The Guyra Crusty Spuds over 35s Masters Team recently competed in the annual NRL Masters competition on the Gold Coast. The Crusty Spuds were one of 80 teams from all over Australia and New Zealand that make the trip to the Gold Coast each year. It was the fourth year that the Spuds had come together for the event with old Spuds travelling from Toowoomba, Brisbane, Central Coast and Guyra to reunite and remember the old days and of course play some rugby league.
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NRL legend Petero Civoniceva again made an appearance for the Crusty Spuds during the competition and again proved to be a great ambassador for the game. The carnival is run over three days with all teams competing in five games.
Day one saw the Crusty Spuds arrive for their first game against the Ipswich Rock Wallabies in 38 degree heat. The heat was terrible but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of all players especially first year players Steve Wilson and Ben Campbell. The Spuds went onto win the game 20 points to 8 with big Petero and Peter Presell making good metres through the middle allowing speed men Ben Campbell and Steve Kliendienst to carve the opposition up.
Our second game on day one again was in extreme heat against Townies Mt Isa Masters who I’m sure were used to the heat. The Spuds again ran out winners in a close game 12 points to 4 with Randy Mulligan, Mick Wilson, Dan Mitchell and Adrian Cameron proving the fittest in the team and as a result starring in game two.
Day two was an early start with our first game being at 10am after a late night it would be interesting how the team would back up. To their credit the team were convincing winners over Middlemount Panthers Old Boys 16 - 4 with Paul “Big Dog” Leven and Dan McKemey actually getting their jumpers dirty.
Next we played the Williams Valley Wombats and ran out winners 12 – 8 in a very close game. The game was played in great spirit but there was a concern after the game that Guyra veteran strapper Robert Rolff had actually broken a finger nail after some very impressive touches. Robert later was cleared to play again and was named man of the match for the Wombats.
Day three and our final game was played early against the Aberdeen Old Tigers. Unfortunately the Spuds went down 4 points to nil in a very social game. Jason Campbell, Mick Daley, Scott McLeod and Greg Brazier all showed some great speed with Steve Wilson and Jamie Youman making some crunching tackles.
All and all the Masters was a great success and a big thank you to our sponsors the Guyra Country Butchers, the Guyra Hotel and Shamrock Shearing for their support. Thanks to all the families and players that made the 2015 Masters a great event both on and off the field and one that we all look forward to each year.
Jamie McCormack
