Rugby union reunion

Some famous names etched in rugby union folklore gathered at the Empire Bay Tavern on Wednesday, June 13, and reminisced over the old times.

A special guest was a veteran of numerous international campaigns, Eric Tweedale, an Ettalong resident, who at 91 is the second oldest living Wallaby representative.

He is also one of only six surviving members of the celebrated 1947-48 team which toured Great Britain, Ireland, France, Canada and the USA.

The reunion, which was organised by the Hardys Bay Residents Group, saw the gathering of 14 attendees who enjoyed close involvements with the game ranging from International, State, Sydney and the Central Coast, both on the playing fields and in administration.

Other Wallabies at the reunion included Jim Phipps and John Freedman while Andy Tyler, who now lives in Woy Woy, was a valued member of the Waratahs line-up in the 1960s.

"The accolades which followed their on-field deeds from yesteryear were impressive," said Hardys Bay Residents Group publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson.

"For instance, as a consequence of a sequence of sterling performances against the Springboks in the mid-1950s, Phipps, a former centre three quarter, who resides at Blackwall, was named the Prince of Centres by the international press.

"And this year, Freedman will be attending the 50th anniversary of the Australian side which met New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup at Wellington in 1962.

"It was his Test debut," said Mr Wilson.

Back: John Freedman, Andy Tyler, John Kenney, Terry Flynn, Rob Hill, Mike Rodger, Jim Phipps Front: Phil Dunn, Adrian Williams, John Mulford, Allan Wilson, Eric Tweedale, Peter Fenton and David Budge

Media Release, 19 Jun 2012

Allan Wilson, HBRG

Photo: Sharon Hemmings