Perfect weather and a huge crowd complimented the many months of hard work by Narrandera Shire Council and the Narrandera footy club to get the ground looking as good as it did on Saturday. 

It was indeed the jewel of the town as it welcomed back an AFL pre-season match for the first time in many years. 

Out this way there is always conjecture about where the better footy ground is located. 

There’s no question if you asked anyone in Narrandera, the MIA or even south west area – the answer would be Narrandera Sportsground. 

They acknowledge the upgrade at Robertson Oval in Wagga, but will always maintain Narrandera can boast the better facility. 

Having attended the game on Saturday and many matches previously at Robertson Oval, this time it was Narrandera that was certainly the clear winner. 

They day ran like clockwork and the facilities provided were absolutely spot on. 

It just goes to show that these smaller towns and regional areas can match it with their “bigger brothers”. 

These types of matches should always be played at places like Narrandera. 

It brings people to town, they spend their money and explore the area. 

I don’t see why this can’t happen if all of the blood, sweat and tears has gone into it to create something that really was special on Saturday. 

Bigger cities like Wagga tend to have the money and the capacity to host events that draw tourism numbers throughout the year. 

Places like Narrandera have to build on their strengths and obviously don’t have the means to be hosting these big events every weekend. 

Narrandera’s strength is its sportsground, so it definitely should be at the top of the list the next time such an opportunity comes around. 

Regional areas shouldn’t be overlooked for premier events because towns like Narrandera have proven time and again it is possible to put on a great show. 

There’s no reason why Leeton can’t develop it’s own “jewel” in its crown and do the same for all variety of events in the future. 

Congratulations to all involved on Saturday and to the crowd for its impeccable behaviour.