THE Group 16 minor league carnival in Bega on Saturday was the biggest to date.
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A dozen clubs were represented by more than 30 teams with almost 500 kids taking part.
Organisers said it was the biggest event yet with new teams signing on since last year.
“The crowds were bigger and the supporters were vocal,” Bega Minor Rugby League president Norm Griffin said.
“There has been continued growth in the competition.
“It was a phenomenal success.”
It was a tall order to co-ordinate the day with a small army of volunteers on hand to oversee the running of events.
“It was a fantastic day and were delighted to take part,” Tathra Sea Eagles stalwart Jace Ellard said.
“The Bega club ran things smoothly and it was a good showing for junior footy across the board.”
The home club fared well on the day, winning the under 16s and under 14s.
The Roosters were also semi-finalists in the under 10s, 12s and junior league-tag.
“It was our best all-round result for many years,” under 12s coach Dax Kelly said.
Meanwhile, the under 7s, under 8s and under 9s all played non-competitive games.
“The junior grades are non-competitive, but the kids all enjoyed a big day out taking on some talent from outside of Group 16,” Griffin said.
It was also an assembly of the local clubs with teams from Eden, Merimbula-Pambula, Tathra, Narooma, Cooma and Moruya taking part.
With a huge number of junior players involved, Griffin said he was pleased to see a minimal number of injuries.
“Each club supplied first aid officers and they quickly tended to the minor incidents that ocurred,” he said.
The biggest issue for organisers was to run a barbecue and canteen facilities for the huge number of spectators.
“The club did a fantastic job once again with limited resources available in the preparation area for the canteen,” Griffin said.
“We are still waiting on the council to make progress on the reconstruction of facilities that were burned down last year.”
The minor league season hasn’t wrapped up yet and there is still key events on the calendar for young league players.
The next round for the Bega club will be a home round to host Moruya on July 25.
A mini-carnival will run in Eden on August 8 before Bega hosts the minor semi-final on August 15.