Highlanders ladies sevens kicked off the big day versing Tamworth Pirates. Playing twice, the ladies were narrowly defeated both times.

Up against Walcha, reserves and first scores from the day were collated together for the Neil Porter Shield.

Highlanders secretary Lou Wilson said Saturday marked a decade since Porter’s passing.

“Ten years ago, after an Inverell verse Walcha game, Neil was travelling home to Walcha and died tragically in a car accident. 

“His memorial shield was brought to life and each year when the two teams play, they play for the shield- a special tribute to Neil,” she said.

Although Highlanders suffered a loss in first grade, the combined points score saw Inverell win the shield for another year.

First grade coach Ariki Wineti was impressed by reserve grade’s huge win over Walcha, with the final score 45-19.

“We were a couple tries down early and came back to win quite convincingly. The boys had a good side on the paddock and played well,” he said.

Wineti said reserve grade’s Nick Hollingworth and Luther Robinson were standout players who made a difference on the field.

In first grade, Wineti said the 42-24 loss did not emulate the way the Highlanders played.

“Our performance made a big improvement from last week against Moree. We stuck to our game plan and I’m proud of how the boys went,” he said.

A couple of lapses in their defense saw Walcha’s experienced front row sneak past to score a few too many tries for the Highlanders to come back.

Wineti knew it was going to be a tough match as Walcha were one point away from winning the grand final last year.

“I’m still not happy we lost but the attitude was there. We’re still building, we have a young front row but they stood up against Walcha well.”

Second rower George Murray had a great game, as well as captain Trent Hoscher, according to Wineti.

The boys will not focus their sights to bringing home a win against Gunnedah at the weekend.

Wilson said Ladies Day was an overall success for the Highlanders Club.

Funds raised for the Inverell Maternity Unit are still being counted however a few of the players will make a formal presentation in the coming weeks.

“We had a great turn out to Ladies Day and all the raffle prizes were won. All of the ladies looked so lovely in their touches of pink,” she said.