IT’S a timeless cliché that rang true on Sunday: the game was the winner.

A dozen teams of veteran footballers wound back the clock at Cookbundoon Playing Fields when Goulburn hosted its annual over 35s soccer tournament.

Although the Burradoo Blues emerged winners, the weekend was about more than the final result. Wily footballers enjoyed the luxury of chasing down opponents their own speed – and age – and gathered for a drink after the action on both days.

Organiser Darell Orton, who laced up his boots and played for a combined Highlands and Tablelands team, had a list of people to thank on Sunday afternoon.

Not least the referees, who from all accounts did their job at a high standard all weekend. Gary Poile organised the fields and June Lang and her entourage of helpers the canteen.

Orton also extended his gratitude to Tanya, Steve and Joe Granger, Steve Watts, Andrew Travers and Steve Hinwood, among others, who made the tournament possible.

On the football field, it was the Blues that prevailed. Burradoo defeated the Highlands and Tablelands Reds 1-0 in an entertaining final. Kambah Old Boys were declared the fairest players, the Highlands’

David Winn the player of the tournament, and Wagga Wagga the plate winners.