Tenterfield’s Golden Oldies Blue Heelers Rugby Club is calling time on their memorable history after kicking off in 1989.

“Dementia, cirrhosis, apathy, old age and a host of other factors have led the committee to decide to terminate the club in order to keep the record intact, undefeated in 25 years,” former player John Macnish joked.

Hundreds of “chronically challenged” players, as John calls them, have participated in the local side with several representing Australia over the years in international games.

Their undefeated streak comes with being involved in the sport – every game is recorded as a draw.

The over 35s game took off around the country in the early nineties and Tenterfield had, up until last year, competed in a competition against teams across at the coast.

“We played the Gold Coast, Yamba, Byron Bay, Evans Head, Ballina and others,” John said.

Carmel Rose and husband Tim have both been involved since the clubs inception and Carmel said it was hard to see it come to an end.

“It’s very sad but there will be some tall stories to tell at the end of it,” she said.

She said attracting a new crop of players had proved hard and they had been left with little choice but to fold.

“We’ve still ben going as a bit of a social club but we had been having trouble getting players.”

The lasting members will get together for a send-off on Saturday, October 4 at Kraze Maze.

“Maybe by having this it will spark something and get some interest,” Carmel said.

The games motto is fun, friendship and fraternity and Carmel said it had provided that for a lot of people over the years.

“We started up a lot of friendships thanks to it – if you go anywhere wearing the golden oldies shirt every time someone will pull you up,” she said.

All former players and supporters are invited to attend the night at Kraze Maze.

For more information about the event contact Carmel Rose or Steve Alford.