[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hirty years ago, on Saturday, March 7, 1987, the Western Suburbs Magpies introduced themselves to the rugby league fans of Campbelltown and Macarthur.
The black and white side that debuted at Orana Park that day defeated defending premiers Parramatta Eels 32-16 and a new tradition was born.
It’s that tradition, built over the next 30 years that will be celebrated at the Magpie Heritage Night this Saturday, March 24 at – where else? – Wests Leagues Leumeah.
Balmain Tigers and Wests Tigers legend Joel Caine will be MC for the night, which will celebrating 30 years of Western Suburbs Magpies and Wests Tigers in Campbelltown and Macarthur.
For fans who attend it will also be an opportunity to meet the players and the coaches and relive the memories of three wonderful decades.
Wests Magpies and Wests Tigers players from all eras have been invited to the celebration night, which will highlight various achievements, including:
- Western Suburbs 1992 Club Championship year, including an under 21s premiership.
- Wests Tigers debut at expanded Campbelltown Sports Ground in 2000, with a 24 all draw against the Brisbane Broncos.
- Wests Tigers 2005 NRL Premiership, defeating the North Queensland Cowboys.
But the celebrations will start 24 hours earlier, with Wests Tigers hosting Brisbane Broncos this Friday, March 23 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in an NRL round three clash.
This will be followed a day later by Wests Magpies Intrust Super Premiership, Wests Tigers under 20s, Wests Massey Cup and junior representative sides all playing their competition matches at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
SNAPSHOT
WHAT Magpie Heritage Night
DATE: Saturday 24th March
VENUE: Wests Leagues Leumeah auditorium
TIME: Doors open at 7pm and event commences at 7.30pm
COST: $120 each or 10 for $1,100 (includes a 3 course meal) – this is an over 18s event
TICKETS Call 4628 4188 or visit www.westslc.com.au
They were th days when we hoped we would have a Campbelltown based team in the NRL but the powers that be decided otherwise but now that Campelltown-Macarthur is moving to 500,000 plus population serious consideration must be given to the Macarthur Rams running on the Campbelltown Sports Ground as the local team
Geraldine Dean Brooke Manzione joint celebrations maybe?