Impressive Wins All Round For Hawkesbury Valley Rugby Club

All three grades clocked up very impressive wins against the Old Ignatians at McQuade Park, Windsor over the weekend. First grade beat the Iggies 50 to 22, third grade followed with a very respectable 33 to 19 score line while second grade came up from behind to win 22 to 13, giving them three wins from five starts.

Club president Steve Neal said the three wins were a rarity for the club.

“It was probably one of the best days we’ve had in our 30-odd years, even though it was a sad day, too,” Neal said.

“I had tears in my eyes.

“There was a lot of emotion for the day, especially when we all lined up.

“We’ve run a lot of ladies days in the past, for breast cancer and the McGrath Foundation, but nothing compared to what happened last Saturday. It was re-ally special.”

What a way to honour their Hawkesbury Valley family members who have passed away in recent months. Round six was played coinciding with the Matthew McMillan-Croft Memorial Day.

A huge crowd came out to remember three of the club’s past members: Matthew McMillan-Croft, life member, Peter Allan and their former 1st XV captain, Greg Peisley. The 1XV was led onto the field by Crofty’s daughters, brother and nephew. A memorable minute’s silence was held prior to first grade kicking off as a mark of respect to the three much loved Valley players. Assistant coach of 1XV Murray Rolles said it was a really good day despite the bit of Scottish weather that came in the day before.

“We got quite a good crowd, some said about 600,” Rolles said. “They were from all different walks of life, too. We had a big tunnel of the old boys along with the young guys.”

All in all, Rolles said it was a great celebration of the lives of Matthew McMillan-Croft, Peter Allan and Greg Peisley. Crofty’s family and Peter’s wife Jenny attended the after party celebrations and stayed longer than expected.

“It’s the way they (Crofty, Allan and Peisley) would’ve wanted to be remembered,” Rolles said.

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