off in top-of-the-table clashes.

Orange City and Bulldogs make up the top two in all four grades, none of which are separated by more than a single point, and the all important club championship.

“There’s always a bit of extra feeling in these games, and we certainly aren’t going down there to kiss and make up,” Orange City co-coach Steve Hamson said.

“They’re always really good games against Bulldogs, and I can’t imagine next round will be any different. I’d say there will be four very good games of rugby.”

Bulldogs lead Orange City by one point in first grade and vice-versa in seconds.

Bulldogs lead by one point from the Lions in third grade, while the two sides are undefeated and deadlocked in colts, with points difference giving Orange City top spot.

“We’re starting to get a few guys back in the lower grades, although our thirds have been a bit all over the place,” Hamson said.

“(Outside the top grade) our second graders in particular I think will give Bulldogs a real battle.”

“The colts game is actually a grand final rematch from last year as well,” Gray said.

“Both clubs have a lot of depth, and having the extra week to prepare will make a bit of a difference.

“We play (third placed Orange) Emus the week after, and then Emus play Bulldogs again the week after that. I’d say those three games will have a fair influence on final placings.”