With perfect weather and ideal conditions, large crowds flocked to Keith Cullen Oval over both the days to see former players from near and far take to the field.

Organisers have hailed the tournament as a resounding success with spectator numbers and the amount of money raised surpassing all expectations.

The tournament was so successful that it will now become an annual event with next year’s carnival already booked in for the weekend of October 16-17.

Twelve teams, including Harden, Boorowa, Grenfell and Young as well as groups from Bega, Canberra, Wagga and Adelong-Tumut competed over the weekend which gave the perfect opportunity for old team mates to catch up and reminisce.

Cherrypickers president, Steve Woolford, said he had had nothing but positive feedback over the weekend from all quarters - players, spectators, referees and local businesses.

“It’s nothing short of sensational, we couldn’t have asked for a better result,” Woolford said.

Woolford added that one of the more pleasing aspects of the weekend had been the number of spectators who had come to watch.

“It’s not something we thought about, we thought the players would come down by themselves but their families have come as well to watch which I think is why the crowd was like it was,” he said.

The event raised more money than was expected, some of which will go to the Men of League Foundation.

Although no official winners were recorded to keep with the spirit of the friendly competition the Harden team performed exceptionally well on both days and had the better of the Wagga Shamrocks and the Wagga Wannabe Five-Eigths on Saturday which included former players Craig Fields and Steve Reardon.

After heavy celebrations on Saturday night Hardens aches and pains were evident to make for a very slow Sunday game with plenty of interchanges against Adelong-Tumut.