The Bellingen Dorrigo RLFC, the Locke family and all those involved with the army should be congratulated for staging such a wonderful day where community spirit flowed freely and competitive sport shone.

The first game was played between the local 15s side and their Orara counterparts followed by a Dorrigo v Bellingen ladies touch game. In the Under 18s match our lads were able to topple last years premiers Sawtell 10 points to 6. Ricky Corda and Terrence Lindsay scored tries whilst Luke Suter, Hayden Phillips Cooke and Aiden Banks were strong in both attack and defence. This result was a shock as the boys have improved immensely over the last 12 months and this season looks quite promising.

In the main game the Thunder downed the Magpies 26 points to 24 in a very entertaining match. Matt Bush City Limits scored a double whilst Anthony Fensom and Scotchy Millan were again outstanding. Others to shine were Louie Taylor in the centres, Jamie Meares and new acquisition Ryan O'Connor who looks the goods. David Peachey wowed the local crowd with glimpses of brilliance and coach White may have landed a coup with Peach possibly appearing again at the graveyard during the season proper. For the Thunder ex South Sydney speedster Joven Clarke was a handful.

The auction of the special one off set of jerseys was a complete success and topped off a wonderful day.

The last thing this scribe heard on his way home in the darkness was three loud cheers for Sgt Matthew Locke, hiphip hooray. What a day!