On Saturday, Maheno Rugby Club, south of Oamaru, celebrated its 125th jubilee and Christchurch brothers Zach and James Skinley could not be more excited.
It was the second day of the club’s two-part celebration, filled with rugby matches from Rippa Rugby for the little ones and moving up the grades to the "golden oldies".
Zach and James’ grandfather, Paul Goodall, was one of 30 former Maheno players who took on Excelsior in a golden oldies match.
Mr Goodall, who is in his 50s, said he had been a bit nervous about going out there and getting knocked about.
"It’s not gentle on the body ... it’s harder than I thought it would be."
However, he was glad he did.
"It’s good to be with some of the old ones again. It’s a proud day for the club."
Even though the players hardly saw each other now, they still had that bond.
"I never thought I would see the day," he said.
The boys, who played for the New Brighton Rugby Club in Christchurch, often came down to go hunting and fishing with their grandfather, and he would often visit them and watch them play.
The Maheno Rugby Club was very special to Mr Goodall.
His father Alan, who was originally from Maheno, had played rugby at the club all through his school years.
Alan’s picture was on the wall of the club and he was part of the 1961 Citizens Shield-winning team.
"My last game of football was 63 years ago," Alan said.
However, he was not about to start playing in the golden oldies match.
"My knees have had it with playing football."
Alan, who lives in Dunedin, came north just for the jubliee.
The jubliee celebrations finished on Saturday night with a party.
