Despite appalling weather there has been a really good turnout of spectators, co-ordinator Matt Rose said yesterday.

He said 7800 people passed through the gate on Saturday, and the event has attracted 2500 players.

Mr Rose said it has been a fantastic carnival all round with everyone enjoying themselves and having a really good time.

Yesterday police said that despite the large influx of visitors to the city there had been no more behavioural problems than you would expect on a normal weekend in Bathurst.

Duty officer Mark Bakunowich said that up until yesterday afternoon there had been a few little alcohol related offences but not one thing of great concern.

“So far we are happy with the way things have transpired,” Duty Officer Bakunowich said.

“There has just been the usual weekend stuff.

“When you have extra police in town because there are extra visitors in town, it does make a difference.

“Visibility is the key.”

Duty Officer Bakunowich said police would be keeping a close eye on behaviour during and after the NRL grand final.

“Many of the teams have finished playing now and sometimes players like to let their hair down, so we need to watch that,” he said.

Duty Officer Bakunowich said no on-the-spot fines or infringement notices were handed out under Premier Barry O’Farrell’s new legislation to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour.

He said if people were asked to move on, they moved on.

Mr Rose said today would be a big day for the competition when the semi-finals and grand final were held.

He added that a lot of families turned out to support the players, who came from all over the state.

“This is our 41st knockout, so we have a long history,” he said.

“We started out with seven teams and now we are up to 82 teams from all over NSW.

“Accommodation in Bathurst has been booked out. Orange and Lithgow too.

“Obviously I grew up here. Me and my brother, we thought it would be good for the local economy to bring the event here to Bathurst.

“Everyone has really loved the facilities and I am getting excellent feedback from the teams and the supporters.”

One family made the trip from Newcastle to support Kirran Shearer as he played for the Newcastle Yowies.

His mum Tracey Shearer said this had been a great event and very well organised.

Ms Shearer said the facilities were terrific and having the three ovals close together was a real bonus, especially in the shocking weather.

“I go to all the knockout carnivals and out of all of them, this one is really running well,” she said.