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Buccaneers Masters Aussie rules Easter tournament stalwart Andrew Wright said the event brought local sport and foreign aid a step closer over the weekend.
“Each year, the tournament is played in support of a Balinese children’s home in Klung Kung,” Wright said.
Organisers said over the past 12 years, the tournament has raised $35,000.
“The equivalent of sponsoring 350 children during that time,” Wright said.
Hundreds of players and supporters turned out from across the country to compete and raise funds.
The Masters tournament began on Good Friday with a round of barefoot bowls at Club Sapphire, Merimbula.
Organisers then hosted a meet and greet function at the club.
Meanwhile, the football action itself was played on Saturday and Sunday and attracted teams from the ACT, Sydney and Victoria.
Wright said the games were played in good spirits with “an emphasis on footy for fun”.
The Buccaneers squad includes players from Batemans Bay to Eden and was well served by a number of eager locals.
Wright said the squad included Peter Ferguson, Neil Baker, Seth Blood, Michael Molony, Tim Stewart, Don Hassan, Sean Smith, the Hammond brothers Bryan and Colin and Steve Abbott.
“Michael Revington again excelled in the coaching role,” Wright said.
Well-known Merimbula Masters player Neil Rainbow was “out and about” playing for Vic Metro despite being the oldest player on the park.
“[He was] moving well despite being into the senior years.”
Wright said the visitors were tough to beat on the weekend.
“The ACT and Mornington Raiders were the standout sides of the competition.
“[They had] fit, well drilled players across all positions thanks to their regular involvement in domestic Masters competitions,” he said.
Wright said the event closed with entertainment and dinner for everyone to wind down.
“The Rock Lizards provided evening entertainment after a terrific catering effort by local Rotary and the Pambula Panthers,” he said.
Wright said the fundraising effort was very successful for another year.
Even though the photos of all the kids aided by the event might not be on the fridges of participants and organisers, Wright said they could all be proud of their efforts.
“They have all contributed to a terrific cause,” he said.
Some of the profits will also go to assisting local families in need.