It’s been an extremely difficult month for the Aberglasslyn Ants Rugby League Football Club.
After losing former player Lynan Scott in the Greta coach accident on Sunday 11 June, the organisation was dealt a double blow just a week later when popular front-rower Brodie Pearson suffered a fatal injury in a local match.
While both incidents were incredibly painful – and raw – for the small Ants fraternity, president Kirsty Robinson is determined to ensure the pair’s legacies never fade.
And, as such, Aberglasslyn will stage two special fundraisers in honour of Scott and Pearson on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July respectively.
“It’s been tough, there’s no denying that, but it’s definitely brought us together closer as a family,” Robinson said.
“I think these moments test you and I believe, overall, we’ve come out a bit stronger.
“So, next Saturday, we have organised an event for Lynan.
“She was a founding member of the Ants’ league tag team, who unfortunately lost her life – along with her husband Andrew – in the recent tragic bus crash.
“As a club, we really want to help support their family, particularly their two children, in any way that we can.
“We’re dedicating our round 10 league tag encounter to her, and created the Lynan Scott Memorial Shield, which will take place annually against West Maitland.
“We have already attracted a ton of sponsors, who’ve provided heaps of donations, including a shield by a trophy company.
“We’ll also have grazing boxes by the amazing Lisa Graze Amaze, which are available for $35 pre-sale… the cut-off is Monday (10 July).
“They will feed three-to-four people and the proceeds from that are also going to Lynan’s family.
“Now, we’re encouraging everyone to snuggle up on the sideline with the grazing boxes and watch the footy.”
Aberglasslyn tackles West Maitland at McKeachies Oval, from 3.45pm, for the Lynan Scott Memorial Shield before facing the Awabakal Eagles in women’s tackle at 5pm.
“We’ve got two matches taking the field, which should be entertaining,” Robinson said.
“And, we currently have some ‘live’ auctions going.
“We’ve also secured NSW star centre Isabelle Kelly’s game two State of Origin jersey, along with her player issued card.
“That’s being auctioned through our Facebook page at the moment.
“We’ll have a couple of other jumpers going ‘under the hammer’, too, in the next few days and plenty of raffles, which will be drawn on the day (15 July).”
Less than 24 hours later, the Ants will host another fundraiser, this time for Pearson, at The Bradford in Rutherford.
“Like with Lynan, we’re hoping to raise as much money as we can for Brodie’s family,” Robinson told the Newcastle Weekly.
“From noon, on 16 July, there’ll be music, meat trays and raffles, and heaps of activities for everyone.
“There are also going to be signed NRL jerseys raffled off there… and other items.
“As a club, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support.
“There’s no way that we would’ve made it through this awful tragedy without the assistance of the community, especially the rugby league community.
“Clubs have sent messages of support, observed a minute’s silence etc.
“Even the league’s been directly here for us at every turn.
“Honestly, there is just no way we would’ve been able to navigate the absolute trauma of this without it.
“And, I think we’re stronger for it.
“Now, we want to finish off the (Newcastle-Hunter) season as a family.
“Just get back out on the field… and do what we can in Lynan’s memory and Brody’s memory… and just appreciate what we’ve got in each other.”
For more community stories:
- Gilroy’s Lucky charm to support those affected by Greta bus tragedy
- WRHS on the hunt for new CEO after Richard Jones OAM steps down
- Maitland cricketers catch $1.9m windfall
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