MANLY SAVERS RUGBY UNION CLUB

Meldrum Cup Premiers 1983, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004

SAVERS RUGBY UNION CENTENARY 2009
A brief outline plus Centenary Celebration information

Savers Rugby Union team began life as Manly Surf Rugby in winter 1909, though members of Manly Surf and Life Saving Club were playing in local teams well before that date.

The current earliest formal written proof of the date is the programme for the Reunion Ball which was held in 1919, after the First World War. The header on that programme reads Manly Surf Rugby A.D 1909. Following on from that are the 1910 team photo and especially the 1911 Savers photo which has some of the wildest looking men in suits in Saver’s history.

It’s well known that every able bodied man in Manly Life Saving Club volunteered for service in the First World War. Names on the Savers 1919 Reunion programme are also in the Manly Life Saving Club Roll of Honour, with J. Vernon’s name on the WW1 Memorial plaque in the foyer of Manly Life Saving Club as one who lost his life in the War.

While Savers team celebrated being back together at that post-War 1919 Reunion Ball, there are sad reminders of the sacrifices they made on our behalf.

History unfortunately repeated in 1939 with World War 2, when every one of the able bodied members of Manly Life Saving Club, including all Savers players, volunteered to serve their country. For a few it was their second War.

So Savers players have seen wars and Depressions, first aeroplanes to space shuttles, manual telephone exchanges to mobile phones and more. Through it all the team spirit and camaraderie shines. Many famous Manly surf life savers went from playing Savers to playing for NSW and Australia (in League and Soccer as well as Rugby Union). Others played for the highest rep honours and played Savers with their mates in their later years.

THE MAJOR CELEBRATIONS WILL BE ON THE JUNE 2009 LONG WEEKEND
The Savers Centenary Celebration Ball – the big party on Saturday 6June; dress is dinner jacket or black tie.

NOTE VENUE CHANGE - Function will be held in the Manly LSC clubhouse hall - Manly Surf Pavilion South Steyne Manly. SOLD OUT
Enquiries please contact Ben Wotton 0405 620 925

More Savers activities over the 2009 June Long Weekend:

SUNDAY  7  June  - Golden Oldies Touch Footy. Manly Oval 12 noon.
Savers older members and supporters will play an “unlimited replacements” round robin of touch footy against the old foes North Steyne and Queenscliff, and a team from Manly Rugby Union. All participants will then retire (literally) across the road to the Rugby Club for lunch and refreshments. Bring your running shoes so you can participate.

MONDAY  8  June - for those who have the stamina, or just want to say goodbye - a bbq and recuperative refreshment on the sundeck of Manly Life Saving Club, our home. 12 noon start - Ron Brooker ashes scattering.

Ben Wotton
Head Coach Savers Rugby
Mobile: 0405 620 925
Email: Savers Rugby