Coal miners throughout the Hunter Valley and beyond have had to wait just under 18 months for the return of the traditional battle of the mines in the annual A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
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Each year the event continues to grow in popularity, however like many local events in 2020 this annual event was postponed due to COVID-19 to ensure the health and safe of our community. Whilst we are still experiencing a global health pandemic all steps have been taken to ensure that we can bring back this event at Singleton's Pirtek Park on March 20
The day will still see 16 men's teams battling it out for bragging rights and the converted Charity Shield. All teams will compete in a 10's format completion with 10 players on the field playing 10 minute halves. Each team will play a minimum of two games before the highest points scorer in each pool will advance through to a sudden death semi final, before the winner of each semi competes in the grand final.
Whilst the focus of the day will be on the action happening on the field, the importance of the day is not lost on the players or spectators with $120,000 raised in October 2019 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Event Manager and the Rescue Helicopter Service's Community Liaison Officer, Danny Eather believes that whilst this event will be a little different to past events due to venue capacity limits and Covid-19 precautions the day is still going to be a resounding success.
"I like many was disappointed that we had to postpone the event from our original date back in October last year, however it was the most responsible thing for us to do. Whilst the impacts have been felt on the Rescue Helicopter Service given our inability to host face-to-face events and activities the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, supporters and the wider community has been paramount and our key priority" said Mr Eather
"To see that this event is back on the calendar and that we are now just two weeks out it is very exciting. The support we have received from the players, our sponsors and the wider community since announcing the return of the event has been incredible. Nearly all 500 tickets available to the general public have been pre-purchased and we expect that the sold out sign will be up in the coming days."
"Personally I just cannot thank the community enough not only for their support but also their understanding during the challenging times we are all navigating"
All the action of the day will commence from 9am with the first of 16 pool games kicking off with the finals expected to get under way from 3.40pm. Whilst tickets to the event are limited to 500 those that will not be able to attend can enjoy the games by livestream to their devices or from one of the local venues that will be streaming. Simply visit www.charityrugbyleagueday.com.au for the livestream details and to purchase tickets.
This event would not be possible without the continued support of event partners A-Plus Contracting, Jennings Print, Mine Super, Pirtek, Slater & Gordon, Tyre Doctor, All-Pro, Hunter Valley Operations, NSW Mining, Mader NSW, Yancoal, Bowers Heavy Haulage, Coal Services, Oiltest Walton Mining Services, Harvey Norman, At The Coalface and Singleton Rugby League
Participating Teams
1. Bengalla Badgers
2. Glendell Gladiators
3. Hunter Valley United Cobras
4. Mangoola Grizzlies
5. Maules Creek Maulers
6. Mount Pleasant Phoenix
7. Mount Thorley Warkworth Barbarians
8. Mount Thorley Warkworth Razorbacks
9. Mt Arthur Meerkats
10. Mt Owen Mustangs
11. Ravensworth Rhinos
12. Rix's Creek Rattlesnakes
13. Saddlers Creek Sharks
14. Saxonvale Raiders
15. Ulan Warriors
16. Wambo Wolves (2019 Champions)
