The hardy folks of Hampstead Rugby Club did not let wintery weather dampen their centennial celebrations last weekend.
Centennial committee member Tracey Henderson said the weekend was a huge success with more than 350 attending the event with rugby games, club history and recollections celebrated.
She said there was a great family vibe about the three days which kicked off on Friday night with a time of reminiscing and reconnecting with team mates.
Despite the rain on Saturday several games of rugby were played.
The Hampstead senior B side played Collegiate and won 45 – 7, while the Hampstead Wahine Toa took on the Southern Whitetails. Final score was 19 – 29 to Southern.
‘‘The Wahine played an outstanding game, they had a really hard-fought game,’’ Henderson said.
Junior players split into teams to play against each other, as well as against a year 7 and 8 Marist team.
‘‘Everyone, while covered in mud, was smiling, having had so much fun playing and being part of the celebration,’’ Henderson said.
The centennial cake on Saturday evening was cut by Hughie Murchie in his late 70s, and 18-year-old Koby Bennett; they were the oldest and youngest Hampstead members at the event.
Two new life members were announced at the formal dinner, Tracey Henderson and David Waaka.
Henderson is the third women to join 15 men who have received the honour of a life membership.
She follows her mother Denise Willets who was made a life member in 2017
‘‘I feel like an impostor receiving the award but humbled, and honoured that others believe I deserve the recognition,’’ Henderson said.
The history of the club was bought to life by a Hampstead Heritage panel – members of the club who shared stories and memories from across the decades.
Then a golden oldies game on Sunday between Hampstead and Mt Somers wrapped up the weekend where lots of fun and ‘‘a few tall tales were told in the dressing sheds,’’ Henderson said.
