Both of the Cobar Camels Rugby Union and the Fire & Rescue NSW fraternities have put the call out looking for rugby players to participate in Howie’s Memorial Day on March 19.
The day pays tribute to Cobar Camels Rugby Union Club long time member and Fire & Rescue NSW retained firefighter, Daniel ‘Howie’ Howard, who was tragically killed fighting a fire at the New Occidental Hotel in August 2014.
Cobar Camels’ John Carswell said players are being called to fill men’s open and men’s over 35 sides.
The Firies have cast a wide net for their potential players and put the call out to all of their permanent, retained, administration and trades staff.
“All are welcome to get involved on the pitch or as spectators.
“For players, rugby prowess is a bonus but not essential,” according to their recruitment material.
Fire & Rescue NSW will be organising bus transport from Sydney and will pick up players and spectators along the route to Cobar.
John said that former Camel Rodney Hill has been instrumental in organising NSW Fire & Rescue personnel’s involvement in the event.
“Firies from throughout the west have also been invited, especially the ones who have supported our local crew or knew Howie,” John said.
He said over 60 Firies are coming to play rugby next Saturday.
The Camels have also thrown their recruitment net far and wide and hope to welcome back a number of former club players including Rob ‘Hippy’ Hurst, Renato DaRos, Shane Boag, Phil Stevens, and Ben Wright, while locals Bill Behsman, Al Ewan and Timothy Henderson are also expected to take the field.
“I am still looking for more old boys, so anyone interested is welcome to play,” John said.
“Rusty Mitchell will be leading the old boys,” he said.
John said a lot of volunteers have been putting in many hours at Ailsa Fitzsimmons Memorial Oval in preparation for the event, including a working bee on Saturday.
He said Dale McLeod, Brad Lennon and Justin Schick have led the effort and ensured the facilities are in top condition for the event.
“A huge amount of work has been done at the club.”
An Old Boys (over 35s) game will be the curtain raiser with the 2016 Camels side to take on the Firies Open team in the main game that follows.
See advertisement on Page 12 for game times.
