They defeated Peabody Energy’s Wambo Wolves 18-nil, in the decider of the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Knockout Rugby League Competition.

The Rhino’s, Cooper Harris, was named man of the match.

The annual event saw 16 teams, representing local mines, take to the field in support of the Westpac Rescue Service.

 And, it is co-ordinated by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group.

To get to the grand-final the Rhino’s defeated Maules Creek Maulers and Mt Arthur Meerkats in their pool games, and then, Hunter Valley United Cobras in the first semi-final. 

Their opponents, the Wolves, downed MTW Razorbacks and Liddell Lions before facing last year’s winners, the Austar Swamp Rats. 

With ex-NRL player Terence Seusue in their team the Swamp Rats were considered favorites in the lead-up to the competition. 

However, in a tight match the Wolves prevailed 8-6.

Singleton Volunteer Support Group secretary, Danny Eather says around 1600 people, including 300 players, attended the event.

“Whilst the action on the field may be NRL worthy, the serious business of the day is to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,” he explains.

“It is anticipated that at least $60,000 will be raised after final expenses are covered.”

He says the key event partners are:

A-Plus Contracting,Pirtek, IEEP, Workpac, Jennings Print, Betts Bowers Haulage, Hunter Valley Hydraulink, ABC Jumping Castle Hire, BAR TV, Bean Boss Coffee, CAN Graphic Design, Chicken Spot Takeaway, Coal Air Services, EM DEE Engineering & Electrical, Hunter Valley Group 21 Referees Association, Hunter Valley Ice-Cream, Kennard’s Hire, Lions Club of Singleton, McDonalds – Singleton, Greta & Rutherford, Power FM / 2NM Radio, Prestige Party Hire, Quest Apartments,Rotary Club of Singleton, RPM Images, Singleton Argus, Singleton Heights Bakery, Singleton Photo Centre, Singleton Rugby League Club, Thomas Tender Meats, Thread & Ink Workwear, Valentine Sports Photography, and of course all the team sponsors.

Chairperson Jayne Eather says she would like to say a special thank you to the ball boys and girls.

“They were busy all day and did a great job,” Mrs Eather says.

She is also very appreciative of the group 21 referees who gave up their time to officiate over the matches.

Along with the Singleton United Greyhounds Rugby League Football Club.

From the time-consuming task of marking the fields to manning the bar, they were a great help, she explains.

Fun, charity and community

From their major sponsor, A-Plus Contracting&Poly Welding, to Rotary, Lions and McDonalds, the entire community gets behind the Hunter Valley mining charity rugby League knockout competition. 

The event raises vital funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and is organised by the Singleton Support Group. This year is the third time the fun day has been organised, and for the first time the group kept tabs on attendance levels. To their surprise a massive 1650 paid to get through the gate on Saturday to watch our local miners battle it out for bragging rights. 

Chairperson, Jayne Eather says some tweaking after last years competition has paid off. She estimates the crowd doubled, and used the word “flabbergasted” repeatedly. 

And, the secret to their success.  

“It’s all about charity, fun, and everyone working together.” 

A big congratulations to the driving force behind the popular event, the group’s secretary Danny Eather.

​Published by The Singleton Argus on 11/10/2016

THE preparation is almost complete and the game plans under wraps.
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Now, 16 teams will go head-to-head when the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout kicks off at Singleton’s Pirtek Park on Saturday.

Organiser Danny Eather said the day would see local miners swap their work boots for footy boots as they competed for bragging rights – and the right to be crowned champions, in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. 

“We’ve made a couple of changes to the format,” he admitted. 

“This year, the teams will be divided into four pools with each playing a minimum of two games during the day."

“Based on collective points, the sides placed first will advance through to the semi-finals and then onto the decider.”

Eather said the tournament, which is hosted by the Singleton Volunteer Support Group, would feature 300 mining employees on the playing paddock.

“That figure is an increase on last year,” he said.  

“So, I’d like to thank everyone for their support.

“Apart from what is sure to be ‘State of Origin’ worthy football, there’ll be plenty of entertainment off the field for children with jumping castles, amusement rides and face painting – all for free."

“The local Rotary and Lions club will be involved, too.”

Gates open from 8am, with the first game starting at 9am.

The entry fee is $5 per adult and $2 each child.
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The story  first appeared on The Singleton Argus.

Singleton Rotary Club president, Mel Rolfe says they had a busy day keeping everyone fed but it was well worth it as you never know when you will need the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

“He broke a few ribs and the helicopter transported him to hospital in Newcastle.”

​"Just last week one of our members, local electrician John Bailey fell from a height of five metres” he explains.

Mr Rolfe says an incident like this can happen anytime.

And that’s why Mr Rolfe and his treasurer, Ted Drayton, were happy to hand over a $3620 cheque to event manager and secretary of the Singleton Volunteer Support Group, Danny Eather on Tuesday.

THE Austar Swamp Rats secured the A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Knockout after accounting for the Ravensworth Rhinos in Saturday’s grand final at Singleton’s Pirtek Park.

Earlier in proceedings, the Austar squad eliminated the Glendell Gladiators 24-0, HV United Cobras 12-10 and MTW Eels 20-4.Led by former NRL star Terence Seuseu, and player of the match Luke Mercer, the Swamp Rats claimed a thrilling decider 10-4.

The Rhinos booked their berth in the finale following victories over Ashton Wombats 10-8, HV Mining All Stars 14-4 and Drayton Giants 34-0.

The tournament, which pitted local mine employees against each other to vie for the prestigious Charity Shield, also doubled as a fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – Singleton Support Group.

Event manager Danny Eather admitted he was delighted with the day.

“I’m over the moon,” he said.

“There was a great community atmosphere. We not only had an entertaining final, but people hung around to watch the decider. Overall, everything exceeded our expectations.“I was thrilled by the size of the crowd. It will definitely be on again next year.”

Eather said the charity knockout easily served its purpose.

“Our two goals were to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, which we did, and to make it family-friendly,” he told The Argus.

“And, I believe it was a good community event.

“We had a lot of free children’s activities including jumping castles, slides, face painting and a craft stall.

“I’d just like to thank all the players, sponsors, spectators and helpers who made the day such as success.”

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Words - Singleton Argus (http://www.singletonargus.com.au/story/3416534/rats-swamp-rivals/?cs=1660)