 |
| Glittering Send-Off For Burke |
 |
| Burke arrives for the evening at the Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead |
| 7 August 2008, 9:25 am |
|
| More than 350 guests gave Matthew Burke a rousing send-off at his charity farewell dinner, sponsored by Audi, on Wednesday night at the Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead. |
The Aussie legend was the star attraction at the glittering black tie event, as fans, team mates and colleagues gave the retiring fullback a fantastic reception.
Club chairman Dave Thompson thanked Burke for his four seasons at Kingston Park with a special presentation, while Margaret Smithurst of the Falcons Supporters' Club also took to the stage to give the fans' perspective.
The Aussie won a bottle of Broon and a Greggsy's pasty in “Wardy's Geordie Challenge” with a creditable four-out-of-five scoreline as he showed his ability to translate well-known local phrases, only narrowly failing to get a maximum score on the final phrase: “Hoy ya hammer owa here hinny!”
Jamie Noon and Joe Shaw took to the stage to give a team-mates' view and plenty of changing room banter, while RFU elite director of rugby, Rob Andrew, gave his own take on the hugely popular fullback.
Western Force coach John Mitchell and Wallaby team mate Scott Staniforth delivered an Antipodean perspective, whilst fellow Falcon Mark Mayerhofler sent over a special video message from his New Zealand home.
A marvellous night of festivities was capped off with Burke thanking those in attendance for their support during his four years at the club, as he takes part in one last farewell week before settling in Sydney.
He will take to the field at half-time during Friday's game against Western Force at Kingston Park to say an emotional farewell to the club's supporters, before seeing out the night with a few beers and a yarn in the West Stand concourse bar.
Tickets for Friday's game are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from the stadium in person. Those buying before 5pm on Thursday August 7 will enjoy big discounts on normal match-day prices. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
