Some days at Bridge Street just remind you why we do all of this — and last weekend’s Gala Day was one of them.
Volunteers were on the ground from 7:30am, setting up the field so our youngest players could take the field at 8:30. The BBQ was firing early — egg and bacon rolls, sausages, and hot coffees keeping everyone warm — and from the moment the first whistle blew, the smiles said everything.
The Juniors: Mud, Tries, and Pure Joy
Our U8s and Get Into Rugby kids absolutely threw themselves into it — and into the mud — with the kind of enthusiasm that only little ones can bring. Every try was celebrated like a Grand Final winner. It was everything junior rugby should be.
A special mention to our U9s and U10s, who took the field in Eltham jerseys as part of merged teams with Maroondah and Kiwi Hawthorn. We only have one or two representatives on each of those merged sides, and we are so grateful to both clubs for honouring that — letting our kids represent Eltham and wear our colours with pride. That’s the spirit of community rugby right there.
Then came the U12s against Box Hill, in what can only be described as seriously muddy conditions. The boys were determined, physical, and brilliant — and they got the win, 22-19. We are so proud of every one of them.
The Seniors: Drama, Mud, and Masters Magic
The U18s (Brimbank Bucks / Eltham) faced the Harlequins and came away with a well-earned win, 32-27. By this point the ground was a proper mud bath, which — let’s be honest — only added to the atmosphere.
The BBQ kept firing with burgers as the crowd grew for the senior men’s match against the Ballarat Highlanders. It was a tense, exciting afternoon of rugby, capped off with a breathtaking try late in the game to draw 24-all. The Eltham faithful were on their feet. What a moment.
And then — as if the day needed anything more — the Masters took on Bayside and had an absolute blast doing it. A huge thank you to Bayside for making the trip and getting involved — it was the perfect way to close out a massive day of rugby.
A Day in Honour of Josh Davis
This Gala Day was held in honour of Josh Davis, and it meant so much to have his mum Cheryl and his sister Liv with us on the day. We hope it was everything it was meant to be — a celebration of rugby, community, and the people who make this club what it is. We carry Josh with us on days like these.
Thank You — All of You
Days like this don’t just happen. They take an army of people giving up their time, their energy, and their Saturday mornings — and we are so grateful.
A huge thank you to our volunteers: Duke, Malachi, Hema, Daniel, Ellen, Peli, Paulette, Wally, Dimitri, Amelie, Ava, Damien, Ang, Roger, Brody, Aidan, Alexi, Ella, Jayde, Corry, Amelia, Mharie, Fraser, and Daithí — you are the backbone of this club. A special shoutout to Fraser and Daithí for getting out there and selling raffle tickets on the day — legends!
To our committee — thank you for everything that goes on behind the scenes to make a day like this happen. A special shoutout to Alana, Tate, Nat, Tim, Sylvia, Leigh, and Alicia, who were on the ground pulling it all together on the day.
And to our clean-up crew Barry, Cillian, and Victor — you are legends.
These things don’t happen without every single one of you.
Support Travis Murray — Raffle Still Open!
The fun didn’t stop at sunset — the evening kicked on with dinner and raffle tickets in support of Travis Murray, who is heading to Queensland to represent the state squad. Raffle tickets are still available on our website until Tuesday at 3:00pm — get behind him! And if you miss the raffle, you can still donate directly to support Travis’s trip. https://eltham.rugby/product/travis-murray-u17s-victorian-state-representative-fundraiser/
What a day. What a club. 🖤💛
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