Players, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents packed into Junee’s sporting hub on Saturday to watch dozens of games as some of the best junior players took to the field.

Hailing the event as a great success, event secretary Lola Cummins said the event went well.

“All the kids seemed to have a great time, which is what the carnival is about.”

“We had a couple of hiccups, but we managed to work around them,” she said.

One hundred and forty eight teams took part in the day, displaying some of the best junior rugby league talent from as far away as Hay and Queanbeyan.

Along with the success came some failure, with four teams disqualified from the carnival.

Mrs Cummins said one team was disqualified for breaching the code of conduct, while three teams breached the rules and conditions of the carnival, a minor offence.

One team also pulled out at the last minute due to player shortages.

Regardless of the hiccups, 37 teams took home pennants as reminders of the day, including the Junee under 14s, who were the only division winning team from Junee.

Coached by Diesel’s first grade player Sione Tongia and Brodie Guthrie, the side played the Wagga Magpies in its first game.

Despite losing 10-6, it was an excellent game, with Jason Eisenhauer scoring a try and Liam Sweeney neatly converting.

Junee then played Albury and won in stunning form, 10-0.

Jason Eisenhauer once again put the points on the board, converted by Liam Sweeney, before Harrison Cowled scored the second unconverted try.

With the Wagga Magpies disqualifed, the Junee under 14s took home the pennant and are already looking forward to next year’s competition with renewed enthusiasm.

Mrs Cummins said the efforts of individuals and community organisations who contibuted to the running of the day were greatly appreciated.