70 years of Molong Rugby Union and Molong Magpies
1971 U18 Magpie Legends L-R Ian Gosper, Paul Murray, Terry Rothery, Philip McKenzie Toby Lyons, Bill Kilby, Bob Alexander and ring-in Bill Foy.
Since the Bloomfield boys (Norm and Ray) set their sights on playing local Rugby Union there has been ‘hot competition’ between rugby league (the longtime favoured footy in town) rugby union - and then rivalry between the various towns and villages in the competitions. In 1954, the story goes that the Bloomfield brothers, ‘Bullet ‘Kevin Dean, and others wandered down to the Freemason’s Hotel for a meeting. Now, that was an unusual (and miraculous) move in Molong where the top pub, the Telegraph Hotel, was the meeting (and drinking place) for the town’s long standing Rugby League players. Apparently, the residents of Molong and District were divided (one of the many times in Molong’s history) about the break-away from traditional footy. But the boys got themselves together - brought in some top guns - and Molong can boast
a new code that emerged as ‘winners’ many a time of the changing region’s competitions. Many a grand final was won - maybe just as many lost. However, ‘passion’ became the winner of many a game over the past 70 years. Old boys came back to Molong last weekend - some of the many characters of the game. Most came from school footy to wear Magpies guernseys. The smiles and the bantering heard around the Rec. and Telegraph Pub on Saturday - not forgetting Saturday night - was filled with the humour of the teams, the game, and other stories (mostly fetched!) Congratulations to the former, and today’s Magpies in not only playing for your town - region (some State) for helping to keep the Rugby tradition alive for today and tomorrow’s Juniors. Then again, in 70 years time there will surely be Magpie Hens representing their towns.
LEFT: 1971 U18 Captain Toby Lyons presents his jersey to current Club Captain Zac White with President Matt Steventon looking on. ABOVE: Bob Sullivan, Sarah and Jim Harris. BELOW LEFT: Greg Traves, Jeremy Buckland, Jack Pratten, Mark Cassidy , Nick Cooper, Michael Cavanaugh, and Peter Haynes. BELOW RIGHT: Allan Hubbard and his match assistant
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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 27 July 2023
