It was proudly organised by Deniliquin District Soccer Club, together with the Strike Force Soccer Academy.
All schools in the district were invited to participate.
Ten teams made up of Year 5 and 6 students competed, representing small schools from across the district, as well as schools in Deniliquin and Finley.
Held as a round robin, all teams played three games each.
Only two teams managed to win all three of their games, which saw Finley PS 1 and Deni North PS 1 battle it out in a dramatic 4-4 grand final.
The match included header goals, own goals and penalty kicks to add World Cup-level action for all spectators to see.
In overtime, the ‘golden goal’ was scored by Deni North player Miles Allitt, giving them a 5-4 win and a Freddo Frog filled golden trophy to take back to school.
The Golden Boot trophy also went to Deni North, with Rocky Sztejman claiming it for his 13 goals throughout the day.
A Most Valuable Player and Rising Star Award was also awarded to members of each team, with the recipients as follows:
Small Schools (Blighty/Conargo/Mayrung): MVP - Ollie Delwo; Rising Star - Beau Jervis.
Edward PS: MVP - Oliver Ives; Rising Star - Myley Simmons.
Finley PS1: MVP - Toby Loughridge; Rising Star - Chelsea Kennedy.
Finley PS 2: MVP - Judd Clarke; Rising Star - Savannah Flemming.
St Michael’s 1: MVP - Daniel Burn; Rising Star - Stella Andrews.
St Michael’s 2: MVP - Finn Bult; Rising Star - Talitha Lawson.
Deni South PS 1: MVP - Bentley Hardmen; Rising Star - Gabby Crothers.
Deni South PS 2: MVP - Travis Hanns; Rising Star - Olivia Jeffrey.
Deni North PS 1: MVP - Jack McGrillen; Rising Star - Seth Boyer.
Deni North PS 2: MVP - Jaxon Rothe; Rising Star - Sam Strong.
Cup organisers say the carnival was such a great success, it would now become an annual event.
“All schools showed sportsmanship, skill and stamina and should be proud of their performances,” organisers said.
“Everyone is looking forward to the 2024 Annual Deni Cup, with a standing open invitation to all schools in the region.
“Thank you to Intersport Bennett’s Deniliquin for donating three prize packs for the player raffle, we appreciate your support.”
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