HASTINGS Valley Vikings reserve grader David Sprague will notch up an incredible milestone this weekend, and at the best time of the year.
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Sprague will play his 200th match with the club in the decider against Port Macquarie Pirates at Oxley Oval.
He's great on the field, but you won't find anyone saying a bad thing about Sprague off the field, either. Sprague is a great clubman to have around.
The flanker he's a former hooker but has since trimmed up a bit leads by example and is a great role model for the younger players, according to firsts coach Andrew Kable.
"He's one of the funniest men at the club," Kable said.
That's saying something, given the larrikins who pull on the Vikings jersey every week.
Sprague has played for the Vikings since under 19s in 1999.
Stories of how hard he is are still doing the rounds among the players and supporters.
Vikings president David Barnes remembers running the water when Sprague complained of a sore arm during one match.
"I looked at it and said 'you'll be right'," Barnes said.
He completed another five minutes before coming off with an arm broken in a couple of places.
"He's had a few injuries and missed a fair few matches," Barnes said.
"To reach 200 games is a pretty big milestone.
"He's only in his early 30s."
There will be a big day of rugby at Oxley Oval on Saturday.
The same two clubs will face off in the first grade match for the third consecutive season.
Across town, Regional Stadium is the place to be for league lovers on Sunday.
It's there that the Port Macquarie Sharks will do battle with the Port City Breakers for the ultimate prize in Group 3 rugby league.
There's particular spice about that game because the two teams played in different groups for many years.
Football Mid North Coast Premier League heads into its semi finals this weekend, with Port Saints and Port United involved in different matches.
Pick up Friday's Port News for all the info on the grand finals