Rugby News – Premier Rd 17

NHRU President Comments:

Dennis Goodwin died last Sunday after a relatively short illness, aged 73 years. His funeral was well attended today. Dennis was involved in many sports and clubs over the years – At Belmont-Swansea SLSC, umpire with the Newcastle District Cricket Association, an active referee with Newcastle Rugby Union Referees Association. I am reliably informed he was also the best grand final double’s seller that the refs ever had. He had associations with Merewether-Carlton, Newcastle Welsh and Lake Macquarie Rugby Clubs (plus many more). Many people will remember Dennis in recent years as the gate keeper at Lake Macquarie’s home games. Dennis had a true community spirit and a great love of rugby. Vale Dennis.

NRURA President Comments:

The Newcastle Rugby Union Referees Association (NRURA) is deeply saddened with the passing of long term active member Dennis Goodwin. Dennis was a NRURA member for over 20 years and epitomised what organisations like NRURA look for in its membership. He willingly took on tasks and travelled to his commitments by bus. His refereeing experience covered both senior and junior games.

Up to a matter of weeks ago, Dennis was a regular part of not only adjudicating junior games but also running the line or manning the gate or providing ground assistance at his beloved Walters Park. He did this without fuss or compliant. Many will recall the sight of Dennis on those atrocious weather days for which Walters Park is renowned, standing at the gate and greeting patrons, players and referees shod in the oversize gumboots and protected by his rainwear whilst others huddled under cover or in their vehicles on the southern hill. After every game Dennis would ensure all the referees and Touch Judges had a feed and a drink . It’s this type of commitment which defines people and it certainly defined Dennis.

Dennis along with his good mate Col Taylor were over many years the face of selling the iconic ‘referee doubles’ on grand final day in September. These were not only a feature of day’s events but an important source of revenue for the Referee Association. There are not too many people in the local rugby fraternity that would not recognise or know Dennis. His quirky, friendly personality, willingness and enthusiasm will be missed by many and the interests and causes he supported will be poorer for not having Dennis around.

The thoughts of the NRURA membership go out to Dennis and his family and may he rest in peace.

General Manager Comments:

Rams Premier Rugby heads into Round 17 this weekend. The Divisional Rugby Grand Final is hosted at No.2 Sportsground this weekend as well as the Colts Elimination Final this Friday Night.

This week’s Premier round 17 fixtures contains some must win games for The Waratahs, Southern Beaches and Maitland in regards to solidifying their finals hopes…

Rd 17 Fixtures