The Gunnedudes claimed top honours at the carnival for the second year running, besting 31 other teams in the process.

Played in hot and testing conditions, the Gunnedudes were considered favourites heading into the carnival with the majority of last year’s side making the trip to Coolah.

Injuries and work commitments did see some changes to the 2017 side, with Jamie Mitchell, Andrew Stephens, Brad and David Harris included in the 2018 side.

Played over two days, the Gunnedudes secured a perfect start to their campaign picking up three wins from three starts.

However, it was not all one way traffic for the Gunnedudes, as injuries throughout the day meant the side was undermanned during the day’s final two days.

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Team member Pat Maher said all of the players pulled their weight to get through the first day.

“We worked together to share the load in the heat against quality opposition to finish on top of the grading for the Sunday finals games,” Maher said.

The good results for the Gunnedudes continued on day two of the carnival with the side picking up another two wins to make the grand final.

“The result of the second game against Come in Spinner from Mudgee was really pleasing with Paul Brady, Adam Mooney, Craig Louis and Harris creating plenty of opportunities for Mitchell, Stephens, Will Smit and myself to score plenty of tries,” Maher said.

“The best part of these first two games was the rock solid defence where the team only conceded two tries.”

With the stage set, the Gunnedudes looked to the grand final where a rematch against last year’s grand finalists, Dubbo’s Castlereagh 38 awaited.

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Maher said Castlereagh 38 got the early jump in the grand final.

“The Castlereagh boys caught the dudes out early and jumped to an early start,” he said.

“In probably one of the best games seen in years, both teams traded tries and opportunities to the delight of the parochial crowd.”

With less then a minute to go, Paul Brady exploded out of dummy half and looked for support to finish the game.

Luckily for the Gunnedudes, Brady had runners in support coming from everywhere, with an intelligent pass to eventual man of the grand final, Adam Mooney, the Gunnedudes secured back-to-back titles.

Maher said the carnival was an enjoyable experience for the team.

“A special thanks to the Coolah Veterans Touch committee and the Gunnedah Touch Association committee for their help,” he said.

“Also, a big thanks to our sponsors the Imperial Hotel for all their help.”

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