SEASIDE CLASSIC

March 4-6, 2011

Hi Folks,

Well the mighty Charcoals have negotiated yet another brilliant trip to “sunny” J Port Macquarie to participate in the annual “Seaside Classic” organized by one of our own – the one and only Danny “Crispy” Crisp.

The call to arms went our some weeks ago and, as is becoming the norm, the Starr-meister received plenty of positive responses. We were able to field a full team in our own right which is a tremendous achievement considering the distance travelled.

Friday, March 4 and the Charcoals are on the move – planes, trains and automobiles were all put to good use to get to our Rendezvous at the Ki-Ea Apartments in Port Macquarie (well planes & automobiles at least). Some of the more adventurous amongst us decided to opt for alternate lodgings but the main thing was that the Charcoals were in town!!!

As is becoming custom Marty, Brucey & Magic “BAM” Johnson got off to an early start and what better place to imbibe a few early ales than the Big aka “Blue” Oyster Bar on the eve of the Mardi Gras J How were the “Oysters” lads???

Bernie Kulper was doing her usual “ask the Leyland Muthers” trip across from Armidale and was on-hand to pick up the “Dome” at Port Macquarie airport. Various attempts to lure Bern & Dome by the above-mentioned threesome to the Blue Oyster was thwarted as the Dome knew from experience how long a night awaited us all………..

Jules & the Pom were in the UK Buzz-box and in convoy with Ed and his delightful wife Michelle Lobo. Ed tried to keep a low profile but could not escape the bad publicity of being associated in long & close proximity to the “Pomster”. Bob & Maxxi were not far behind. Jimmy “tops” Dunn, Rabbs “where is my usual table” Chaney, Jarvo and potential new Charcoal Danny, the Brothers Grimm (Raymont) and the comeback king – Craig “turn the page” Pagey were all in various stages of transit along with Starry and killer Con Grigoriadis. Roy the Boy was also lurking. Di & Hoges were also in town but kept a low profile until the business-end of proceedings on Saturday morning.

After renewing acquaintances at Ki-Ea the Charcoals collective met up at the Macquarie Hotel for a beer or two and a bite or one. As usual we outlasted the other patrons and were punted by the friendly staff upon closing time. The focused one(s) amongst us retired back to our abodes to review tomorrow’s game plan but I have on good advice that some of our diehards “kicked-on” at a local night-club and learned all sorts of new dance moves. Can anyone make head nor tail of…… “The sprinkler”??

Saturday, March 5 and we dusted ourselves off from the night before and looked out to graying skies and squalls of rain – a typical English Summer the Pom was heard to say with his usual pride!

Off we went in convoy and met-up at our usual venue – the Port Macquarie Pirates Rugby Club. The wet weather did not dampen our enthusiasm – indeed it woke up quite a few of us! We were down for the second game and ended-up backing up for the third round as well. Not a bad idea when you consider the conditions and the “stiffening” that could have occurred………

We had a good hit-out first up but the conditions coupled with the local laws of the land combined to stifle our usual attacking flair. The Charcoals did us proud on the day and Maxxi & Marty were delighted at being equal leading try-scorers on the opening day of our season L (HINT – so is everyone else in the team). It was great to meet-up with Bryant “Cec” Feltham – one of our stalwarts and a Charcoals Lifer. Although a dual-acceptor for both Coffs Harbor and the Charcoals Cecil was welcomed with open arms (no not swinging ones) J

The presentations were brief and well received by those who attended on the day. There is genuine appreciation for the effort made by the Charcoals to get to this venue which does us proud – well done team!!!

This year we were treated to a different venue for the evening function. 23 sturdy Charcoals and supporters enjoyed a fun night out on the Hastings River via a planned river cruise. A great night was had by all and the catering was well received.

Many of us were feeling the pinch by the end of the cruise and opted to do a “snagglepuss” and exited – stage left. Others kicked on for a few more beers and made their way back to their abodes at some stage of the evening.

Sunday, March 6 greeted us with fairer weather and we bid each other farewell for the trip back to Sydney. All-in-all a successful trip with no obvious injuries to report.

We now look forward to the local season opener and the traditional St Patrick’s day game at T.G. Millner on Friday, March 18. We look forward to seeing everyone there for a run and/or a few beers.

Cheers for now.

“The Barron”