The Glen Innes Elks Rugby Club will celebrate 50 years of continuous rugby since reforming in 1975. Whilst records show that rugby union was first played in Glen Innes in 1880 it has had a chequered start over the years with many starts, including combining with rugby league in 1931. However, under the guidance of Don Hall – the president in 1975 – the club has not looked back since this time, playing continuously for the last 50 years.
To celebrate 50 years the Elks have organised a big weekend over the 27th and 28th of June. The weekend will kick off with a Golf Ambrose starting at 1pm on Friday afternoon. Following the golf there will be drinks at the New England Club for all past and present players and their partners which kicks off at 5.30pm.
For those interested, brunch will be available at The Local before the Elks and the Elkettes take on Tamworth Rugby Club in 2nd Grade and ladies, Tenterfield Bumblebees will be the 3rd Grade game. Club President Sarah Byrne said the players are keen to put up a good display for all the past players who will be in attendance so as to ensure a great afternoon of rugby.
A dinner will be held at the Services Club at 5.30pm on Saturday night following the rugby. The night will be hosted by the renowned Murray Hartin, considered to be one of Australia’s leading rhyming poets. A highlight of the night will be the auctioning of two platinum tickets to the Lions Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane and accommodation, a Randwick race day package at one of their feature races and a jersey donated by Wallaby Jake Gordon. Local rugby and past NSW player Alex Newsome has sourced the playing jerseys and will also include a NSW Waratahs jumper for auction. A silent auction, including rugby memorabilia, will also be held and entertainment provided by Jacko the DJ.
Tickets to the dinner are $100 per head and will include finger food and main meal.
All funds raised from the weekend will be put towards improvements at the Elks home ground at Wilson Park. Proposed upgrades include improved spectator cover, and possibly improved irrigation for the field.
Tickets to the dinner are available online at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1402548. There will be no tickets available at the door on the night so book early to avoid missing out.
Contact Tom Benton 0487 203 460 or Craig Thomas 0428 669 500 for more information.
