Clubs play to remember a mate

The clash between the Boggabri Kangaroos and the Gunnedah Bulldogs for the Boyde Campbell Cup was played in freezing conditions on Saturday at Jubilee Oval, with strong winds coming off snow, dust and then light rain.

The Gunnedah men were victorious in the main game, winning the round 13 Group Four Rugby League first grade contest 44-26.

This was the second year that the Boyde Campbell Cup was contested.

Despite the trying conditions supporters came in droves to support the charity day, with club officials saying that it was the biggest home crowd they had seen at the oval for a long time.

However by the time the first grade match had started most had retreated to cars, behind tarps and under blankets.

The under-13s junior teams from Gunnedah and Narrabri opened the day’s play by contesting an entertaining game, with coaches and managers of the senior teams making notes of possible future players.

The ladies’ league tag fixture was a very hard game with both sides putting in a great effort.

Gunnedah came out the winner by a score of 24-0.

Unfortunately the reserve game that followed was cut very short due to a bad knee injury to Boggabri’s Connor Hall.

At that stage Gunnedah was ahead 20-0 which was the final score.

Prior to the first grade game Boyde Campbell’s two sons Venn and Arlie led the teams onto the field for a minute’s silence.

Boggabri’s first grade coach Shane Rampling said that the day was bigger than the game.

“Today is all about remembering the past, especially the impact that mental health can have on the players, families and supporters,” Rampling said.

“Men especially are not good at expressing their feelings and when times are tough and they are depressed they need to remember that someone is listening and we do care.

“Rugby league is a great community, they support each other and as you see here today they are more than happy to help.”

After the match was over Krystal Campbell, sister of the late Boyde Campbell, presented the Boyde Campbell Cup to Gunnedah captain Reece Jaeger.

At the completion of the proceedings at Jubilee Oval both clubs’ supporters, players and families moved to the Boggabri RSL Club where they continued the fundraising and auction with proceeds going to Beyond Blue and the Campbell family.

Early figures indicated that more than $20,000 was raised on the day.

If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636.