The Gunnedah Goannas had one team finish second in its pool while another Goannas team placed last in another division, as Gunnedah fielded two teams in the NSW State Cup touch football competition.

Teams from around NSW converged at Port Macquarie Stadium from last Friday to Sunday, with Gunnedah represented in the Mixed Open B and Mixed Masters divisions.

Gunnedah’s Mixed Open team had previously reached the semi-finals in the NSW State Cup, but this year was the first time the Gunnedah team qualified for the championship division.

Gunnedah was among eight teams in Pool A, while the two other pools also had eight teams each.

Most of this year’s Gunnedah Mixed Open team had played in the NSW State Cup before, while Jazmin Hobden and Jacey Ross stepped up from the junior ranks.

The team had a fabulous Friday, as 9-5 wins against Murwillumbah and Carlingford were followed by a 9-6 victory over Dubbo and an 11-4 beating of Bankstown.

On the Saturday, the Goannas Mixed Open side encountered well-drilled and fast teams with plenty of experience.

An 8-5 loss to Maitland was followed by a 3-all draw with Nowra 1, and then the Goannas won their sole Sunday game 4-2 against Parramatta.

The championship grand final involved Pool B ladder leader Northern Beaches defeating Pool A ladder leader Maitland 5-1, after both teams were undefeated beforehand.

Gunnedah’s Mixed Open’s coach Paul Brady gave the coach’s award to Wil Patterson, while Emily Pursehouse received the players’ player award.

With the eight Mixed Masters teams comprising players aged 40 years and over, the Gunnedah outfit included some players without representative touch football experience.

Although the Goannas lost all seven of their matches, they scored at least one try in every game and never conceded more than six tries in a match while they put in a strong defensive effort.

Gunnedah’s opponents in the Mixed Masters division were Tamworth, Wollongong, Appin, Port Macquarie, Northern Beaches, SWS Raptors and Wallsend.

The best result for the Goannas team was a 4-3 defeat against Appin.

Gunnedah’s coach Simone Brady gave the coach’s award to Dee Fulwood, while Natalie Louis received the players’ player award.

Di Hobden was also acknowledged for her work with uniforms, merchandise and grants.

Mixed Masters coach Simone Brady with coach’s award winner Dee Fulwood.

Mixed Open coach Paul Brady with coach’s award winner Wil Patterson.

Mixed Open coach Paul Brady with players’ player Emily Pursehouse. Photos: Supplied.