THE Port Macquarie Boardriders have risen from the dead and are set to rejoin the Hastings League in 2015.
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Playing stalwarts Kliff Foggon and Cyril Marchant joined together with president Craig Taylor to get the Boardies off the ground again and back in the competition.
Foggon said he had to give it a go, after “sitting around” and having a chat one night with Taylor and Marchant.
They got a committee together and put the call out for players. So far there are 24 on the books, according to Marchant.
A Boardie from way back, Chris Fittler, will coach the side again, and Rob Collins will be his assistant.
Jason and Shannon Brazier will be back this season, along with ex-Port City Breaker Ryan Cronin.
Joining Taylor on the committee this year are senior vice president Malcolm Andrews, Marchant as junior vice president, treasurer Vickii Collins and secretary James McCormack.
Collins was hopeful of a good season.
“I think we’ll be alright,” he said.
Taylor paid tribute to Marchant and Foggon for getting things happening again. He was confident in his committee performing behind the scenes.
“There have always been enough people to help the boys out, just not enough players,” he said.
“We’re lucky enough that they [the committee] all want to do it again. Kliff and Cyril have done an amazing job, mainly on Facebook, to get people involved.”
He was hopeful of a good showing now the club was back in the competition.
“I hope so, mate,” he said. “Time will tell.”
The Boardies folded in 2012, and missed the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Their return makes for a nine-team competition in 2015.
Marchant and Foggon hope to organise a trial match with another Hastings League side before the nines competition kicks off on March 14.
“We’re trying to get at least one,” Marchant said.
He’s floating the idea of playing against a Group 3 team.
If you are interested in helping out the club, phone Marchant on 0403 192 521 or Foggon on 0419 676 469.
