|
Annual 1971 Alcock Cup First XVIII Reunion
Sunday, 22 October 2023
|
|
On Sunday 22nd October, the 1971 Alcock Cup winning First XVIII team gathered at the Claremont Yacht Club for lunch and fellowship. Guests of honour were coach Cliff Watkins and Manager Dean Bowker, as well as Gus Pallot who flew across from Tasmania. After the early conversations and whistle wetting, the boys commenced lunch at a long table set up in the gardens. At the conclusion of lunch, the team toasted absent mates and those who are no longer with us. The introduction of the corporate whiskey box added a layer of poignancy whilst remembering Trevor Kay, Michael Douglas and exactly one year ago, Michael Fagan. It was also particularly pleasing to have the youngest member of the team Ian Avery in attendance (the only two-time Alcock Cup winning player from CCGS). The hair lines and waistlines may have changed and a bit more grey was on display, but the memories and the stories flowed freely through the afternoon. Tim Coyle was as eloquent as always, whilst Jon Blakeman, Paul Rumenos and Geoff Mitchell-Burden were as gregarious as ever, as they regaled the room with stories and legends from the past. Gary Green, Ken Williams and Lee Bowers were quietly sharing their thoughts, whilst John Cramer attained legend status by putting off attending a mate’s 70th birthday celebrations to join the boys for a couple of hours. Aattending the reunion from down south, were 1971 rugger sorts Andrew Jenkins and Noel Thompson who added to the fun and laughter in their own inimitable way. This years reunion was by far the most relaxed and enjoyable, which augers well going forward. The team has apparently achieved the title of the longest ongoing reunion of CCGS old boys that is not a defined year gathering (having members from the 1971, 1972 & 1974 years). As the last of the lads departed (Pallot & Mitchell-Burden to Geoff’s place drinking until 21:00), a shaky ride home for some, others dispersed to a local watering hole and has anyone heard from Jon Blakeman yet? Ulinga on until October next year. Doug Meikle ('71) |