While few had a problem with the shift from Saturday to Sunday, many sighted the colder conditions of a later game as a major turn-off.

Ian Jeans, father of Southcity’s Hayden Jeans, said he would like to see the day grand final return.

“At 3pm the sun is out and it’s much nicer,” he said.

“I think it’s harder for the players at night too with the lights, there were a lot of dropped balls.”

Lucy Stokes, who travelled from Hay for the game, was also against the change.

“If it’s at this time again I won’t be here again next year.”

Southcity fan Luke Wood said he liked the change, but emphasised that it was not as family friendly as an afternoon fixture.

“I like night games themselves, they’re just something different and it makes for a good atmosphere,” he said.

“But as a family outing, it’s too cold for the kids.”