Kiama Celebrated 50 Years of Rugby 2010
After years of preparation the weekend of 18th, 19th and 20th of June 2010 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the reborn Kiama Rugby Club.
Over 700 invitations were extended to past players and supporters. Richard Statham, Mick Cook, Greg Howard and Geoff Dowd did a tremendous job compiling the data base and spreading the word. Ex players came from far and wide to take part in the various social activities and reminisce with the maximum amount of exaggeration about exploits on and off the field during their time with the club.
Friday night was designated as a loosening up exercise of the social muscles at our major sponsor’s premises, The Kiama Inn. The tone was set for the weekend with the bending of elbows and a much needed low altitude acclimatization period a must for the following high velocity days.
Saturday loomed as a showdown with arch rivals Vikings. Kiama Showgound was a picture of celebration with a huge crowd in attendance. The club did a wonderful job with extra bars and barbies doing a roaring trade.The ladies in the canteen and the Blowhards at the various bars toiled hard all day. As did all volunteers!
Unfortunately the very strong Vikings teams rained on our parade in 1sts and 2nds but the gallant Thirsty Thirds kept the Ki flag flying.
The clubhouse was awash with past and present players. There was many a friendly grin of recognition and a pressing of flesh as the camaraderie of the old days was rekindled. The hoots of laughter and good natured ribbing kept the clubhouse buzzing all afternoon until it was time for the main event in the newly refurbished Kiama Showground Pavilion.
President Mark Bryant and Sarah Burton did a marvelous job fine tuning what turned out to be a night to remember. 500 people piled through the doors with partying to the utmost on top of their agendas.The junior rugby club manned the entrance with Rob and Peta Priest, Richard Asquith and Mick Shanahan ensuring a smooth entry into the soiree. Redknob and Bec McAlister provided great support and made sure all attendees were catered for.
The responsibility of the upkeep of liquid refreshments came down to the combined logistical genius of Bill Chalmers, Steve Woolett, Steve Thorley, Jim Carney and an army of Blowhards.
All Life Members were presented to the audience .Their number was added to by the induction of 80’s legend Lloyd Ferguson by the legendary Mick Cook.
Mark Bryant then presented the team of the 50 years with the inclusion of Mick Quinn and Ruan Sims providing the highlights.
Players from all eras mingled but as the night began to mellow they tended to group back into their old team cadres and really began to dig up the nitty gritty of yesteryear. A large contingent from our old rivals Vikings added a special flavor to the proceedings illustrating the mutual respect between both clubs. As the night wound down and the Pavilion disgorged the copious crowd of revelers. Some chose to kick on while others chose to rest and recoup for the day.
On the Sunday it was the juniors turn to celebrate with a full complement of games against the old blue foe, Vikings. The spoils were evenly shared and displayed the great future of Kiama Rugby with the talent on show and the great enthusiasm of the junior parents and committee.
Quite a few hardy souls turned up to enjoy the aura of KRFC and savor the delights of a Kiama egg and bacon roll or a Kev Duncan sausage sandwich.
A hard core of true believers gathered during the early afternoon and decided that they needed more time to reminisce and continued their bonding into the latter hours of the day.
A truly great weekend to commemorate the 50 years of the achievement of a great club. Well done to Mark Bryant for his spot on organization and to all of the hard working people who took part in the organization and actual running of such a special event.
Thanks to Jimmy Regan, Vicki Sweeney, Jenny Piper for all their help with the book.
Al Marsden
Keep watching for.....
- How to join the Supporters Club. See Supporters Link above
- Major social functions on the distant horizon See Events Link above