Now, the Scone Brumbies Rugby Club is preparing to acknowledge another significant highlight – their 50th anniversary next month.

The organisation formed in 1967 when union was reintroduced to the Upper Hunter after an absence of 47 years.

In 1996, Upper Hunter merged with the Newcastle Hunter zone where the Brumbies competed until 2009. 

Scone then joined Central North Rugby Union.

And, since that move, the club has continued to grow in strength, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 2013 and, again, this season.

Unfortunately, the Brumbies campaign ended on Sunday at the hands of Gunnedah.

But, the result hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm within the organisation, according to president Bob Davidson.

“It’s a privilege to be involved with the club – they are a fantastic group of people,” he said.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve had a long history of being a competitive rugby side.

“We also boast a proud tradition, having been a founding member of the Upper Hunter zone and winning numerous premierships.

“Then, we’ve had the likes of Ollie Hall (ex-Wallaby) and Viv Ayoub (Australian Schoolboys) in our ranks, as well as a stack of other zone and Country representatives.

“So, seeing this [50-year] milestone celebrated is terrific.

“We’ve had more people through the gates in 2017; the crowd’s really got behind the boys.

“We need to maintain that momentum moving forward.

“It’s important to build on 2017.

“In my three years [as president], I’ve witnessed the good and bad.

“But, we want to stay at the top of the ladder – and we’ve already started to talk about 2018.

“Central North [Rugby Union] is a much stronger competition.

“And, as a player, you want to test yourself against the best.”

The “Blue and Golds” will host a 50th Anniversary Gala Ball at Brumby Park on Saturday, September 9, from 6pm.

The black tie event features canapés on the lawn, followed by dinner and dessert in the marquee, an auction and entertainment.

Tickets for the function are $95, and can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/RDNZ or The Belmore Hotel.

For more information, contact Tennille on 0408 276 622, Mick on 6549 9913 or Dave on 0418 764 455.