Ex rugby players reunite in Queenstown
WHAT a day of reminiscence and laughter last weekend’s rugby reunion turned out to be!
An estimated 150 former members of Swifts, Pirates, Villagers, Madeira Park, Tarka, Dordrecht, Elliot, Molteno, Cathcart and other surrounding rugby clubs gathered at the Queenstown Bowling Club last Saturday for the first-ever get-together of players who used to be opponents on the field of play. Many were locals, but others travelled from East London, Cathcart and the Wild Coast to attend.
Porky Fuller, who rep- resented Villagers in 1947 could probably lay claim to going back the furthest, but hot on his heels was Joe Makowem, also a Villager, in 1949.
Interestingly, Porky also formed part of a unique trio of three generations, as he was joined by his son-in-law, Peet van der Walt and Peet and Lorraine’s son, Juan (both Pirates).
Also set to impress was Johnny Arseniou, who arrived resplendent in his 1959 under 21 rugby outfit – not many others could hope to still fit into theirs after 46 years!
Many photographs and other rugby regalia had been sourced and was on display (and will remain so) and, after a welcome by the last Swifts president, Mike Strydom, and recognition of former players and administra- tors who have since died, guests mingled and viewed the display, especially the prized Tiffin Cup, presented in 1897 for the then local premier league.
After a finger lunch the afternoon was spent amid much laughter and narrative about the highs and lows of the various clubs.
An evening meal was served and everyone could settle down at one of the four big-screen television sets to watch the final of the Rugby World Cup which would, of course, have been greatly enhanced if the Springboks had been involved.
The organisers thank all concerned in any way in making the get-together such a memorable one.