Carnarvon Ramblers go back-to-back in Nor-West Cup after defeating Mullewa in the final

While the AFL signalled the return of the footy season footy also returned to the Mid-West as Carnarvon hosted the second annual Nor-West Cup.

The Nor-West Cup sees the three teams from the Gascoyne Football Association Ramblers, Exmouth Eagles and the Warriors compete in a three-round mini tournament with $5000 on the line.

This year the Mullewa Saints also made the trip North as the four competed across six round-robin-shortened games on Saturday afternoon with Ramblers finishing with a perfect 3-0 record.

Ramblers are the reigning premiers of the Gascoyne league completing a perfect season in 2022 and they look to be the best again early doors dominating their games.

They started with a convincing 36-point victory over Mullewa in their opening game while Warriors who claimed just one win last year managed an upset over the Eagles 48-27.

Mullewa bounced back in their second game with a comfortable 22-point win of the Warriors while Ramblers booked their spot in the grand final in a 27-point win over Exmouth.

Mullewa confirmed themselves as Ramblers’ grand final opponents with a win against Exmouth while Ramblers defeated the Warriors by 20 points.

The grand final was a closer affair than their group meeting but Ramblers were once again too strong with a 29-18 win.

Brent Evans was named best afield in the grand final while Warrior Braith Stratton won the $500 dash 4 cash competition.

While the Gascoyne league often has GNFL players popping up from time to time, most notably last year when Gascoyne sent a country week team with some GNFL players as the GNFL didn’t compete, Mullewa is the first full side outside the region to compete in the cup.

It is a partnership that is likely to continue with Mullewa expected to return next year as the association celebrated an enjoyable return to football.

“What a fantastic weekend for football in the Gascoyne. . . only bigger and better things continue to come,” the association said.

“A massive thank-you must go to the Mullewa Football Club for travelling for the event and being the first team outside the Gascoyne to attend we are very much looking forward to having you back again next year.”