IF you love rugby and love socialising, there’s a club in Port Macquarie that could be a perfect fit for you – the Vintage Ports.
Every four to six weeks from March to October this fun group gets together for a session of rugby, laughter and socialising, playing against similar teams from other areas, either at their home ground of Stuart Park in Port Macquarie or an away destination.
“The rugby is optional, but the socialising and partying isn’t,” joked member Michael Reed.
“It’s really all about having fun and the social side. You don’t even have to play if you don’t want to or cannot, but you’re still welcome to come along and watch and have a drink.
“Women are also most welcome and we have some female players in the league as well as social members.”
Age is also no barrier. Some Vintage Ports layers are in their seventies and eighties and one of the other teams they play against has a player in his nineties.
“Players wear different-coloured shorts, which mean they can be tackled or not tackled,” Michael said. “The older players wear red, which means they cannot be tackled and have to be treated a little more gently.”
In keeping with the fun spirit, winning is irrelevant, although plenty of friendly sledging goes on.
“Every game is a draw, regardless of the score,” Michael said. “You can also get sent off for playing too well or running too far!”
There are hundreds of Golden Oldies rugby teams throughout the world and every two years there is an international Golden Oldies Rugby Festival. The Vintage Ports are among the 80 or so teams entered for the 2014 festival, which will take place in South America in September.
The 2014 season will kick off with a round-robin event at their home ground on 1 March followed by a gala dinner the same evening at the El Paso restaurant in Port Macquarie.
On 15 March, also at their home ground, Stuart Park off Wood Street, there will be a recruitment day as part of seniors week, starting at 11am with a free barbecue for which refreshments will be available.
For more information ring Bruce Thompson on 0447 404 291 or email Michael Reed at michaelreed@kennards.com.au
