The pre-season tournament will be played on a single day on Saturday, March 2, rather than the knockout stage and finals being played on a Sunday morning.

All teams will still be guaranteed at least three games, with sudden-death games beginning about 2.30pm in the afternoon.

The final is expected to be played about 5.30pm, however times may change depending on the number of teams that nominate.

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According to organiser Jess McInerney, recent carnivals have attracted on average 12 teams from across NSW and the ACT.

She said the event was established to give the Young league-tag side an opportunity to have a proper hit-out and bonding session before the Group Nine regular season kicks-off in April.

“The idea of the carnival came about four years ago. The girls were struggling and a lot of players didn’t really know how to play. This pre-season carnival provides an opportunity for players to have a run around and it gives the girls a chance to get together and have a bit of fun before season,” she said.

Teams from Campbelltown, Nowra, Albury and Bombala return each year while a number of sides from Canberra are regular supporters.

This year’s event is again on track to feature about 12 teams.

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“It’s progressed a lot. Goulburn are looking to join this year so we could get more,” Jess said.

Young is aiming to improve on its fifth place finish last year with a number of new faces joining the Cherryettes in 2019.

“We have a big pool of juniors coming up so this carnival will be used more as a bonding session for all the new players,” Jess said.

“It’s always a good night, a lot of teams use it as a bonding session as well as a pre-season hit out.”

Entries close on Friday, February 22.