Kempsey Golf Club recently hosted the 2019 Reconciliation Shield as part of the Tim Mecham Open 18 hole two-person Ambrose event.
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The day was billed as a Clash of Titans and saw the Kempsey All-Stars battle the Indigenous All-Stars for the coveted Reconciliation Shield.
Currently in its second year, organisers Tim Mecham and Dane Callaghan, sought to build on the successful first event.
"The original concept was organised in conjunction with T.J. Smith, 2018 was our first year, and that was for the shield," Mecham said.
"This year we integrated the competition with a charity day to raise money for the local Vocational College.
"Coastline Credit Union were one of the main sponsors, we had a Souths Sydney jersey to auction off, and Aiden Tolman got us a jersey as well."
Throughout the day, the two teams battled it out for the shield and ultimate bragging rights.
"The 2019 event was a lot bigger than our first year, it had a great turnout, and we will look to build on that for next time."
- Tim Mecham
It was stiff competition, and Kempsey Golf Club president Paul Brose told the Argus that it came right down to the wire.
"It was very close, but the Kempsey All-Stars managed to come out on top this year with five points, to the Indigenous All-Stars four," he said.
"The Indigenous All-Stars won the Reconciliation Shield in 2018; luckily, we got it for 2019, I don't think they would have let us live it down if they beat us again, there is quite a bit of good-natured banter that goes on, but it's all in good spirits.
"Both years have been very close, only one point has decided the day each time."
"The club is really trying to be welcoming to everyone; we hope everyone will come back again next year."
- Paul Brose
With another successful event now done and dusted, Mecham, and Brose are looking to keep the momentum going and keep the Reconciliation Shield event running well into the future.
"The plan is to make it like the NRL's State of Origin, and just keep it going and going," Mecham said.
"The 2019 event was a lot bigger than our first year, it had a great turnout, and we will look to build on that for next time."
"A few of the Indigenous players are talking about asking guys from other areas to play next year, and I'd say we might look to get some celebrities or other guest players as well," Brose said.
"The club is really trying to be welcoming to everyone; we hope everyone will come back again next year."
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