“We had a great time and there was plenty of positive feedback from visiting parents and players,” Moree Junior Soccer Association president Terry-Anne Sharples said.

Teams came from as far as Goondiwindi, Narrabri and Inverell to play against Moree teams in 15 minute games at Ron Harborne Oval.

Sharples said that although there was a good crowd on the day, the turnout was lower than previous years.

“Normally the day brings about 50 or more teams, but this year there were only about 40.”

She said the gala days in other towns had also dealt with lower numbers, and said the drought might be a factor.

Despite the slide in figures, Sharples said the support was on point.

“There was a great turnout of people, family and volunteers. A lot of local dads volunteered to ref on the day … as did some of the senior, soccer players.” 

The Moree soccer teams put on a good show for their part, after the Moree Jets claimed the 10 years division and Moree 5/6 years placed runners up.

“The scores at the end of the game were always close … the teams were evenly matched.”

Narrabri FC were crowned the winners of the 5/6 years division; Inverell FC Yellow took home top place in the seven years; Inverell FC Maroon landed first place in the 8/9 Group A, Inverell FC Yellow the 8/9 Years Group B; Narrabri FC claimed the 11 years and Goondiwindi placed as runner up; Goondiwindi Roos took home the 12 years; runner up Inverell Aces missed out on top place in 13/14 years to Narrabri FC and runner up Goondiwindi Roos ceded first place in 15/16 years to Inverell A.