HANWOOD skipper Brad Clark says the club's return to the Wagga competition has breathed new life into its stalwarts, adamant it's the challenge they've been craving.
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The Griffith heavyweights are tipped to be one of the teams to beat for the Pascoe Cup after ending a 19-year absence from the league, a reputation only enhanced when they thrashed South Wagga 8-0 in the opening round.
But a last-start scoreless draw against 2018 grand finalists Young proved their rivals can compete.
They will resume their campaign with a road clash against Henwood Park, who are coming off a 2-1 loss to Wagga United, at Rawlings Park on Saturday night.
"It's brilliant coming in week-in week-out and not knowing what to expect," Clark said.
"Coming up against brand new players, brand new systems, brand new teams, it's fantastic.
"The challenge is what we've been needing and wanting and to get it this year, it's been phenomenal.
"It (Young game) was the type of challenge we've been lacking - good, physical battles.
"We don't know who's who in the zoo, and they don't know us, so it works both ways."
Clark said they will continue to adopt a conservative style against the Hawks as they work out what the best tactics are in a new competition.
"We're trying to keep things very simple at the moment, not try to overdo things," he said.
"We'll go into the match very level-headed and not get ahead of ourselves.
"We know it's going to be a tough game no matter who we play, so we've just got to work on keeping our discipline very structured."
Round three is highlighted by the grand final rematch between Young and Lake Albert at Hall Bros Oval on Sunday afternoon.
PASCOE CUP - ROUND THREE
Saturday: Henwood Park v Hanwood at Rawlings Park no.1 (7pm)
Sunday (all games 3pm): Tumut v Cootamundra at Bull Paddock, Young v Lake Albert at Hall Bros Oval; Leeton v Wagga United at MIA Sports Field; South Wagga v Tolland at Wagga Showgrounds.
