DK Non-Athletico’s Milton Watts (right) challenges Yuri Mavridis from Pittwater Dynamos during Saturday’s group stages of the over 35s tournament. Photo: Grant Robertson 131012GRA08
THE WEEKEND’S Armidale Over 35s carnival has rated the “best” yet by organisers, even though the main trophy left the city.
RC United, a combined side from the Central Coast area and Pittwater clubs, took out the Wards Auto Paint Supplies Cup after beating Coffs Harbour Harlequins in the final.
Last year’s winner, Armidale United, was the best of the local sides in the main draw but went down in the semi in a penalty shootout against the Harlequins.
But that wasn’t the only final played and local sides were more well represented in the lower divisions.
Ex-Services/Wests went close in the Sportspower Cup before going down to Hills Hawks West but Glen Innes Highlanders kept the Wright Motors Cup in the region by beating South Armidale side Farcelona in that final.
The AOK Signs Cup went to Hills Hawks East after it rolled Bellingen Raiders in the final and the consolation plate was won by Gloucester Raiders over the Armidale Imports.
Despite fielding a few less teams this year, the fifth tournament was a big success.
“It was definitely the best tournament we’ve had,” tournament organiser Nick Machalias said.
“It was the most exciting and unpredictable tournament and the smoothest run, not that the others haven’t run smoothly.
“All of the teams will come back and some of them will bring more teams with them.”
Machalias said the visiting sides were especially pleased with the facilities at the Consett Davis fields at the University of New England.