Close to 500 children from all over the region converged on Ron Harborne Oval in Moree on Sunday for Moree Junior Rugby Union Club’s annual carnival.
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A total of 35 teams, plus 42 under 6 players, attended the carnival from the Central North region and beyond, with players coming from Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth, Armidale, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Inverell, Barraba, Walcha, Scone, Walgett, Coonamble, and Coonabarabran.
Moree fielded five teams on the day – two under 8s and under 10s and one under 12s team – and had six players in the under 6s and three players who joined Narrabri in the under 14s.
Each team played about three games on the day as part of the round robin competition.
Moree’s under 12s won all of their games, with Bill Finlayson, Isaac Barnes and Sam Lamey the standout players on the day.
Both Moree under 10s teams also played really well and won the majority of their games. Some of their best players were Will Schiban, Hunter Warby, Harry Rogers and Caleb Scholl.
Moree’s under 8s teams also played well together, despite a few wins and losses. Will McCormick, Alex Warby and George Tighe all had good games.
Moree Junior Rugby Union Club secretary Justin Barnes said it was once again a very successful day.
“It was a great result and great weather,” he said. “The town also benefitted as a lot of people stayed overnight – the hot pools were very busy.”
NSW Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan made a special appearance at this year’s carnival, much to the delight of the players.
Ryan refereed games in every age group, from under 6s to under 14s, and took the time out to chat and pose for photos with his fans.
“He was a good guy – he spent some time with the Moree kids after the carnival kicking the footy around,” Mr Barnes said.
Mr Barnes would like to thank the committee and families for their support in helping to set up and clean up on the day.
Moree Junior Rugby Union Club has just two carnivals left for the season. The next carnival will be in Scone in two weeks, followed by Armidale.