Last Sunday, Lightning Ridge's keenest soccer players were awake well before sun-up and ready for the long trip to the Coonabarabran carnival.
The teams were organised into under-8s, under-12s A, under-12s B and under-14s
The first match for the under-8s was a grudge game against local rival Walgett, and some vital errors proved costly as they ran out victors 2-0.
The Ridge regrouped for the second match against the Coonabarabran girl's side.
It was a hard fought match but the Ridge proved too strong in the back half of the game running out 2-0 victors, with Jake Pedan and Ben Ferguson both scoring goals.
The third game was against Coonabarabran Blue and while the Ridge started the strongest it was all Liam Hughes as he made some dashing runs up the park, capping it off with two well finished goals.
At this point the Ridge was confident as they went into the match against the undefeated Narrabri side.
It was all Narrabri though as they asserted their dominance on the match.
Jake Pedan was excellent in goal as was Amy Hutchinson who took a nasty knock but was back for the next game, rearing to go.
At this point the under-8s were starting to feel the fatigue and a lacklustre performance, by their standards, resulted in a defeat to Coonabarabran Red.
Two victories out of five for the team was a positive result, playing together for the first time, and gave the coach a good indication of what needs to be worked on for next game.
There weren't quite enough players for an under-10s team so Josh, Sam and Adam had to play up with the 12s in the B team.
It wasn't always easy for the B team, playing some very strong teams of 12-year-olds, but what they lacked in experience they made up for in courage and determination and played really well.
Bobby gave it her all to the end, as did Rebecca who showed herself to be a great addition to the team.
Colleen was another new player who hit the ground running showing a lot of potential.
The first two games the B team played were back to back, creating some serious problems but the way they fought back in their next game was truly legendary.
What a day for the under-12s A team who kicked off with three spectacular victories.
They won against Walgett 3-0, then beat Moree B 7-0 and then they were victorious against Gilgandra 5-0.
The next opponents proved a little out of their league and they went down to Gunnedah 3-0. The next game was also a hard one, with the A team playing with no reserves, but they put in a supreme effort and defeated Coonabarabran 4-1.
In the semi-finals the A team came up against Narrabri and without reserves they were just too exhausted to play with the same energy as they had put in earlier.
All in all a fantastic effort from goalie Tasman and the forwards Locky, Dylan and Brandon, who scored all the goals.
Geoffrey was consistently solid in defence as was Katherine who had amazing stamina just going and going right up to the last hooter.
What a day for the under-14s, playing an amazing seven games all up.
With only three of our own players we had to borrow three players, two from Gilgandra, and one from Coonabarabran.
Leanne proved a little work horse and Harley had some good timing with his tackles.
Although the team didn't win any goals they held the locals to a nil-all draw and kept in good spirits all the way through.
After a 4 am start, the energy and determination shown by all the players up to the end of the day was astounding and they represented their town and their club proudly.
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