The Scorpions fended off last year's Belgrave Cinema Cup winners, East Armidale, to take out the annual pre-season soccer tournament.

They beat their rivals 2-1 in the final.

Club president Joe Campbell said it was an "encouraging" way to start the season.

"It always a good little pre-season hit out to see where everyone is at," he said.

"It is really good to be able to play it and get the guys on the pitch and see where we are at as well.

"We have got a long history with Easts and we have got that rivalry which is great.

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"They can leave it on the pitch, which they do. We look forward to having a good tough season with everybody, particularly them."

The Sport UNE Football League is due to begin this Saturday, weather pending.

Campbell believes there will be an increase in match quality this year with newcomers to town signing up for the sport.

"One thing we noticed the Ezidis are starting to spread themselves out among the clubs which is great, I think it was always the goal for the association," he said.

"With the solar farm in town, it is bringing a few people with decent ability to town to join clubs as well.

"The standard of football in the community is only going to get better."

The April 2 start is earlier in the year than usual but with recent seasons COVID-affected, the association was aiming to fit in as many games as possible.

There is still question marks over the start with ground closures.

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