Tonight, however, regular teammates are set to oppose one another. A seven-a-side competition featuring a host of Dirty Reds, old school mates and a line-up of rugby league players this evening kicks-off at Simon Poidevin Field.

The month-long six team ‘social’ outing begins with an intriguing match-up.

On one side of the halfway line is a team filled with seasoned rugby regulars, like Monaro Cup winning captain Boyd Newby and Goulburn’s 2011 best-and-fairest Ben Green. On the other is the Bulldogs Invitational, an outfit comprising league heavyweights Mick Dodson and James Aubusson among others.

The latter team could be a touch raw, their unofficial sevens coach Peter Oliver says. Their one and only tutorial will take place 90 minutes before kick-off.

“To be honest, we haven’t had a chance to get together for a team run yet,” Oliver said. “It will be a real crash course in rugby basics.”

Fitness ought not to be a problem, however. Aubusson has been taking the Bulldogs through their paces at training since November and the bulk of the Invitational line-up competes in a weekly Oztag competition. Second up is a match featuring plenty of former schoolmates.

Ben’s Brumbies, a squad organised by Ben Todkill, tackles Trinity Old Boys, a youthful outfit of old school friends arranged by Dirty Reds outside back Paddy Murdoch. The final match in the inaugural round is a showdown between the wise heads.

Years of rugby experience will feature when Robbie’s Rebels line-up against Sherm Force – a team hard to miss with sandyhaired brothers Toby and Charlie White in action.

The Goulburn Dirty Reds hosted sevens championship runs through the month of February Although matches are only 14 minutes in length, strong cardiovascular fitness is a must. Seven minute halves will be contested on the full dimensions of the 100m x 60m paddock.

Scoring first is also crucial.

Should matches finish in a stalemate, the team that scored the first try secures competition points.