The Harden Red Devils Rugby Club came together on Saturday September 3 to celebrate 40 years since the club was established. Over 200 people were on hand to witness an invitational match between the Hilltops Barbarians and the Harden Red Devils.
The match started at a frenetic pace with the Hilltops side showing their class in the early stages. The Devils must have been wondering what it would be like to have a few of the Barbarians playing with them in the South Coast Comp on Saturdays. The Barbarians went in for no less than 7 first half tries whilst the Devils did their best to keep up. The second half saw a change in attack and the men in red kept the ball in hand and recycled it in the forwards to their advantage.
Harden looked to have the best of it in the second half and came back strongly to make a good contest of it. No one was really watching the scoreboard as the game was being played in good fun however the Barbarians came out on top. After the match both sides linked arms and sang the Devil’s team song.
Club Treasurer Simon Watts said “It was a very successful day, the Muddy Duck did a great job with the catering and it was like the good old days, with music, socialising and beverages a plenty.” A 100 club was conducted and was won by Simon Pettit who is one of the founding members of the club. A highlight of the night was watching Club Legend Heath Kirk belt out a rendition of ‘Dingo’ with the assistance of Danny Spillane’s daughter.
Danny was unable to attend as he is currently in Sydney. Some much needed fundraising was conducted with several auction items up for grabs including fencing by Harry Sachs, electrical work by Clint Stevens and Thank a Farmer merchandise by Jim Honner. The proceeds will go to buying jumpers for 2017 and paying affiliation fees for the competition. The club would like to thank the Harden Race Committee and Hilltops Council for their assistance.
