The 2025 Golden Boot Carnival has wrapped for another year, with organiser Marc Lawrence hailing the day as a resounding success as more than 20 teams descended on Narrandera and took to the field to display their rugby league talent under brilliant blue skies.

On the field, the football was as fiercely contested as ever, with a total of 22 teams travelling from all corners of the state, many from Sydney, the Monaro region, Central West, South Coast and the Riverina, with a special appearance from the Narrandera Clontarf side that produced a fairytale ending.

The Clontarf players were the big winners on the day when they edged out the Sydney-based Birrong Battlers in a thrilling drop-off after the score at the end of regular play was locked at 2-2.

As well as a sporting competition, the event also doubles as a major fundraiser.

This year’s carnival raised almost $20,000, with funds being directed to two “very fitting” recipients.

“The first was Detective Senior Constable Carl Wilkinson, who tragically passed away after a car accident while on the way home from work, leaving behind a wife and a number of young children,” Lawrence said.

“Funds will also be provided to a member of the Narrandera community who has been a supporter of the event over many years and whose family has a long road ahead following a recent cancer diagnosis.”

Back on the footy field, some individual honours were also handed out.

“The Steve Bradshaw Medal for player of the day was awarded to Ramon Gilarte (Hume Highlanders), who played in the spirit of the day, filling in for numerous teams,” Lawrence said.

“The Bridget Smith Medal was awarded to Sinead Austwick (Sutherland Sharks).

“The lunchtime mascot game was a highlight with a number of big and cheap shots made and Warren the Wookie took out the mascot race.”

Lawrence extended his heartfelt thanks to locals who provided camaraderie and country hospitality to the visiting teams.

“A big thanks go to the Narrandera community for once again welcoming the travelling teams and offering the country hospitality many from Sydney don’t have the pleasure of enjoying each day,” he said.

He also thanked the Charles Sturt Hotel for hosting the group on Tuesday night, the local footy club for Wednesday’s get together and major partners, the Police Bank and the Police Association, for their continued support of the event.