The second annual Toothy’s Tens brought in a huge crowd to the Quirindi Rugby Club on Saturday as 16 sides from around the state and a huge vocal crowd gathered to celebrate the life of Nick Tooth who tragically passed away on the rugby field last season.
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If you can measure a man by his mates then Toothy must have been a good one, and had plenty of good ones, as every club he ever played for was represented by at least one side.
Alumni of the Shore School played teams from Eastern Suburbs, Woollahra Colleagues, St Alberts and St Alberts Old Boys, and of course Quirindi.
The Lions didn’t disappoint in front of a big home crowd either, after dropping an early match the crowd favourites chanced their arm as they went on to beat Colleagues in the repecharge grand final to have the place buzzing.
With teams that compete in the Bondi Tens making the journey the competition was fun but fierce at the top.
One of those metro sides, The Turtles, went on to win the day after dazzling the crowd with some great tens rugby, although it was the St Alberts Old Boys who won the best dressed on the field for their bikini strip, while the Pickled Porkers were way ahead of the field in the best dressed after the game.
The touring team streamed out of the change rooms emblazoned in lycra, leopard print and legendary hair as the rugby side transformed into the meanest looking glam rock outfit in the land.
Following the football the festivities and fundraising continued as the silent and live auctions got plenty of attention, with all proceeds going towards the Westpac rescue Chopper and an initiative that is monitoring sports related head injuries.
Quirindi skipper, friend and one of the organisers Toby Simkin summed it up best.
“It was a bloody great day in perfect rugby conditions,” Simkin said.
“It is a perfect way to remember Toothy and to raise awareness and funds.”
“In rural areas the Westpac Rescue is one of the most important organisations, and nobody wants to see any more serious head injuries so that initiative is really great.”
This was the first time the tournament has been held in Quirindi after kicking off last year on a property in Galong, and the Lions would like to see it return every year to the club.
“They are tossing up to take it back to Sydney or alternate it but we would love to see it stay here,” Simkin said.
“It has just been such a good day and has run so well.”
“The facilities are great as well so hopefully we can convince the teams to keep coming here.”
“To see so many people and players come from all over has just made it a great day.”
