Bears Legends help raise money for
Men Of League

The North Sydney Old Boys sevens team returned to Coffs Harbour once again this February to help raise money for the Men of League organisation.

The ?Fund raising? began on Australia Day in front of 5000 spectators at the Coffs Coast International Stadium as the likes of Danny Brady, Mick Buettner, Greg Florimo, Andrew King, Peter Phillips, Wayne Portlock, Nigel Roy, Josh Stuart and Craig Wilson took the field against a St George Old Boys team.

There was more fund raising on Friday night as the boys attended the Men of League Official Tournament Dinner Featuring 40 League Legends as well as visiting international teams and hosted by Graham Hughes. On the night local Daniel Walsh won the chance to play with the North Sydney Old Boys on the following day.

Saturday saw their return to the paddock in a demonstration match against the ?Barbarians? team. New boys Brady, Walsh and Steve Little joined members of the St George Old Boys team as well as the Bears, to put on a show for 8000 spectators at the Coramba Sportsground. Opposition players included Brad Fittler, Rod Wishart, Robbie O'Davis and Paul McGregor.

The Bears Legends are keen to return to Coffs Harbour again next year when even more ?Old Boys? teams are set to join them.

PHOTO: The Old Boys sevens teams who competed in demotion matches at the 2006 Orara Valley Sevens. Photo by: Steve Little.

The primary objective of the Men of League is to support former players, officials and referees who have fallen on hard times. The Men of League are there to help with medical operations, rehabilitation equipment, nursing home equipment, grants, counselling, social contact through visits, cards, and telephone calls and promoting and supporting fund raising events for Rugby League people in need of help.

To visit the official Men of League website go to http://www.menofleague.com.

For more information on the Orara Valley Sevens go to the Coffs Harbour local government website at
http://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/www/html/1216-orara-valley-axemen-big-week-of-league.asp.
For the official Orara Valley Axemen website go to
http://www.oraravalleyaxemen.com.

See more photos from the 2006 Orara Valley Sevens go to the Photos section of the Bears website http://www.northsydneybears.com.au/Photos/Special%20Events/2006oraravalleysevens/20050126%20-%202006%20Orara%20Valley%20Sevens.htm

And for the PJR Sports site go to http://www.pjrobinson.com.au/sevens.

The North Sydney Rugby League Football Club can be contacted on 9466 8860, by e-mail info@northsydneybears.com.au, or check out the website at
http://www.northsydneybears.com.au.