THE Laurieton Hotel Stingrays’ annual Charity Day on Saturday, 7 June was a resounding success, bringing the community together to support the Begnell family and Ronald McDonald House Newcastle.
The event held at Stingray Stadium featured a thrilling ‘Double Header’ of league action, showcasing the Kendall Blues against the Long Flat Dragons, followed by the Stingrays facing off against Beechwood.
In the first game of the day, the Kendall Blues dominated play, running away with the game and defeating the Dragons 42-10.
Kaine Cafe, Luke Martin and Sam Ylias all bagged try doubles for the Blues, while Hudson McCarron and Adam Howe both went across the line for a single.
Adding to their winning margin was the boot of Jack Chapman, who kicked five successful conversions.
Jack Potter and Jack Sheaves scored tries for the Dragons, with Nathan Graham adding two points from the boot.
The spotlight then shifted to the much-anticipated clash between the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays and Beechwood Shamrocks.
After a challenging first half the Stingrays went into the sheds trailing the Shamrocks 6-20.
The local side hit their stride in the second half however.
With only 11 players on the field they dug deep to pull off a giant comeback and tie the game 30-30 as the final buzzer sounded.
Lachlan Pensini bagged a double for the Stingrays, while Brandon Pateman, Cuban Quinlan-Piper and Chris Piper each snagged one try each.
Quinlan-Piper also slotted five successful conversions to lock in the draw.
Stingrays Club President Jarryd ‘Kiwi’ Gaskin thanked the community for throwing support behind the charity day.
“It was the overwhelming support from the community and our major sponsor, the Laurieton Hotel, that made this day a special one for big Luke and his family and we can’t thank them enough.”
Kiwi also highlighted the tireless efforts of committee members and volunteers to ensure the day’s success.
“Saturday was one of our biggest days of footy action,” he said.
“We had committee members and volunteers at the field from 6:30am.
“Then at 7.30pm they were back at the Laurieton Hotel to cover the action.”
By Kim AMBROSE
