The game was played in Wauchope at Andrews Park on Saturday, July 23 and was a special match for captain James Stribbling.

It was to be the stalwart’s last game on home soil before retiring at the end of the year. While his sideline conversion on full time fell short, his dedication to the club certainly hasn’t.

The effort shown by the players to get the win typified the respect he holds within the playing group of a club that is barely two years old.

Stribbling started playing rugby seven years ago for the Port Pirates after moving to town from Orange.

“I was 30 and hadn’t played since I was 15,” he said.

“The club welcomed me warmly even though my level of playing talent wasn't very high. Two players Peter Sales and Michael Mitchell really took me under their wings and I learnt a lot, not just about playing on the field but the values of rugby union off it.”

Having reached as far as he could go with the Pirates, and with so many players in their ranks, it was always tough to break into the team.

He was approached by Marc Minor, the current Wauchope Thunder first grade coach and one of the founders of the club.

“He saw more potential in me than I think I ever saw in myself, and combined with then president Peter Daley’s passion for building a new club, it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“With that belief from Marc I worked the hardest I ever had on my fitness as I felt I needed to pay it back in turn.

He said it has been an honour and a privilege to captain the reserve grade side and getting the win on the weekend wasn’t satisfying only because it was his last ever game at Wauchope.

“It was satisfying because it was a reward to all the players who have stuck with the club through a hard and testing season,” he said.

“Also to all our supporters and sponsors who come out every home game and still cheer us on even when the results have been tough.

“I hope those players that continue playing see that the good results will come it just takes time to build a consistent rugby side.

“The younger players should all be proud on how far they have developed in just two seasons.

“The future of rugby in Wauchope looks bright with talented juniors also coming through.

“It's been a great privilege to play rugby and I’m proud that although I’m not the most naturally talented player, through hard work and never giving up I can say I achieved things like captaining a side and making my first grade debut this year at the age of 36.”

There is no doubt that Stribbling will leave a legacy with the Thunder club, showing that by putting in the hard work, the rewards will come. 

Reserve grade coach Dean Hawkins said it was an amazing feeling to get a hard-fought win after a season of losses.

“It’s a good feeling considering the tough year we’ve had. It was a good club effort and that’s what I put the win down to,” he said.

“We wanted something and we got it because we dug deep. The players knew that they were putting in for Stribbo as well.

“He’s one of the main men in the club and he’s put in such a big effort for the club, both on and off the field.”

The Thunder play Coffs Harbour in Coffs this weekend.