There wasn’t as many teams as Richard Grant would have liked at the Gunnedah United Hawks six-a-side soccer tournament on Sunday but it didn’t mean the organiser didn’t have a cracking time.
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Grant had hoped for 10 teams at the tournament but had to settle for seven, which the United Hawks coach said was “very disappointing”.
But other than that, Grant was pleased with how everything went.
“The day ran very smoothly,” Grant said.
“We made a nice little sum for Gunnedah junior soccer in the canteen.
“Tamworth referees came over and did the day for us which was brilliant.
“It was good day and I wasn’t disappointed to lose the trophy to a great club like North Companions.”
Northies took two teams over to Gunnedah to fight for the Phyllis Grant Trophy and the two sides finished first and second.
North Companions coach Gavin Thompson said the club always tries to support the competition.
“Six-a-side is a different game and it’s good for fitness for the boys and a bit of fun,” Thompson said.
“But it’s really for Richard Grant and his mother [Phyllis]. Richard’s a mate of mine and we always to support it [the tournament].”
Gunnedah FC also fielded two sides at the tournament while Gunnedah United and Hawks had a side each while Hillvue Rovers also fielded a team.
What made the day more enjoyable for Grant was how his United side went on Sunday.
After a tough start, against both North Companions sides where United had a loss and a draw, Grant’s men hit back.
They went on to win their next four on the trot to finish third.
“We were pretty happy with our four wins,” Grant said.
“The icing on the cake was the last of those four wins was a 4-3 win over Gunnedah FC.
“And one of Matt Chappel’s last kicks for Gunnedah United was a goal. It was a fitting sendoff.”
Grant said there would be a lot more planning for next year’s tournament in the hope of attracting more teams.
“12 would be a great number,” Grant said would be an ideal number of teams for the six-a-side tournament.
“We’ll get in and get a lot more organised next year. We really want to make it a bit of a showpiece.”