The countdown is well a truly on with less than three weeks until the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s – Singleton Support Group hosts this year’s A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout Competition, with the event shaping up to be another great fundraising success.

This past Monday, representatives of the 14 competition teams along with event sponsors gathered to launch the countdown to the charity knockout competition as well as deciding upon the all-important draw for the opening round matches of the day. 

The opening match of the day will see Mt Owen Muddogs take on the Mt Arthur Meerkats, followed by the Ashton Wombats vs. Mt Thorley Warkworth Razorbacks, Mining All-Stars vs. Drayton Dragons, Drayton Giants vs. Ravensworth Rhinos, Austar Swamp Rats vs Mt Thorley Warkworth Eels, Hunter Valley United Cobras vs. Saxonvale Raiders and Mt Owen Mustangs vs. Glendell Gladiators to round out the first round.

Speaking at the launch for the event, Event Manager, Danny Eather, thanked the local miners in attendance for taking up the challenge and participating in this year event and expanding upon last year’s effort to benefit the Rescue Helicopter Service. 

“Of course we are extremely grateful for the financial contributions of our many event sponsors such as A-Plus Contracting, Pirtek, Vital Insurance, Workpac and Jennings Print, equally important is the willingness of the local miners to lace up their footy booty in the name of charity. Without our miners there would be no event and for that we offer a sincere thank you” said Mr Eather.

Mr. Eather also acknowledged the efforts of both Simon Clifford and Derek Vale for establishing the event last year and handing over the reins to the local Support Group. As the new custodians of the competition, Danny and his fellow volunteers are looking forward to growing the competition and making it a featured event on the local community calendar”

The action will not only be contained to the playing field with plenty of FREE children’s activities including jumping castles, slides, face painting and a craft stall. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter will also be making a special guest appearance on the day by flying in to deliver the Charity Shield as it celebrates 40 years of Service to the Hunter Valley community.

The gates at Pirtek Park, Singleton will open on October 10th at 8.00am with the first game kicking off at 9.00am. Both the Lions and Rotary Clubs of Singleton will be cooking up a storm to ensure nobody goes hungry throughout the day, along with Singleton Rugby League Club taking care of everyone’ refreshment needs. Entry to the event is $5 per vehicle parking onsite or $2 per person.