There is a nip in the air in the evenings as autumn deepens.
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The chant of the footy change room war- cries conjures sideline meat pies, beanies, and home-game spirit.
Future Wallabies dangle their skinny legs over the platform below the scoreboard, relishing the chance to flip the numbers as the cheers go up.
The Inverell Highlanders rugby - both seniors and juniors and their die-hard supporters - live and breathe the game.
This is their turf. This is their rugby family.
And with teams from under 6s through to over 35s, they are a family with open arms, always ready to extend their brood of players and supporters.
"We have entered teams in the Friday night competition in the Under 14, Under 16's and Under 18's for boys and girls and are eager to welcome players to bolster them," Junior Highlanders President James Roger said.
"Never has the club been so strong in these Junior teams so it is a great time to join".
Previous years have seen huge success for Inverell teams in the Friday night competition including recent premierships for the under 16s Boys and under 15s Girls teams.
Players and families have enjoyed the convenient Friday night timeslot leaving the rest of the weekend free for other activities.
The senior Highlanders have signed-up some impressive talent this year and have strong player numbers in Mens and Womens.
They have trained hard and are primed to test their skills in a strong 2021 competition.
The women's squad is a "relatively young group with plenty of raw talent supported by a few experienced rep players," coach Dale Beattie described.
The senior season kicked off in Gunnedah, and coach of the squad Red Mayes committed the group to prepare with playing patterns that can be applied in either grade and by the bench.
The first home game is on April 17 and promises to be a worthy clash against Walcha, who have been in consecutive grand finals and won the modified New England competition last year.
Inverell Rugby Park will also give you the chance to flaunt your barbecuing prowess in Monte's Rib Challenge. The challenge is a fundraiser for Beyond Blue and will see local BBQ enthusiasts prepare ribs for a lucky panel of judges. Good fun for as good cause.
Over the year the club is preparing something at the Inverell rugby for everyone.
The Rib Challenge is only one of many off-field enticements with a variety of food stalls, music, the traditional Ladies Day draws an eclectic crowd with a unified purpose - good friends, good footy and good bubbles.
The junior rugby gala day on Sunday June 20 is always a wonderful day out where young players, friends and family gather to enjoy the game, each other's company and a cracker steak sandwich.
Everyone chips in - again, it's all about being part of the rugby family - to make the event a success.
Under 10's Coach Tom Taber enjoys the Gala Day program, saying "we only have to host one gala day then we get to visit other communities and enjoy their hospitality".
Congratulations to the junior players who have been selected to represent the Central North region in rugby at the upcoming Country and State Championships.
The junior rugby gala days and regional representative competitions build the foundations for a strong community club.
These junior events are part of the rugby journey which for most, culminates in some fantastic local senior club rugby.
For a few, it is the beginning of something even greater Inverell will be proud to say we travelled some of the way with them.
Club President Ross Fuller is leading a young, dynamic committee with the job of maintaining the grounds, clubhouse and making sure the players are given the chance to have fun and do their best.
"There is always a chance for people to help out. To run the game you now need accredited Ground Marshalls, first aid and assistant referees. The course is easy and you can be part of the game on the day," he said.
So, head down to the pearly gates of Inverell Rugby Park on April 17 to support our Inverell Highlanders and watch the game they play in heaven.