A scrum Down Under for Shields lads
THIS is a moment that a group of likely lads from South Tyneside will always cherish – meeting their home-town rugby hero on the other side of the world.
The Gazette has already told the story of how five teammates and chums – who began as Minis at Westoe and progressed through the junior ranks into the senior sides – jetted off in January to try their sporting luck 12,000 miles away in Australia.
Scrum half Michael Booth, prop Jordan Mackay, hooker Grant Walker, fly half Stuart Woodhouse and centre Grant Parkin were recruited by Melbourne's Baroondara Club for its colts section, which over there extends to the age of 21.
We can report that they have acquitted themselves well, the first three having played for the senior XV, who are about the same standard as Westoe, which is now among the English game's hierarchy, having achieved National 2 North status.
All five are staying at the spacious home of club secretary Tony Ward and his wife Ellen, who has dubbed herself "rugby mother".
A sixth Westoe player, powerful winger Jon Irving, who made his first-team debut last season, has joined them in the city, where he plays for another club.
But it is likely that when the lads return home later this year their most vivid memories will be the day that they all watched England beat Australia 21-20 in the thriller at Sydney.
For afterwards they met up with South Shields-born star David Wilson, a junior at Wood Terrace when he was signed up by Newcastle Falcons, who was a replacement prop in his country's splendid against-the-odds victory.
David, 25, who now plays for Bath, took the six of them to the players' hotel, and then out to a club, where they spent the night celebrating with most of the national squad.
So it was with rather bleary eyes that they caught the 7am flight back to Melbourne.
Grant Parkin, who took the photo of the other five with David, told his parents Graham and Audrey: "It really was an unforgettable experience – something we will all treasure for the rest of our lives."
Westoe veteran Mark Mackay, father of Jordan, said: "What impressed him so much was how friendly and generous these famous players were. They insisted on buying the boys' drinks and made sure they enjoyed themselves.
"They will bring back many good memories of their whole experience, but Jordan told us that thanks to David's kindness that Sydney trip will be the most special of them all."
He added: "Tony Ward is planning a trip to Britain during the coming season and says he would like to come to South Shields. We will make sure he is warmly welcomed."
And he will have a Westoe shield to display in his own clubhouse, presented by ex-first-team flanker Ian Booth and his wife Melanie, whose son Michael was the prime mover in instigating the friends' Australian adventure.
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Weather for Jarrow
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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