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AURFC Annual Pre Test Luncheon -
2009
So much for the recession. No less than 71 tables of 10 packed
Eden Park’s ASB Stand to reminisce, ruminate, laugh,
and of course lie through their teeth about the good ol’
days.
James McOnie, just the second MC in the 17-year history of
this University Rugby Club luncheon, kept the mood upbeat
and interesting with his endless array of one liners and double
entendres.
But trust an Australian to gatecrash the party and prove
the star turn. Peter FitzSimons, sleeves rolled up, and at
his passionate, articulate best, probably managed to shift
several copies of his Charles Kingsford Smith book, but he
brought the house down with about 80 minutes worth of banter
and anecdotes packed into a single half.
Last year’s speaker Richard Loe featured heavily in
at least one tale from circa 1992. Winston Peters declined
to speak (a surprise, that), but some of Ian McKenzie’s
‘nieces’ did auction their underwear.
The food, wine and beer was the usual quality fare, and many
punters repared to the Barbarians club to work barmen Dean
Paddy (former prems coach) and Rodney Doidge (good bloke)
off their feet.
But the most important, indeed poignant, moment of the six
hour (a conservative estimate) luncheon was the launch of
the John Drake Memorial Scholarship. Graham Henry (a Varsity
man, with Gallaher Shields as a player and coach) and Tim
Burcher (one of the great passers) spoke well and movingly
on Drakey and his rugby life.
It was another outstanding Varsity luncheon – hats off
to Macca and Rob Connoley – and we await with impatience
the 2010 event.
2010 AURFC Annual Pre Test Luncheon
ASB Lounge - Eden Park
Thursday 8th July 2010
Test Match: All Blacks v South Africa 10th of July 2010
Contact: info@aurfc.co.nz
for tickets, information and sponsorship opportunities for
the 2010 luncheon.
Photos:
1. AURFC supporters and old boys
2. AURFC old boy Graham Henry
3. AURFC MC James McOnie
4. 2009 Speaker Peter FitzSimons
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