Wellsville Mayor Bob Boley, left, and East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith engage in friendly rivalry over the trophy one of them will take home following the United Way’s Old Gray Mayor’s benefit basketball game Saturday. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — It will be the battle of the Bobs when East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith and Wellsville Mayor Bob Boley, along with their teams, meet up on the court to battle it out in a charity basketball game Saturday.

Taking place at 6 p.m. at the Wellsville Daw Middle Gym, 929 Center St., Wellsville, the Old Gray Mayor’s Basketball Game is an annual event hosted by the United Way of Southern Columbiana County to benefit the eight local charities the agency funds and to create a night of fun and community togetherness.

The winning team will take home bragging rights and a rotating trophy to display for the next year.

Both mayors are currently working on building their teams which can only be made with players age 50 or older.

Boley, who said he is on injured reserve, will be serving as coach for his team. Smith will be doing a dual role as coach and player.

When asked which one thought they were going to win the game, Boley said this year it would be Wellsville. Smith said he’s not sure, that he is still putting his team together. Boley said his team is coming together, with seven confirmed players, and Smith said he has four team members so far. Each mayor needs a total of 10 players for his team.

The event will also feature a Chinese Auction and have snacks available for purchase.

Admission is $5 at the door.

Sponsors for this year’s game include Always Best Care; Care Funeral and Cremation Services; Miller, Stacey and Associates; Russell Real Estate Services; Jennifer Joseph, Aspire; Mark’s Jewlery Repair and Gifts; Prime-East Liverpool City Hospital; Save-A-Lot and Arcwood Environmental.

The United Way thanked Hall of Fame Trophies and Apparel for updating the trophy.

All proceeds from the event go to benefit local charities.