What a week last week was. The week started on Wednesday night as everyone made their way to the Balmy Beach Club for the gala. The main hall looked immaculate with Beach jerseys hanging from the rafters and beach colours everywhere. There were over 200 people in the venue as we all stood up when the bagpipes started up and the originals were paraded through the hall to their seats. A very emotional moment.
Ian McConvey took to the mic as the Master of Ceremonies telling jokes and stories about the past and present, forwards and backs. Thanks Ian.
The originals were the first to be acknowledged by the Beach faithfuls and a very touching video tribute telling the story about how rugby was started at the Beach back in 1955. The video included coaches and players from all around the world. They had nothing but great things to say about the willingness to learn, toughness and tenacity of these young men. They didn’t win much but they didn’t make it easy on their opponents either.
Next up was the 50th anniversary of the 1975 1st Team Champs. Jake Lipsett took to the mic to tell stories of this great team. These icons came up to the front of the room to a rousing applause one by one. Then the group shot at the end.
The mic was then passed to Red Lipsett as he told the story of the 1975 2nd team champs. Again the players made their way to the front as the beach faithful clapped and laughed. UP BEACH being shouted throughout the night and echoed by others then glasses raised to the ceiling.
The night ended with our club president Iain McLeish talking about the pride and the direction of the beach and finally a roasting from Scott Dunham and Claude Germaine. These 2 brought the house down talking about some of the crazy things they have seen both on and off the field. A perfect ending to a perfect night.
A huge shout out to the Balmy Beach club and staff, the unsung heroes of the evening. They made the place look immaculate and the food was some of the best I’ve had at any event.