THE weekend bye for the AFA didn't mean a rest for talented 19 year old and under players from the Avon League.
On any other weekend they are fierce rivals but for the Northern Regions Colts Carnival players from Federals, Railways, York, Keller-Tammin, Cunderdin and Beverly all combined in a display of unity that resulted in some very exciting football.
Played in Wongan Hills, the carnival was a chance to select a team for the upcoming Landmark Country Allstars Carnival.
The weekend got off to a great start with Avon, 7-3-45, having a convincing win over the Mortlock team, 2-4-16.
A towering mark in the goal square capped a solid game for Federals player Lachlan Dunkerton.
The following game was a gripping arm wrestle against Central Midlands.
The early play went the way of Central Midlands but a thrilling last ditch effort by Beverly youngster Khyle Ugle in the goal square got the Avon team across the line 3-9-27 to 3-4-22.
Play resumed on Sunday in atrocious conditions against the North Midlands team.
Initially, Avon started well, however the North Midlands team finished stronger, running out 15 point winners.
This game saw some resolute defence from regular Federals player, Ryan Van-Beek and some real dogged in and under work from Kellerberin's Harrison King.
The last game before finals was a do or die match against the Great Northern side.
The Avon side went down 3-0-18 to the much bigger bodied Great Northern side, 7-8-50.
Railway's own Cameron Watson played well in ruck all weekend, and stood tall in this game against much bigger opposition.
In the playoff for 3rd spot, Avon faced a much fresher Central Midlands side and initially broke away to a three goal lead however tired legs eventually caught up with them and the game was drawn by a Central Midlands Goal with only 3 seconds left on the clock.
Ultimately, the carnival was won by an impressive Great Northern side against the North Midlands team, and as a result, these two teams supplied the bulk of players when the Northern Region All Star team was announced.
The Avon players rewarded with a spot in the side were Ryan Van-Beek (Federals), Lachlan Dunkerton (Federals), Harrison King (Kellerberrin), David Smith (Cunderdin), Hunter Onn (Cunderdin) and Matthew Reynolds (York).
These players will travel to Mandurah for the Landmark Country Championships, to be played between July 9-11..