Tackey Tournament A Great Success!
Last Saturday saw over 120 players take to the field to play in the
inaugural Tackey Tournament which was a combined mixed Tag Rugby and Hockey
tournament hosted by Old Wesley RFC and Old Alex Hockey Club. The whole day
was an overwhelming success and huge credit must go to all involved from
both clubs for organising a really well run day.
As the teams started to arrive at Alexandra College around 11am to register
, the sun was shining, the music was playing and a real festival atmosphere
was already starting to take place. With 12 teams of guys and girls ready to
go the siren rang out at midday and 3 hockey matches and 3 rugby matches all
began simultaneously on different pitches. The rugby games on one pitch and
the hockey games on the astro turf. Each team played 3 games before lunch
and a well deserved 1 hour break before getting back down to business. After
lunch each team played another 3 games before it became clear who was going
to progress to the knockout stages. There were several notable performances
throughout the day but i think Stuart Kinlans vital goal in his hockey match
against Shane Davey in the nets will live long in the memory!! As the
afternoon came to a climax the final was held between two very good sides
which contained Old Wesley’s Richard Morrow and Richie Johnson.
As everybody finished the sporting part of the day they headed home for a
quick shower and then headed en masse down to Old Wesley for a BBQ which was
kindly laid on by Dave Bursey, music and a long night of celebrations which
included a prize giving, presentation of the cup to the winning team and
many drinking games which Neil Richmond took charge of with great
aplomb. The club house was packed to the rafters well into the early hours
with guys and girls who had all taken in what was a really excellent day and
night. There have been rumours that there may have even been a few romantic
successes to match the on field successes of the day!!
With all clubs now struggling economically and fighting dwindling
memberships this function was a real example of what can be done when people
are willing to come up with ideas and put their shoulder to the wheel. The
cooperation between Old Wesley and Old Alex in putting on such a successful
event is something that should be built upon and there has already been a
large number of people who have asked for this to be run again in the not
too distant future.
Finally, a big thank you to all who played, supported, organised, referred,
cooked, drank and to both Old Wesley and Old Alex for a smashing tournament.