IT’S a tradition that has only been running six years but represents much more – Digger Day, is one of the biggest days on the Shoalhaven sports calendar.
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The annual event has grown in popularity and size since its inception in 2012 and hosted by the Nowra RSL Sub Branch, raising funds for DefenceCare supporting veterans.
“Digger Day is now an entrenched event in the Shoals’ annual calendar and we would like to see it stay that way – with each year getting bigger,” Digger Day chairman and Nowra RSL secretary Rick Meehan said.
“I have to give credit to both clubs, Shoals and Kiama, who have both been fantastic in their ongoing support of the event.”
Shoals’ Sam Watts, who himself has played in every single Digger Day match, said the sense of the occasion and the importance of the day is massive for the club.
“It's obviously a very special day for everyone at the Shoalhaven Rugby Club, especially those in the defence force,” Watts said.
“It's a credit to Rick Meehan and Fred Campbell – they do an outstanding job organising it every year.
“There's definitely an extra buzz at the club this week, as it's without doubt the biggest day on the calendar.
“It's definitely grown over the years and it's all building towards the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI next year and the 50th year of Shoals.”
The Shoals will again be wearing a specially designed jerseys on the day – featuring an Australian digger with a Kangaroo during the Mena Camp, Cairo, Egypt on the front and five diggers on camels on the back.
Digger Day 2017 program:
- 10:45am – third grade game starts.
- 12:05pm – red berets deploy from CASA Aircraft.
- 12:10pm – red berets land and put chutes away.
- 12:15pm – first and second navy aircraft lands with VC and CV recipients.
- 12:20 to 12:35pm – VC and CV recipients meet with dignitaries.
- 12:35pm – players assemble on the field.
- 12:40 to 12:55pm – VC and CV recipients meet and greet players.
- 12:55pm – last post ceremony.
- 1pm – demonstration junior rugby game.
- 1:25pm – first grade game starts, with Luke Meehan kicking-off game ball.
- 3pm – second grade game starts.
- 5:20pm – all guests, dignitaries and the public are invited into the clubhouse for a meal, drinks and auction of the Digger Day jerseys.
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
