Griffith are currently holding their title dear, securing the Cup from Leeton in the first round.

However, with a new year underway and a series of challengers lining up to take the honour, Griffith coach Tim Rand says the match is bound to be a close contest.

"I think Young will be a pretty strong side, but we are feeling pretty confident" he said.

"We've had three or four rep games this year and the boys are going really well, so gopefully we can put our best foot forward and keep our little run going."

The match between the two sides will be played on Exies Oval 2 due to new turf being laid on the main stage over the competition break.

But despite the lack of a grandstand, cricket fans from across the Riverina are expected to turn out in numbers for the contest.

"If we can get through Young, we've got Temora the week after," Rand explained.

"They normally field a pretty strong side too, so it'll be good to see strong support at Exies."

There are a number of Griffith players who will be absent for the fixture against Young, but debutant Hayden Forner is expected to fill the squad nicely.

"Hayden has been killing it in the rep this season," Rand said.

"He's a wicket-keeper batsman and to be honest we're pretty psyched about him playing."

The 15-year-old is expected to prove complimentary to the squad alongside big guns Haydn Pascoe and Theo Valeri.

If Griffith bests Young on January 5, Temora will travel to Exies on January 12 for their shot at securing the Hedditch Cup.

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