After holding the initial phases of the western Country Cup over two days before finals at Parkes last season, a reshuffle and a packed schedule for schools has forced the preliminary pool stage to be merged.

Four senior boys sides and an impressive 12 league tag outfits from across the western region will descent on the powerhouse Forbes college on Tuesday morning for the right to play in next week’s finals, which are set down for Pioneer Oval, Parkes, on Tuesday, June 5.

Elvy said the four boys teams – St John’s Dubbo, James Sheahan Catholic High School, Orange High School and hosts Red Bend – all boast some seriously talented players while the league tag race is wide open.

Last year’s champions, Blayney High School is again in the field.

“It’s always pretty close, the league tag, its popularity just continues to kick on,” Elvy said.

“From what I know of the schools in this area, it’s going to be close.

“Grenfell is in this year and they’re big on league tag, they’ve played juniors for a long time and those girls have been progressing through.”

Along with Grenfell and Blayney, teams from Parkes High, Orange High, James Sheahan, Cowra High and Canobolas will vie for a place in next week’s final.

In a show of strength, Red Bend will run out with two league tag sides for Tuesday’s carnival.

“Being at Red Bend, they’re obviously a strong school, but so too are St John’s and Orange High and James Sheahan, they’re coming along nicely as well,” Elvy added.

Which is why he thinks the open’s race is wide open.

Sheahan, OHS, Red Bend and St John’s Dubbo will face-off in a four-way shoot-out for the final two spots in the region.

Games kick-off from 9.30am at Red Bend with the semi-finals of the league tag competition kicking off at 1.30pm.

The finals are scheduled to be played in Parkes next week.