Event organiser and Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald said the focus was on bringing the Ararat community together and providing a fitting tribute to the 157 Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty.

"The game itself was an honourable way of showing respect for the Blue Ribbon Foundation and what it represents," he said.

Visitors were officially welcomed to Gordon Street Oval with a performance of the Haka.

A minute's silence was also observed prior to the match to honour those members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Victoria Police Pipe Band made the trip up to Ararat for the occasion, braving wet, windy conditions.

"They were outstanding. They were in full ceremonial dress, including kilts and the weather must have been going straight through them, but they indicated they were happy to come up again next year," Leading Senior Constable MacDonald said.

"The Coppers who came up were also fully supportive. We had guys drive up to eight hours with turnaround time to come here and play."

The match was a physical one, played with full contact.

"There were some big hits - I think most of the players were quite surprised by the voracity the game was played in," Leading Senior Constable MacDonald said.

"There was really good sportsmanship shown by both sides. The spirit it was played in was admirable."

Leading Senior Constable MacDonald said he had received plenty of feedback from both players and supporters.

"Everyone really enjoyed it and they're keen to get it up and running again next year," he said

Leading Senior Constable MacDonald said the Victoria Police Rugby Club had invited the Ararat/Stawell Devils to travel to Melbourne to contest the title in 2013.

"We actually want them to come back here and to have the event here regularly," he said.

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"I think the event will help develop both the rugby league club and the sport in this area."

Leading Senior Constable MacDonald congratulated the Ararat/Stawell Rugby League club for getting behind the event, which brought together sport, culture and community.

"They did a marvellous job representing Ararat. I'd also like to thank the Police members who came from all over the state to support it," he said.

"We'd also like to thank Ararat Rural City Council for the use of the venue, Victorian Rugby League for supplying us with Melbourne Storm showbags and the community members who gave up their own time to work behind the scenes."

Leading Senior Constable MacDonald encouraged anyone who was interested in participating in the sport, or in the Blue Ribbon Rugby League Cup in the future to contact him.

"We're certainly looking forward to next year's event already," he said.

"Hopefully next year the weather will be on our side!"

* Any members of the Ararat and district community who are interested in participating in a midweek evening touch rugby competition should also phone Leading Senior Constable MacDonald on 0417 309 308.

The competition will not be aimed just at rugby players, but will allow novices to develop an aptitude for the sport and will provide footballers with an opportunity to keep up their fitness and ball handling skills during the off season.