Eugowra's Masters of the Mandagery is only in its infancy but on the back of a 2020 edition that held extra special significance for players and supporters organiser Andrew Barnes can only see the carnival going from strength to strength.
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Last weekend's over 35s NRL masters tournament was used to commemorate the late Harry Greenhalgh, who died on January 1 this year.
Greenhalgh's father Jason played with the Golden Eagles during his playing days and, again, donned the Eagles colours proudly, and Harry's boots, to take part in the carnival.
In fact, the whole Eugowra side wore Harry's No.7 jumper during the day.
Around 300 people were at Ian Walsh Oval and Barnes said rugby league was a great way to bring the community together.
"I think rugby league is one of those good levellers; when you against each other you're always trying to bash the opposition, but at the end of the game you catch-up and have a beer. They're mates for life," Barnes said.
"One of the boys who came across and played with the Condo boys last played against Canowindra in 80s and hasn't seen those boys since but got the chance to see them all again on Saturday.
We didn't keep scores. That's not the point. It's all about coming together again. It was magical.
- Andrew Barnes.
"We didn't keep scores. That's not the point. It's all about coming together again. It was magical."
On top of hosts Eugowra, the Canowindra Tired Tigers, the Orange Pirates, the Condobolin Rams, Grenfell Dinosaurs and the Cargo Old Dogs all took part in the tournament.
Barnes said a couple of Canberra sides had to pull-out late due to COVID-19 rules, but come next season it's likely those clubs will finally get the chance to participate.
He's also hopeful a couple more Woodbridge Cup clubs - namely Trundle and Manildra, who have both flagged interest in participating - can take the field in 2021.
"We'll definitely grow," Barnes added, before reflecting on Sunday's action.
Rain fell throughout the day, and at one point became so torrential it was difficult to see the other side of the field.
"It was worrying," he laughed.
"In the lead-up we put up a heap of marquees and tents but it wasn't too bad at that stage. We played a game though and we played in it ... I don't think I've played in rain that hard before.
"There would have been some sore boys on Monday."
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Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
