COVID might have put a lot of limitations on the weekend's Eugowra Rugby League centenary but it didn't make a difference to the result with the Golden Eagles triumphing over Canowindra Tigers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And it all began with a very special presentation of some very special guernseys from some of the local legends to this year's centenary first grade squad.
Coach Brad McMillan said he'd wanted to hold the guernsey presentation in the Central where the photos of Eugowra rugby league grand final winning sides and heroes hang.
To allow for social distancing the presentation took place across the road, where a new mural reflecting on some of the highlights of a century of sport in the community stands.
"This being the 100 years of the club which is a massive achievement," McMillan reflected.
"To be part of something like this, I'm very grateful to the committee for giving me the privilege to be the coach this year.
"I think you can see from the people that have turned out (even with the limitations on travel) what rugby league means to the Eugowra community.
"Starting back in 1921 ... you wouldn't think that 100 years later we've still got a club and still participating with such a small community, it is a big achievement."
McMillan reflected a lot has changed in the game in those years.
"Tthe one thing that hasn't changed is the passion and love that Eugowra has for football," he said.
"I am privileged to be part of it."
Eugowra rugby league Old Boys presented the replica "all black" guernseys which were a tribute to the 1960s when the club won five Group 11 premierships back to back
"I still believe this is a record in Group 11 first division for the most consecutive wins, " McMillan said.
"It's a big thing for Eugowra to be able to hold that record in first division football."
Eugowra Rugby Laegue Club president John Park reflected on the men who started the club in 1921: Bob Sutton, Ken Douglas, George Crampton, Albert Penguilly, Murray Wolstenholme, George Fox, Thomas Toohey, Roy Thorncraft, Wilfred Herbert, Jack Little, Clarence Toohey, David Greenhalgh and Arthur Low.
"There's some pretty prominent Eugowra names in there and still have pretty good contact with fellas playing today even," he said.
For a small community, Eugowra has a proud rugby league history.
Beyond the record-claiming 1960s, Park said the sides of the 1980s and the early 1990s shone in the competition.
"Since we've been in Woodbridge cup we've won two premierships as well," he added.
And regardless of whether the decades reflected success on the scoreboard or not, those who kept the club alive deserved recognition, he said.
"Today, it's a lot harder to put a side together in smaller communities where all the kids leave town so I'd like to pay tribute to fellas like Johnny Park, and also a fella like Brad who's pulled a few fellas out of retirement," he said.
"What a job you have all done, I'm really pleased you lined up for this 100 years."
