Earlier this month, exceptional numbers attended the opening round of the CRL 9’s women’s competition at McKinnon Field.

And, on Saturday, hundreds re-emerged to watch two junior showdowns, featuring youngsters from Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and neighbouring towns.

The Newcastle Knights Chargers and Greater Northern Tigers locked horns in under-16 and under-18 encounters.

Luckily, not even the 35-plus degree heat could drain the players’ enthusiasm.