Members of the Blue Veins golden oldies rugby union outfit will be well prepared for this weekend’s carnival.
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A number of members have just returned from the World Golden Oldies Rugby Festival in Cardiff, Wales, with officials saying they were bruised, but smiling and not broken.
Players came home donning a shoulder, rib, knee, calf and ankle injury in the five of eight players who represented the Blue Veins, “but no ambulances were called, so everything was fine” said an official with a laugh.
Now it’s just a matter of whether the guys can back up for the annual Blue Veins Rugby carnival in Tathra this weekend.
“Everyone is welcome to the day from 11.30 to watch players from yesteryear display their still-held skills blended with aged enthusiasm,” event director Rex Kermode said.
Games are not scored and the results always rest at 2-2 – “there is no room for heroes” Kermode added.
“But don’t think the games are Mickey Mouse – you will see some very hard and skillful rugby as well as being thoroughly entertained by other players, whose interest is more focused on the post-match fraternity.”
This year will see a full card of teams taking part as the Blue Veins welcome regulars from the Wollongong Longhorns.
“They are celebrating their 10th consescutive appearance at our carnival,” Kermode said.
Meanwhile, the club will also welcome the Shoalhaven Heads Shags, the Vincentia Van Gones, ACT Vets, Tuggeranong Thorheads, Jindabyne Scoreboars and the Terrey Hills Stillbillies.
The weekend will begin with crab races on Friday night at the Tathra Beach Country Club, while games will begin on Saturday morning at about 11:30 and should wind up around 3pm.
Officials said they like to finish in time for a few cold drinks and banter before the Cox Plate with celebrations to continue at Fat Tony’s after.
The Mick Byrnes Memorial Trophy will again be presented. Last year the trophy was awarded to Andrew Johnston of Tathra for his incredible voluntary community work.
New players (over 35) are welcome. Just bring your boots or joggers, socks and a jersey and $25 registration fee. You play at your own risk, so must have at least ambulance insurance cover.