Now into its ninth year, the carnival was started as a development carnival, with Alstonville and Tamworh alternating the hosting rights.

This year was Tamworth’s turn and saw the hosts triumphant in the 16s boys and girls and 14s girls.

The one they missed out on was the 14s boys where Alstonville got the win 6-4 on penalties after scores were 4-all at regular time.

The 16s final was an all-Tamworth affair, with the Tamworth Blue getting up 6-4 over Tamworth White.

The North West CHS boys also played in that as an exhibition team as part of their preparations for their upcoming state carnival.

Tamworth were too strong for Alstonville in the 14s girls, taking out the final 8-2.

The 16s final saw Tamworth get over Hunter 8-5.

The hosts led 2-1 at the first break, 4-2 at half-time and then 6-3 going into the final quarter.

Coach Ross White was impressed with what he saw from them over the weekend.

“That first game they were a bit rusty but after that they improved each game,” he said.

Sean Hofman was poolside with them for the final and felt they were always in control.

“They were a little bit shaky to start,” he said.

“They got a couple of goals but were still shaky in their attacking structures.” 

They spoke about that at quarter-time and played with a lot more authority in attack the remaining three quarters.

“They were getting their drivers happening, getting front water and getting the kick-outs,” he said.

Their defence was a feature. 

They really pressed Hunter out and they struggled to get it in for the close-range shot.

It was the first time Hofman had really seen them play together and thought they really gelled as a side.

Giann White was named player of the grand final and finished with three goals, including a lovely lob from outside the 5m in the final quarter, while Billie Mitchell bagged a double.