THE historic triple header at Beechwood Oval on Saturday was a resounding success, raising more than $1200 for the Dunn family whose brave, young son Xavier is receiving medical treatement for a brain tumour in Sydney.
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The day kicked off with the Baby Shammies' inaugural game against Kendall Public School.
While the Kendall boys were stronger on the day, the Beechwood Public School team played an exceptional match and showed outstanding sportsmanship.
Special thanks to Andrew Copelin for coaching the Beechwood team and to Michael Bannerman and Maree Hirst for donating their time to oversee the match.
A special mention also needs to go to the local CRL staff who went above and beyond to support the day.
They also gave out NRL packs to all of the junior players and donated league balls to be kicked into the crowd during the event.
Following the junior game, the crowd was treated to a spectacle of a different kind when the colourful and vocal Wauchope Thunder took the field in the first rugby union game played in Beechwood in close to 100 years.
The Thunder did not disappoint, overcoming Myall Coast 24 to 21.
The Beechwood Shamrocks then took to the field to battle with the Kendall Blues.
In a repeat of the junior game, the Kendall side were too strong for a depleted Beechwood team, but this in no way disappointed the large crowd who were on hand to enjoy an entertaining day of football.
Beechwood kept coming back, but were no match for the Blues.
The Shamrocks, who were already depleted by injuries, suffered further setbacks when one player suffered a season ending injury and another was unable to continue to play.
Down to 12 players, and with veteran Kurt Nicholson hobbling, but refusing to leave, the field the Shamrocks hung in to the end, but went down 64-0.
In exciting news for the Shamrocks, Jared Davey has been announced as player/coach for 2016.
Thanks again to local businesses Red Shed Hire, Timbertown IGA and Wauchope Bakery whose generous donations made the day possible.
Thanks also Leanne Farrington for organising the event, and to members of the Beechwood Public School P and C and the Beechwood Shamrocks committee, who all worked tirelessly to make the day a success.
Regardless of which code supporters followed, it was a great show of community spirit and love of football - and organisers are hoping it will become a staple of the winter sporting calendar.
