The competition is for players 35 and over and the emphasis is definitely on fun – and the chance to have a beer or two after the game.

Representing the local area were the returning Batemans Bay Olde Boares with players from the Broulee Dolphins making up newcomers to the carnival.

The Southern Rough Riders invitational team drew players from destinations up to nine hours away to support the event.

Other teams were the Vincentia Van Gones, Cooma Knackered Brumbies, the Braidwood Daddy Long Legs, Wollongong Viking Longhorns, Terrey Hills Stillbillies, Shoalhaven Heads Aged Gentlemen (the SHAGs), ACT Vets, Tuggeranong/Jindabyne Soreheads, Gungahlin Golden Eagles, Australian Command and Staff College in Canberra, and the Western Wiley Rams.

After last year’s bush fires this was a great way to help the Tathra area, with teams and their families enjoying the local businesses.

The Broulee contingent also bought the most expensive crab in the Friday night mud crab which raised money for the David Dodd Sporting Scholarship. It helps local secondary students attend sporting events out of the area.

The Southern Rough Riders team also donated an additional $500.

A great day was had by all and the day saw a mix of serious rugby interspersed with some light-hearted moments.

With the score of every game a 2-2 draw, the focus was on fun and the games were played at a pace more akin to how the players remembered playing in their glory years, even if their aged bodies struggled to keep up.

For more images of the day go the the Southern Rough Riders Rugby Team Facebook page