MOREE Secondary College Year 7 and Year 8 Clontarf boys last week claimed victory in the inaugural Ed John Saunders Memorial Shield at Narrabri, with a come-from-behind 9-8 win against host team, Narrabri High School.

Moree Clontarf Academy director Alex Barker said having ‘Moree Clontarf’ etched on the shield meant a lot to the Moree boys.

“It was especially meaningful as the carnival was renamed in honour of Ed John Saunders, a long-time operations officer at the Moree Junior Campus on Carol Avenue,” Barker said.

“Ed was remembered fondly for his dedication and contribution to the program.”

The annual rugby league carnival brings together junior Clontarf academies from across the north-west and New England regions, including Moree, Narrabri, Inverell, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Tamworth High, and Oxley to compete in a day of spirited football.

Barker said teams from across the district arrived at Narrabri Showgrounds Wednesday afternoon.

“That evening, players were presented with their jerseys before rolling out their swags for a good night’s rest,” Barker said.

At sunrise Thursday, teams headed to Cooma Oval, ready for action.

The Moree Roos started their campaign with a hard-fought 14–8 win over hosts Narrabri.

“They followed it up with strong performances against Inverell and Gunnedah, collecting two more wins and booking their spot in the semi-finals,” Barker said.

After standings were calculated on points differential, the Roos faced Inverell once again in the semi-final.

Moree held firm and advanced to the final – a rematch with the Narrabri team, who earlier upset the undefeated Oxley team to get there.

“The final was a thriller,” Barker said.

“Moree struck first, earning five points for the opening try of the game.”

Narrabri hit back just before half-time, trailing by one point at the break, 5-4.

Early in the second half, Narrabri scored again to edge ahead 8-5.

But with minutes left, Chase Picker crossed the line for Moree, sealing a tense 9-8 win.

Barker said several Roos stood out throughout the day.

“Chase Picker, Jleal Williams, Preston Connors, and brothers Teo and Kyle Whan led with heart and grit, lifting those around them, especially teammates new to rugby league,” Barker said.

“Their leadership was a true display of Clontarf spirit.”

Afterwards at Narrabri RSL, Brian ‘Gadget’ Saunders – Ed’s brother – travelled from Moree to present the newly named Shield.

He also awarded Roos captain, Jleal Williams, with the shield and Kian Townsend as Man-of-the-Match.

Barker said the Moree boys took part in a super training session the following morning.

“The session was run with support from Clontarf’s national partners, including Santos, Essential Energy, Bunnings, Woolworths and local community groups like the Rotary Club, who all made time to support the boys,” Barker said.

Barker paid tribute to Narrabri Clontarf – academy director Clayton Pursche, and operations officers Corey Dixon and Ashley Hynch – for their hard work and commitment in organising such a successful and memorable event.

“Thanks also to all the north-west region academies for coming together to honour Ed John Saunders and celebrate the best of Clontarf,” Barker said.