‘Tries and lies’ make reunion
THERE were more rugby league tries scored, goals kicked and tackles made at Clifford Park Racecourse at the weekend than back in their playing days.
However, that Toowoomba Rugby League camaraderie was very evident when players from the 1970s, 80s and 90s gathered for an afternoon of laughter and memories.
The inaugural TRL catch-up was the brainchild of mates and former footy foes Monty Clelland and Mick “Mog” O’Grady.
“Four of us - Mick O’Grady, Ian Virgin, Greg Rigby and myself - were sitting around talking about the old days and enjoying a laugh,” Mr Clelland said.
“Between the four of us, the clubs of Souths, All Whites (Brothers), Pittsworth and Newtown were represented.
“And, you know, we’re sick of catching up with blokes at funerals.
“We enjoy each other’s company but you lose touch with one another when you stop playing but it’s always fun to catch up.
“So we thought, why not just organise an informal gathering where everyone players, club officials and supporters from our days could get together and have a good afternoon.”
Mr Clelland said everyone at the gathering on Saturday agreed it would be good to make the reunion an annual event.
Ideally, they would like to meet on Pat O’Shea Plate Day at Clifford Park.
“Everyone had an affiliation with Pat,” Mr Clelland said.
“It would be great to have the get-together on Pat’s Day but we’ll have to talk to Racing Queensland because it would have to be on a Saturday.”