The weekend of October 26 and 27 saw the running of the fifth annual Cowra Country Cup over 35s soccer tournament.
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A blustery day greeted players from all over New South Wales for the start of their respective games, with players coming from far and wide, including: Huskisson (on the South Coast), Albury, Gulgong, Tahmoor, Wagga, Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Mudgee and Young.
The tournament consisted of four groups with four teams in each.
Saturday was a round robin format with teams playing three games of 40 minutes, the top two teams from each group going through to the cup final, the bottom two playing off for the plate.
A meet and greet was held at the new Bald Eagles home, the Cowra Services Club, on Friday Night, with music by Lusi which relaxed the players a bit too much and the drinks and the banter flowed into the night. There were a few sore heads for the start of Saturday's play.
The round robin saw some great, albeit slower, play, as well as some top skills and plenty of energy shown by the old fellas.
A debrief and dinner was held at the Services Club on Saturday night, leading to around 200 players and supporters watching the footy, having dinner and listening to DJ Kevvy until late.
Best on ground would have to go to Ed from Mudgee for his rendition of, I really don't know what it was, but it was thoroughly entertaining. Briggsy from Husky was a close second with his rendition of Paint Your Wagon.
Two time winners Huskisson cruised through to the finals again this year and always bring a strong squad. They were joined by Tahmoor Red & Green, Dubbo, Gulgong, Orange Barnies, Orange CYMS and Young,
By the time the final arrived, there were some very sore players, but nevertheless, Dubbo and Tahmoor Green found another gear in order to make it to the big one. The final was contested by two teams playing the final for the first time and provided some very entertaining soccer.
Tahmoor scored first through some great lead up work down the left which led to a square pass to be strongly netted in the middle. Dubbo tried to fight back, which included an overhead bicycle kick: Old blokes should not attempt this.
In the end though, it was Tahmoor, breaking down the left and crossing a wonderful pass across for a diving header, who sealed the win, giving the Taipans their first title with one of the best goals you'd see anywhere. The end result was Tahmoor 2, Dubbo 0.
Wagga won the plate, while what is probably the most special award of the weekend - the Fair Team Award - went to the Northern Falcons, from Gulgong.
Many thanks must go to Lloyd and his staff at the Cowra Services Club, Brian Garlick and his staff at the Cowra Shire Council, all the players and supporters who make this tournament a huge success, the refs, Matt at the Signworx Group, Scott at Kendal Street Newsagency, the Cowra Motor Inn, the Sovereign Inn and everyone else that helped out - There were plenty of you.
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