The June 2025 weekend of the 27th and 28th will be remembered by all who attended as a weekend of celebration and 50 years of Elks rugby in Glen Innes. Australian rugby CEO Phil Waugh extended his congratulations to all who participated and commended the club on achieving the 50 year anniversary. The festivities commenced with an early tee off at the Glen Innes Golf Club on the Friday with Phil Evans taking charge, organising carts and a barbeque lunch, assisted by Doug Stevenson and Graham Price. It was great to see the old club members roll in and the camaraderie of years past relived. Glen Innes had turned on one of its best winter days and many a fine shot was recorded.
Friday evening saw the numbers increase as early arrivers gathered at the New England Club for welcome drinks. Murray Hartin, our guest presenter, renewed older acquaintances and the club provided a welcoming drink and a great atmosphere with wives and ex-players enjoying a social get together that lasted till the closing hours. Some photos at the golf club and the NEC captured the friendship and memorabilia prepared by Jim Ritchie reminded us all of our links to Glen Innes rugby and was a great way to roll into Saturday’s activities.
Saturday morning saw preparations at the Services club with seating and tables for 280 guests, lighting prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Hill, table decorations, memorabilia, and old photos for a PowerPoint presentation. Thanks to Nardine and Tamika Seagraves for their sterling effort and of course, over 130 rugby jumpers of all descriptions to decorate the auditorium.
Saturday’s rugby highlighted three games with the Tenterfield Bumblebees, victorious in third grade, coached by none other than former Elk Phil Jones. A free running 50-year-old and former junior Elk and representative Matthew Ellis put a seal on a great game with a runaway try under the post on full time. The Elkettes with the home ground advantage and a bench full of subs were outplayed by a very willing Tamworth Minions team confirming their top of the table status. The crowd, swelled by the old boys and reunion gatherers watched a spirited second grade game, led by club stalwart Tom Benton. The Elks matched motors with a strong Tamworth, Magpie’s team, who pressed home a scoreboard lead until the full-time hooter. Mention must be made of an outstanding contribution from a young lock forward Frank Baker, having one of his formative games for the Elks and scored two tries. The day was rounded off with merchandise sales of Elks caps and stubby holders, along with a busy bar and barbeque organised by Steve Daley and Michael Lamph, along with present players. A 100 club raffle proved popular with Phil Jones’ initiative, a nice earner to kick off a targeted fundraiser towards clubhouse and ground improvements at Rugby Park.
A sellout crowd gathered at the Services Club on the Saturday evening to relive the spirit and friendships celebrated over 50 continuous years of rugby in Glen Innes. Don Hall, inaugural president of the Elks in 1975 stated that over the past five decades he had marvelled at the journey of this rugby club. From humble beginnings at the showground to our time at the Golf Club and now to Wilson Park. The Elks have continued to grow, adapt, and thrive with each new chapter. In recent years, the Elks women’s team has become a vital and inspiring part of our club’s story. Past player Chris Zucka toasted the club’s history and the friendships that the club has fostered over the years.
Masters of Ceremonies, Sam Baker and Murray Hartin entertained a captive audience. Craig Thomas welcomed the vast number of attendees, some of whom had travelled long distances, and noted the significant sponsorships the club had received. Longtime sponsor Ranger’s Valley continued this theme and supplied the beef for an excellent meal, noting that the Ranger’s Valley sponsorship extends way back to the late 1980s.
Attendees then witnessed a fast-paced auction of rugby memorabilia and donated items. The auction far exceeded the organiser’s wildest expectations and attendees’ generosity, and goodwill extended to the club’s platinum, gold, silver and bronze pledges that will fund further developments at Rugby Park for future generations. Club president Sarah Byrne, in her second year as president, stated that she continued to be humbled by the passion, loyalty, and spirit that the club inspires not just in those who play coach and volunteer, but in everyone who has walked through the doors over the past five decades. Long-standing clubman Sam Price was presented with life membership and Sarah commended Michael Miller and Tom Benton for their hard work in maintaining the club in recent years.
A final thank you was extended to the reunion committee led by Craig Thomas, Sam Baker, Michael Lamph, Phil Evans, and Jim Ritchie who were supported by John Newsome, Doug Stevenson, Brad Newsome, Dave Thomas, Tom Benton, Bree Risby, Sam Price, Eunice Vivers and Graham Price. Special mention to Nardene Seagraves for her terrific photos taken at Rugby Park on the Saturday, while Jim Barker captured some special moments at the Services Club.
As we share stories, remember teammates and watch new generations take the field, we remind ourselves why this game and this club matters so much. Thank you for being part of the journey – Up the Elks!
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