In the 1970s, my dad, Gerald Fincham, became involved in the Stella Rugby Club. By Wednesday of each week, the old telephone landline was off-limits to everyone else because Dad was busy organizing his team for the upcoming Saturday match. Some of the players were studying at the university and needed a ride back to Stella for the game, while others were injured and required more recovery time. It was, to put it mildly, chaos.
The team played on the Stella High School field, a simple patch of open grass where cars would park around the perimeter for supporters to watch the game. My mom, Florence served as the First Aid officer after completing the necessary training. Our car was usually packed with a stretcher and a suitcase filled with medical supplies, ointments, and bandages.
On a good day, Dad decided there was a need to erect floodlights at the sports field. Four massive towers were built on the farm, Kameelbult, which is just 22 kilometers away along a gravel road. Each tower was hitched to his Massey Ferguson tractor, with a wheel fitted to the back for towing. They were then transported to Stella by the tractor.
On Wednesday, we watched his great-grandchildren play a match on that same sports field. The four floodlights still stand guard over the field.
All the excitement under the watchful eye of their little sister Anna.
Watching the little barefoot boys played brought back many memories. MacRae and Rogan, may your rugby days flourish!
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