The gala day at The Basin on Thursday involved under-12s teams from Nulkaba, Cessnock, Pelaw Main, Kurri, Greta and St. Patrick’s and under-10s teams from Nulkaba and Greta, with pool games in the morning followed by play-offs for the under-12s division in the afternoon.

Cessnock, Kurri and Greta squared off in pool A and St. Patrick’s, Nulkaba and Pelaw Main came up against each other in pool B.

First, second and third in each division then played the equivalent team in the other pool.

Pelaw Main played Greta in the first consolation game, followed by St. Patrick’s vs Kurri then the final between Nulkaba and Cessnock.

Coach of the Nulkaba team Troy Petrysen said he was proud of not only the result but the way the players behaved as well.

“The team played three great games of football, but it was the teamwork and perseverance that led to their success on the day,” he said.

“I was proud of every player in the way they showed good sportsmanship and represented Nulkaba with pride.”

Games were made up of 10-minute halves, with 13 players on the field for each team in the under-12s and 11 players in the under-10s.

Both Nulkaba and Cessnock will now go through to the finals day of the Newcastle and Coalfields Challenge, the Jarrod Mullen Cup in Newcastle on August 13.