Rival Club's 75 Years of Rugby

(Photos: Peter Cooper Studio)

Rival Rugby Football Club members, past and present, turned out in force for the club's 75th anniversary celebrations held in Nelson at the end of last month. Guests of honour at the function were two real oldtimers, Messrs F. J. Cullen and C. Batchelor, of Auckland. Mr Cullen, at 88, is the club's oldest living member and was one of the foundation members of the club. Mr Batchelor is 85. They are seen together (Left) with club stalwart, Geoff Bate, during the parade of club members into Trafalgar Park. Below Left - Mr Cullen receives his life membership badge from president Ian Webby. Above - A big crowd of members turned out for the parade. Below Centre, Doug Heinz leads his orchestra in front of a bigger-than-lifesize replica of an oldie Rival player. Below Right - Ex-All Black hooker Dennis Young was guest speaker at the jubilee dinner.

The celebrations included a cabaret, parade, after-match function, a memorial church service and the highlight, the dinner.?

Two of the club's present officials, president Ian Webby and secretary Peter Hawke.

Some of the older members at the cabaret

Talking over old times: Ray Jaspers, Ralph Goodman and Bill Tyrell

Ian Webby with club patron Bert Quirk

Messrs Burns, Quirk and Tyrell in earnest rugby discussion

More stalwarts: Cyril and Ralph Goodman and Kelvin Vallance

The dinner was held in the Celtic Club's gymnasium, with members of the Nelson club acting as waiters

What's this, a woman club member? Dead right, and not only a member but a valued committeeman (or woman) for eight years. The lady is Gwen Watson and she was 16 when she first went on to the committee. She is surrounded by Tom Donaldson, Norm Biggs, Rupert Maxwell, "Rip" Watson (Maori All Black captain), Jack McIlwraith and Edgar Thompson.

Three faces we couldn't identify

Present day senior players: Brian Fletcher, Doug Goodmaan, Neil Brophy and Ross Stobie

Having a wow of a time at the cabaret were these blokes, all members of a team of the past

Senior coach Alvin Bond (right) chats with Jim Williams and Noel Tims.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 117 : July 25, 1970

Rival Club's 75 Years of Rugby