Hundreds of footballers converged at the Molyneux Sports Ground in Alexandra over the weekend, where three tournaments took place simultaneously over the several nearly full size football pitches. 

The Open Grade Mens, Ladies and Mens Masters had teams in from as far afield as Christchurch and Invercargill, all competing for bragging rights and trophies. Four teams from Wanaka travelled over to play in the long running, well organised and officiated tournament on the pristine turf.

Wanaka Ladies: Back row (from left): Phoenix Brownlie, Natalie Ward, Jessica Zeestraten. Front row (from left): Carmel Sealey, Dominika Wandel, Sarah Veasey, Linda Smith, Carlos Baker,. Not pictured: Elise Butler and Jenny Bayliss.

On Saturday (October 19) each team played five games to qualify for the next day’s finals, with the exception of the Masters who round-robin style mini-league. The Masters only conceded one goal over the two days of football and won all but one of their games to retain their title for the fourth consecutive season.

Wanaka Braves: Victor Meija, Micheal Harry, Brandon Dickson, Matt Carr, Mike Finlay, Nico Funes, Francisco Castillo Bazaes (Pancho), Everton Furby, Ferg Mclean, Jamie Slade, Jonathan Williams. Not pictured: Chris Hazeldine.

The Ladies had a similar run, with four wins and a draw in the qualifiers, going on to win the semi and the exciting final to also retain their title for the fourth consecutive time. 

In the highly competitive Mens grade, two teams from Wanaka competed and qualified for the Sunday knockout. Wanaka Braves unfortunately lost in round 16 to local rivals and eventual finalists, Queenstown Lakes. However, they met their match in the final against the Wanaka As. A very strong performance from the As completed the clean sweep as they won the game 4 - 1. The Wanaka As have now won the tournament three times in the last four years.

Wanaka: Back row: Thomas Van Hees, John Skilton, Tim Zeestraten, Allan Carmichael, Sam Ritchie, Valentin Nova. Front row: Harry Browne, Aaron Molloy, Ethan Arratia, Paul Hodgson. Not pictured: Harry Grimsdale.

It was an amazing weekend of football. 

PHOTOS: Supplied