Cowra’s Over 35's soccer team have taken out the fourth annual Cowra Country Cup Master's Tournament in an extra-time upset against the much-vaunted Young team.
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Steve Ford sealed the victory for the locals, converting a Bear Cavanagh pass from his own throw-in at an acute angle after a last minute substitution.
Darren Heidke, Vance Triming, Steve Green and Glenn Reid were huge in defense throughout the final encounter, which was a triumphant end to veteran Chris Baratto's seniors and over 35's football career.
The victory capped a successful weekend for Cowra, who only conceded one defeat for the entire weekend, against newcomers Gulgong.
Other wins included a comfortable 2-0 scoreline against Bathurst Gold and penalty shoot-out victories against Bathurst Blue and Dubbo Newtown, with Mitch Thompson's goalkeeping a highlight throughout the games.
Other players that had solid weekends for Cowra included Brian Howarth, Mark Gordon, Bear Cavanagh, Green and Baratto, with all of them slotting goals or penalties across the weekend.
The play off for a third-place Plate was taken out by Tahmoor in a 1-0 victory against Orange Barnstoneworth with the losers picking up the Fairest Team Award for their efforts across the weekend.
Twelve teams contested the tournament, held at Sid Kallas Oval, but organisers are also hopeful that next year's tournament can expand even further to 16 teams.
New teams this year included the aforementioned Orange Barnstoneworth, Gulgong and Dubbo, with players, families and supporters also coming from areas such as Albury, Tahmoor, Wagga, Goulburn, Northern Riverina and Mudgee.
The social aspect of the tournament was also on display with many teams coming together at the Lachlan Valley Hotel the Friday before matches began, with the Dubbo team especially reveling during karaoke.
However, by Sunday morning, as many players were tending to injuries and aching muscles as celebrating their efforts in Cowra's pubs, with multiple matches taking a toll on players not used to playing with such regularity.
A year with plentiful goal scoring and bright skies, this year's tournament was marked by strong contributions from the Cowra community, with businesses, individuals and volunteers all helping out and ensuring that the tournament was successful behind the scenes.
Pete Kirwan and his referees ensured a high standard of umpiring throughout all the matches while Col D'Elboux worked particularly hard, cleaning the kitchen after working with Dick Mallon to operate the barbecue for the weekend. Meanwhile, youngsters sold raffle tickets, worked in the canteen and acted as ball kids during the matches.
Signworx, the Lachlan Valley Hotel, Woolworths and Coles all provided contributions and support, while hospitality - provided by Allana Motor Inn, Cowra Motor Inn, Sovereign Inn and the Crest Motor Inn - was appreciated by those who travelled to compete or watch.
