Moree's Gomeroi Goannas win KARI Ella 7s title at Dubbo

But the victory at Apex Oval meant an incredible amount to all those involved with the Moree-based team.

This year marked the first time the Goannas had contested the largest Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander sevens tournament in the country without William Beale, one of their founding members.

Beale passed away late last year so prior to the 2020 carnival at Dubbo the Goannas came together and said they would 'do it for Willy'.

So when Lincoln Whiteley barged his way across the line in the final minute of the decider to give his side the lead, it set off wild celebrations.

"That meant a lot to the boys," coach Denzel Tighe said after the win.

"We've been working to this for three years and this one is for Willy Beale.

"He started it and was one of the founders so it meant a lot and all us mob from Moree, it's good to put the talent on show and get away with the win.

"But this means a lot to a lot of people and this one was for him."

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For the past three years, the Goannas have been going one better than their previous year's performance - in 2018 they won the bowl final and last year won the plate final, before finally taking out the cup this year.

However, there was one point on Saturday afternoon where it appeared the Goannas wouldn't reach the final but a try for Whiteley in the dying seconds of the semi clash with Skindogs Gold saw his side through.

Whiteley delivered again in the main game and went on to be named player of the final, but David Green also played a major role in Gomeroi's triumph.

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The deceptively quick winger bagged a hat-trick against the La Perouse side coached by former Wallaby Lloyd Walker.

Walker's side had shown its title credentials when downing powerhouse two-time defending premiers Southern Kings in the semis.

Green's third try in the decider had the Goannas trailing by just two in the final minutes but the biggest moment of the match had yet to happen.

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Following the first play from the ensuing Gomeroi kick-off, tensions boiled over and a scuffle broke out.

Only one yellow card was given, to La Perouse's former Dubbo junior Tyson Fuller, and the Goannas made the extra man count as Whiteley went on a rampaging run as the seconds ticked down to secure victory.

"The boys played some good rugby but there was a few heart attacks for myself on the sideline," Tighe said.

"That's the way we do, we do it the hard way. There's a lot of good teams who came here today and we fought hard and got it done so it was exciting."

Earlier in the day, the Goannas also faced tight competition in fellow Moree team the Mehi Warriors, led by Jamie Sampson, who went on from their 31-17 loss to the Goannas to later win the bowl final.

Tighe said the Moree clash was the "game of the day".

"It was back and forth tries and was 17-all at one point; it was really good," he said.

Moree also had another side take part in the indigenous tournament - the Charlie French Memorial.

The tournament wasn't just about the rugby as a number of health and well-being services tents were on hand to offer support for any player of supporter, something Tighe said was important during what has been a difficult time for many in the far west.

"Hopefully we can come back next year and keep building for our community. There's tough time and there's a lot about mental health but you've got to keep going and overcoming the barriers in life," he said.

"It's good to be part of a tournament like this where you can gather communities.

"We don't see each other every know and again so when we come together for something like this it's special and means a lot to the community."

Tighe thanked their major sponsors, Pius X Aboriginal Corporation, as well as all the players and families who took part.

This story first appeared on the Daily Liberal.