The Harden Rugby Union 40 year reunion is creating plenty of talk around the district over the last few weeks. Harden Legend Peter O’Connor has sent the Twin Town Times some of the memories he has of his time involved in the club. The reunion will be held on September 3.
The early years We’re Harden Boys. A rugby union club in Harden, it wouldn’t work they said! An inaugural meeting at the Country club, Peter Pettit, Robert Taylor, Simon Pettit, Helen McKay and others. Yes it can be done! Organised trial game against Coota and we won!
Simon Pettit was the Coach and we’re off and running in the South West Reserve Grade. Robert Taylor putting his heart and soul into the club. The whisky brigade on the side line at McLean Oval a permanent fixture. Old Bob Taylor leading the way. Don McFadyen could kick goals from all over the paddock. John Serong using aussie rules skills to kick field goals from our half. The ‘away’ move at the back of the scrum. Leather footballs, heavy from the muddy cricket pitch. Rob Hellyer could step off both feet and made his way to the line many times.
Beers and fights at the Grand Hotel after training, Friday and Saturday nights. The Harden Hawks weren’t our biggest fans but we learned to get along. Beaten in the first year’s grand final by Young, won the next one against Canowindra. Harden gained respect and upset the establishment. Peter and Andrew Norton-Knight, two of the best Harden locals to pull on the boots. Many a cold night training on McLean Oval and later, Roberts Park. Barely enough players to training for a touch footy game. Phil Rourke too busy on the phone to train. School teachers played a big part in success of the club. Straw McDonald, Norm Blacklock, Dick Ruse, Phil Christensen. End of season tour to Bowral, No one saw Henry and Liz for 3 days! Hey Hey its Saturday at Serong’s, Inge swearing at us in German.
Fresh bread from Clarkie’s Bakery after pub shut at 10 o’clock. Sunday clean-ups at the showground, scout hall, Roberts Park. Recoveries at Robert and Annie Taylor’s. Terry and Jan Wetherall came to town, ‘we’re playing 1st grade next year. Terry’s legendary half time speeches. Bill Marshall too tired to play second half. Henry ‘the German’ Swanston. Great mates and two of the best players I have played with. ‘Bring your handbag next time Robbo’- One Harden front rower to a Young front rower.
Playing in the Harden Invitation side against Legendary Randwick side at McLean Oval. Harden v Manly at Wombat Oval. Legends of the game visited Harden over the years Bob Dwyer, Alan Jones, Ken Catchpole, Glen and Gary Ella were but a few. Harden rugby international John Wetherstone pulled on the boots. Cold nights at the showground. Purchasing Scout Hall, mural of the devil and graffiti on the wall. Straw’s Harden Rugby song. 100 club. Building our own club at Robert’s Park. Opening night 500 people turned up and celebrated. Chris Manchester, winger turned prop, untold hours for the club.
Polly Thurkettle started playing Union at 36 and won a Best and Fairest. Ladies were always the backbone, feeding the hungry hoards and keeping the peace. Annie Taylor, and all the wives and girlfriends created the atmosphere of a family club. Influential players and coaches Warren ‘Basher’ Lees, Peter Burke, Norto, Mick Honner, the Minehans, the Davis’, the O’Connors, John Serong, Hugo ‘the tooth fairy’ Sachs. Danny Spillane, ‘2 Seventh Day Adventists went on a barbeque…..’ Brett McCaffery rocking the night into the frosty morning Our publicans and sponsors– John Byrne, Bob and Merry Bowen, Neill Hibbit. Playing with my brothers Paul and John O’Connor. Youngest coach John O’Connor’s enthusiasm. Playing in a 1st grade grand final against Boorowa, Despair at the result. Mick Honner in tears at the end showed how we all felt The Minehans, the Davis family and to many other families.
The Harden Rugby Club was an important community gathering. Many contributed, too many to mention here. Long live the Devils!
