Bowral Blacks' 50th anniversary season has kicked off with a bang after hosting a Super Rugby Pacific trial match between NSW Waratahs and Brumbies on Saturday.
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The pre-season hit-out ended 24-14 to the Tahs at Eridge Park in front of an impressive crowd considering the sodden conditions.
President Mark Freund said it was the biggest event the club had put on as they prepare to celebrate their half century.
"It was a fantastic weekend, a huge event for the club and it went off really well, definitely the biggest event we've ever had," he told the Southern Highland News.
"The way the committee got together and all the volunteers was unbelievable. We're very lucky to have the people we have. They do a fantastic job."
The atmosphere in Burradoo resembled a carnival with the canteen in full force and mobile bars pouring all evening to keep patrons satisfied despite the weather.
Freund said it was great to see rugby union taking an active interest in the regions after the code was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"More people turned up than we thought," he revealed.
"It was really good, we were really happy with the numbers. We sold all our food, sold a hell of a lot of beer!
"I think they've (Rugby Australia) finally figured out the key to it is getting back to grassroots rugby and focusing on bringing some of these games out to regional areas.
"It's about promoting the game through the actual communities that support them. It's a credit to them that they are doing these things, we're really appreciative of them coming out here.
"We got 100 percent good feedback from the Brumbies and Waratahs and it's put us on the map. They'll always think of Bowral Rugby Club as a great place to go to."
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