The sun was out for a great day of school sports at Hardinge St Oval on Friday and the 2024 edition of the Chummy Bartlett Shield event.
For the traditional local school sports showdown, four local schools - Deni North, Edward Public, Deni South and St Michael’s - competed in football, netball and newcombe ball.
Returning last year from a forced COVID-19 break, St Michael’s went into the day on Friday with a point to prove.
But it was Deniliquin South who rose above this year, claiming their 10th shield since the sports day was established.
Named in honour of local sporting legend and junior sports advocate James ‘Chummy’ Bartlett, the day is built mainly on the physical health, enjoyment and sportsmanship of primary-level school students rather than the competitiveness of the sports.
But, of course, the rivalry between schools added to the day’s atmosphere.
Final results were as follows:
First place: Deniliquin South School
Second place: St Michael’s School
Third place: Edward Public School
Fourth place: Deniliquin North School
Before his death in 2018, Chummy would be on hand to present the shield to the winning team.
His family continue the tradition in his honour.
This year, Chummy’s daughter Eunice Bennett was accompanied by her son Brodie to present the shield.