By Marnie Ryan

2022 marks the centennial anniversary of the Baradine Magpies, originally known as the Baradine Pirates in 1922.

In commemoration of this milestone, the Baradine Magpies Senior Rugby League Football Club celebrated with a Black & White Themed Centenary Ball on Saturday, 25 June, located at the Baradine & District Soldier Memorial Hall.

There was no mistaking the genuine pride and camaraderie in the memorial hall filled with Magpie legends of all ages!

Previous and present Baradine Magpies from near and far travelled for the celebration.

The hall was decked full of black & white decorations as well as a 'memory- filled' presentation showcasing images from over the past 100 years of the club.

Nikki Hyde, one of the organisers of the centennial ball said "the image presentation brought back a lot of memories for all the players and supporters who were present on the night".

Legendary Magpies including Gordon Worrell, Peter Deans, Ian Keech, Ian (Matey) Hawkins, Michael Harris and more were present at the historic event.

The line-up of speeches commenced with prominent Baradine players and coaches stepping forward to honour the history of the club, to reminisce and give thanks to previous and present committee members and players.

Guest speakers included club president Adrian Worrell, Merv Sutherland, Mick Harris, Peter Eastburn, Scott Speechley, Brad Saunders and Paul (Chippy) Daniels.

Magpie veterans: BACK ROW [L to R]: Paul Williams, Tony Munns, John Masman, Scott Speechley, Joey Matthews, Peter Deans, Darren Worrell, Michael Harris, Lee Douglas, Paul Daniels,

Peter Eastburn, Karl Prugger, Stuart Hatton. FRONT ROW: Neil Porter, Neville Williams, Graham Daniels, Merv Sutherland, Adam Speechley.

Fellow Baradine Magpie player Merv Sutherland, commemorated the clubs rich history and praised players efforts when on the football field.

"When players put that black and white jumper on they grow arms and legs", Mr Sutherland said.

Fellow Baradine Magpie coach and player, Peter Eastburn gave special thanks to the loyal committee members and sponsors of the club over the past 100 years.

"The Baradine Magpies are lucky to have committee members volunteering week in and week out as well as loyal club sponsors," Mr Eastburn said. "These volunteers and sponsors are what make our club so successful."

Mick Harris and Peter Eastburn.

Paul (Chippy) Daniels gave an emotional speech, recognising the importance of being a part of the Baradine Magpies.

"Being called a Magpie is the greatest honour," he said.

The big crowd of members and guests clapped and cheered to the cutting of the centenary cake cut by life-long club members Gordon Worrell, Ian (Matey) Hawkins and Austin Bell.

The celebrations continued late into the night, with guests swapping their football boots for dancing shoes.

Magpies' centenary team at the celebrations.

Bronwyn Masman, mother of three present Baradine Magpie players and close to 100 years of Baradine Magpie ancestors discussed the importance of family within the club.

"Playing for the Magpies is in our blood, I hope our children will enjoy another night like this in the future when they are past magpies and enjoy their own reunion".

"One hundred years of any event is a special milestone but to have 180 guests reminisce, listen to extensive history and dance made for a fantastic night," she said.

Adrian Worrell, club president was overjoyed with the turn- out of guests and was proud of the clubs endurance and efforts over the last century.

"It's a big achievement for our small club to still be going after 100 years. Not everyone was able to attend however we still had close to 200 people turn up to celebrate the special occasion", Mr Worrell said.

ABOVE: Current President Adrian Worrell

BELOW: 2022 Women's Leaguetag team.