Caption_MG_9923: Frazer Wilson secures the ball for Demon Knights Axes.
Caption_MG_9974: Nick Bugden drives the ball up field for Demon Knight Axes.
Caption_MG_9988: Demon Knights Axes Sam Walker passes to a team mate.
Caption_MG_9914: Demon Knights Axes player Angus Towie shadows his Norths opponent.
Caption 9850: Tas’s Lachlan Costello shields the ball.
Caption 9876: Beatrice Henzell runs tirelessly.
Caption 9873: Peter Evans sweeper for Tas’s team.
Caption 9994: North Armidale player throws the ball from the side line.
THE Jack Vallance Memorial Carnival for junior footballers attracted 80 teams from across the region to Armidale at the weekend.
Spring-like weather greeted the players for a well managed and well supported event where family members had a fun-filled day.
The trophies for the competitive 12 to 16 years competitions were shared amongst the clubs with North Titans the surprise in the 16 years competition. This resulted in each team playing seven games and North Titans coming second behind one of the favourites South Armidale Sea Eagles.
Usually a second division team, the Titans only had one loss, being to the eventual winners Sea Eagles. This highlights the potential excitement of the carnival format where against the odds any team can aspire and achieve good outcomes.
A much quicker game in a short period of time gives most teams a chance to knock of more favourite teams.
14 Years Div 1 – Demon Knights Bravehearts came first with South Strikers being runners up just ahead of TAS on goals scored.
14 Years Div 2 – In the only competition that had semis and a final. North Armidale Quokkas and Uralla contested the final after being 1st and 2nd after the round robin. North Quokkas came out eventual winners in a close game.
12 Years Div 1 – TAS dominated this competition not losing all day. A nil-all draws with second-placed Demon Knights Demons was their only draw.
12 Years Div 2 – Glen Innes dominated this competition winning all of their games. Ex West Lions with only a loss to Glen Innes came runners-up.
Thanks, goes to McDonald’s of Armidale for their sponsorship, community spirit and support. Their contribution made the day much more enjoyable for the 6 to 10 years player who played many non-competitive matches.
Thanks to the extensive band of volunteers who made the day possible and on the day delivered good products. Special thanks go to the limited number of referees. There are stories of an individual refereeing all day, a feat that not many people would even dream of let alone undertake. An enormous effort.
