The Gunnedah Junior Rugby Union (GJRU) club moved one step closer to securing a proposed tour of New Zealand, as $9555 was raised at last Sunday’s charity golf event at the Gunnedah course.
The 112 participants in the four-person Ambrose included local golfers, non-golfers and members from an array of local sports.
Conditions were fine and somewhat breezy, while the course was in good nick despite an occasional damp patch.
The Gunnedah Red Devils senior rugby union club was originally going to host the golfing event, until the occasion was gifted to the juniors to help their cause.
The proposed tour of New Zealand is scheduled for eight days in April 2027, involving the GJRU Red Devils under 12 age group.
Locations are likely to include Christchurch and Queenstown, with the Gunnedah squad set to play three matches against local clubs.
Highlights of the tour will include the Red Devils U12s meeting professional players and coaches from prestigious Super Rugby franchise the Canterbury Crusaders before game one.
The following morning, the Crusaders coaching staff who analysed the previous day’s game will hold a training session with the Red Devils players and coaches, concentrating on areas of the game they think need improvement.
Another highlight will involve participating in an Anzac ceremony in a country town on the outskirts of Queenstown on the day before returning home.
GJRU vice-president Matt O’Keefe said the idea of the tour came about via a discussion he had with the club president, Josh Leys.
“Absolutely this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Matt said.
“Opportunities like this rarely come about.
“The support and positive feedback we have had from the community and businesses has been amazing.
“And that was proven at our golf day with local businesses sponsoring holes and the day, and the golfers making it the third largest charity day for 2025-26.
“It’s really beneficial for the Gunnedah Junior Rugby Union club.
“It’ll benefit us coaches too.”
For the record, the winning team in last Sunday’s four-person Ambrose comprised Nathan and Cameron Marquett, Andrew Gorman and Lachlan King with a score of 53 7/8.
Runners-up Todd and Cody Smith, Mick and Sam Knight had 55 1/4, while third placegetters Andy and Donna O’Connell, Tina Germon and Niel Thomas had 55 3/8.
Nearest-the-pin winners were Lachlan King (twice), Casey Taggert and Wayne Mcintosh, while the straightest drives winners were Tony Clift and Kirby Insch.
Ethan Kelly.
Jack Mackay.
Jake Strudwick sees the ball go into the hole.
Toby Morris, Zak Insch, Harley Hinchcliffe, Kirby Insch and Jamie Jaeger.
Tony Dillon.
Kelly Ewington, Mark Ewington, Andrew Osmond and Cam Waugh.
Rylee Mitchell.