Footscray Vets 26 Moles 12

On a glorious day for rugby but a sad and emotional day for the Moles, Footscray Vets provided the opposition for the final regular fixture of the season for the second year running.

Following the sudden passing of #1 Mole Gary Theobald the previous weekend and a large contingent non-playing Moles, Swans, Gannets, Trumpeteers and other GRFC supporters made the trip down to New Eltham to cheer on the Moles. A two minute round of applause for Gary was celebrated by the players, officials and supporters of both teams prior to the kick off.

With a large squad for captain Mick Terry to give a run out to, the Vets' canny and wily game play, and of course a raft of emotions in the Moles' ranks following the shock of the preceding week this was always going to be this a challenging match for the team in black.

Every Mole gave nothing less than 100% out on the pitch but it was just one of those days when the hands didn't work as well as they can and decisions went the other way which all conspired to give, on balance, the Vets the upper hand throughout the game. Moles' highlights included the introduction of the 'Theobald' ball and Big Bri's tenth try of the season in the Moles' black or the Swans' hoops.

After enjoying some wonderful food from the Footscray BBQ and the odd pint or two, the GRFC contingent returned to Rectory Field for the remainder of the evening. Mole of the Match could only have ever been awarded to #1 Gary Theobald and his son Tom downed a pint on his behalf alongside skipper Terry.

Moles' match reports over recent seasons have always ended by reflecting that the Moles is something much much more than just a rugby team and it will be for many a year to come. We all have the one and only Gary Theobald to thank for that! Cheers mate x

Line up: Elvis, Brucey, Market, El Tel, Ian Martin, Hair Bear, Russ Turley, Big Bri, Big Bob, Oaf, Velcro, Squeeksy, Ork, Sam Holden, Paddy, George Gilham, Terry Papworth, Bomber, Tucker Jenken, Gerry Keenan, Bri Rayner, Darren Oram, Merv, Andy Dadson, Toks, Jobbo, Shotgun, Lloydy, Mick Terry, Stan, Carl Sells, Neil Miller, Aaron Rayner, Smudge