5TH ANNUAL CHARITY RUGBY LEAGUE DAY CONTINUES TO SET RECORDS

First timers crowned champions, record breaking attendance and $85,000 raised for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
 
It was sweet victory for the Bengalla Badger who were crowned men’s champions in their first competition appearance, the Hunter Hawkettes reigned supreme in the ladies competition and a record setting 2500 spectators attended this year A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Competition at Singleton earlier this month on October 13.
 
Following some ‘serious training’ sessions and a determination to play with the pride for their Bengalla mine site, the Badgers battled it out with the Hunter Valley Operations, United Cobras to the very last minute, securing a try and ultimate victory in a nail biting 18-12 grand final in the men’s decider. Whilst the Hunter Hawkettes were victorious over the Valley Vixens in 3 – 0 game series victory in the second annual ‘Women in Mining’ series.
 
Although, undeniably the biggest winner on the day was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, with a record breaking $85,000 raised, bring total funds raised during the past five year, just shy of $300,000.
 
Organised by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, this year’s event saw over 350 mining employees come together to make up the 18 teams competing in the rugby league 10’s competition at Pirtek Park.
 
Event Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter  Service Danny Eather said he is just astounded by the continued support of the both the business community and the wider community in supporting this event.
 
‘Being our 5th annual event, we are truly blown away by the continued support of the event, which continues to grow year on year.’
 
‘Our team of committed volunteers have worked hard to establish this event to be a highly anticipated event on the local sporting calendar. This was evident in the number of spectators that attended, with over 2500 attendees passing through the gate during the day, which is heart-warming’ Mr Eather said.
 
More than 70 local businesses supported the teams to help their fundraising targets with major sponsorship secured from A-Plus Contracting along with Jennings Print, Pirtek, Mine Super, Slater & Gordon, Matthews Jewellers, NSW Mining, Tyre Doctor, Bowers Haulage, Oiltest, The Eye Place, Hunter Isuzu Utes, SES Labour Solutions and the Imperial Hotel.
 
Coal Services Mines Rescue, Group 21 Rugby League Referees Association, Singleton Rugby League Club and the Singleton Rotary and Lions clubs all provided in-kind support and assistance on the day.
 
‘The Upper Hunter community, and the mining sector, are well aware of vital work that the Rescue Helicopter undertakes within our region continue to be extremely supportive of fundraising events such as the Rugby League Day to ensure that the rescue helicopter is available free-of-charge 24-7.’ Mr Eather said.