The 18th Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match was held on 28 March as Bellingen turned on a warm and sunny greeting for the hundreds of visitors and community who turned out to remember Matt and celebrate a life gone too soon. Starting at 8.30 junior rugby league teams from Bellingen, Bowra and Sawtell played with heart and soul while eager parents watched on. The field was full of future champions.
At 11am, senior games started with Sawtell Under 18s playing Macleay Valley Mustangs, Sawtell winning 32 to 0. Following this in Ladies League Tag, Bellingen Dorrigo overcame Guyra Super Spuds 60 to 0. Ladies tackle was next and Macleay Valley took on Banyo Devils, with Banyo coming out on top 32 to 10. This was followed by Sawtell versus Army Lightning. Sawtell won 20 to 4. The schedule next saw Sawtell Reserve Grade10, beaten by Guyra Super Spuds 18. Second last round saw contenders Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies take on Brisbane Veteran Jackals. Jackals again coming out successful for the second year 24 to 4, making Bellingen even more determined to beat them in 2027. The headline game saw Army Thunder take on Sawtell. A stronger Sawtell came back this year, determined to make a mark after last years defeat and came away with a 42 to 6 win. While no one doubts the fitness of the Army Thunder, Sawtell were ready for anything thrown their way.
Off the field, crowds milled around the ground taking advantage of the great day and entertainment. The Lions Club ran a tight show in the canteen, keeping everyone’s hunger and thirst at bay. The Pluto pups were a particular hit with the young ones. The Bellingen Magpies were busy from 12 at their drinks stand with President Stephen Glyde MC for the day, aided by Daryl Wallbridge and Robert Durham. The Magpies spearheaded by the Glyde Family, Gary Stevenson, who organised all the games and Colin Osland kept the day rolling and they had the field looking magnificent. The Army Band entertained the crowd and the Group 2 NRL Referees kept the players in line and kindly donated their match fees to the charity.
Bellingen High School student Jose Periera, represented his family and village from East Timor and talked to the crowd about the work financed by this charity event. Thanks to Colonel Matt Stevens and MPs Michael Kemp, Pat Conaghan and Gurmesh Singh for their attendance and support. It looks like the day will raise around $15,000.00 for educational outcomes in Jose’s home village in East Timor.
