Organised by the Port Stephens Committee, and Kicking off on Saturday night with a Sportsmen’s dinner attended by 160 appreciative attendees, the night was highlighted by a wonderful array of speakers, gag deliveries and entertaining anecdotes.
Committee President Bill Gainsford welcomed all attending the Family of League dinner, before tossing the microphone to Peter Parr, Director of Football at the Newcastle Knights, who delivered a very impressive vision on the future of the knights.
Aust and Parra winger Neville Glover furthered proceedings with a few humorous yarns, backed up by former ABC Grandstand presenter Gerry Collins, as he fuelled the mire of the evening. Denman Rugby League Club President Jay Shepherdson, who is a regular to the tournament, also thrilled the crowd with his impressive auctioneering style.
The night progress to near perfection as the stunningly delicious five-star meal was unveiled by the Blue Water Grill. Which was the perfect fuel to prepare all engines for the following day’s golfing event.
Presented as a lush green field of enticement, the day exploded with anticipation as our salivating golfers ventured towards this ‘mint condition’ course, all complemented with fundraising entry fees, raffles and auction items… to deliver an optimum outcome for this worthy cause.
The major event played on the day was the Ross Gigg Memorial shield, named after a great Penrith clubman who passed away in 2014, after enjoying a very successful career spanning 10 years.
- Winners were Jamie and Ryan O’connor, Simon Law and Jason Pepper,
- Gymea course winners were Jon Voll, Bill Barton, Kirsten Conroy and Graeme Allen
- Christmas course winners were Peter Kent, Neil Edwards, Rod Maher and Greg Bezidenhuit
- Brush Box course winners were Matt Bailey, Darren Mottram, Stephen Eckersley and Sam Triffit
Tournament directors Max Pride and Gregg Spaggs were generous in their praise of the terrific support from sponsors and club officials, thanking all those associated with the event… culminating in an outstanding result for raising wellbeing funds.
The Family of League committee is extremely grateful to the wonderful support received from the local business and sporting communities and look forward to celebrating the fifteenth anniversary event in 2024.