A large crowd gathered at Warren’s Victoria Oval last Saturday for a packed program to celebrate Warren Rugby Club’s 70 year reunion.

Many former players from across the decades were in attendance to watch Warren take on Walgett in women’s tri tag and first grade in Round 8 of the Western Plains season; sadly due to an impending rain event, many of the Walgett players were busy on tractors and so the club was unable to field a second grade side.

That’s bush rugby though, sometimes livelihood, or at least the chance of a decent crop, has to come first.

Instead Warren second grade side was able to provide some opposition when the old boys took to the field.

Two players from the original 1954 team were also present; Bomber Moxham and Barry Beach, with Bomber pulling on the boots for a run in the old boys’ game and scoring a try - definitely the first time a 93 year old has done that in the club’s history.

Many family members and friends of original players were also part of the day including Penny and Ali Wass, daughters of another original Puma, Andrew Wass, travelling from Sydney and Canberra for the occasion.

It wasn’t really a day for score keeping but with Warren and Walgett holding top positions on the ladder it was worth noting that Walgett won the girls’ game 29-7 and Warren won the first grade 38-5.

Former Warren Puma Ian McKay (seated) with Penny and Ali Wass and inaugural team member Bomber Moxham. IMAGE: Erin Louise Images

With the rugby out of the way, it was time to party, and more than 420 people descended on the sports centre for the 70th anniversary ball.

A two course menu was provided by Eugowra's Eat your Greens and music was by five piece band, Squeaky Sound Box from Dubbo.

Former Wallaby Warwick Waugh, originally from Gular entertained with stories from his career and former Warren Pumas coach and Western Plains Zone committee member Mal Smith announced a team of the decade.

Team of the decade and associates: Back row L-R: John Azar, Jack Brennan, Charlie Howard, Mal Smith, Jimmy Archer, Richie Quigley, Stew Denston, James Austin, Sinclair Steele, Ritchie Steele, Tony Woolnough. Middle row L-R: Blair Hooper, Sam Pagan, Dave Jenkins, Keith Andrews, Andrew Cosgrove, Ben Egan, John Ashleigh, Jack Kelly, Hugh McLean. 

Front row L-R: James Simmons, Callum McLean, James McLean, Will Archer, Matt Kelly, Tom Noonan. ABSENT: Sam Noonan, Tom Azar, Matt Stephens, Will McAlpine. IMAGE: Erin Louise Images

“It was an absolutely fantastic day and evening celebrating all that the club and bush rugby in general has to offer," current President of Warren Rugby Club Tom Noonan told the Western Plains Appp.

"A big thanks to the 70th reunion committee for many months of hard work to bring it all together.

"Now we get back to the business of winning the premiership.”

Warren Rugby Club was formed in 1954 and in the ensuing 70 years the club has never forfeited a game; long may that tradition continue.