Ross Sutherland Rugby Club to host Moray in return of memorial match for Daniel Rafferty and David Mackay in Invergordon
This weekend Ross Sutherland Rugby Club’s annual memorial match returns to Invergordon.
The fixture is dedicated to two former players who lost their lives, Daniel “Raff” Rafferty and David Mackay.
Daniel Rafferty played for Ross-Sutherland from the age of nine years old and continued through to the senior squads.
Raff represented Ross Sutherland at under-15 and under-16 at Caledonian District level and enjoyed many playing successes.
On the 12 December 2010, Raff was climbing on the Tower Ridge of Ben Nevis when a tragic accident occurred which cost Raff his life at the tender age of 19.
Dave started playing at Ross Sutherland RFC aged 14. Many of his closest school pals were already playing at the club and inevitably Dave gave it a go! He became a key player for the squad and his smile lifted everyone around him.
On the evening of December 23, tragic circumstances following a night out, resulted in Dave's passing, at the age of just 21.
Trophies named after each former player will be presented on the day – one to the winners of the match, and the other to the player who displays the strongest spirit of the game.
While formerly a Christmas fixture between the current squad and a team of exiles, last year Ross Sutherland made the decision to move the game to the start of the season and invite another club to be their opposition.
Last year it was Inverness Craig Dunain, while this Saturday it will be Moray making the trip to the Naval Grounds for a 2.30pm kick off.
The Stags’ new development officer Vaughan Rossouw was in the visiting line-up last year, but says the impression the fixture made on him convinced him to move to Invergordon.
“It is a special day, and my understanding it’s what they would have liked – we’re continuing the game,” Mr Rossouw said.
“I didn’t know the club when I played in the match last year, but it felt like you were there for a purpose – it’s not just another game of rugby.
“It’s obviously sad at the same time, because they were both very young, but it left a lasting impression on me so I’m looking forward to the game.
“It’s not just a pre-season game. It’s not about a cup, it’s bringing together individuals in a community in their memory.
“You definitely feel something in the group, even in the changing rooms when you arrive. That’s the welcome that left an impression on me, and that’s the reason I’m here.
“Tragedy sometimes brings a community closer together.
“I saw that when I was working at a school in South Africa – there was a lightning strike and the first team cricket boys got hit. The whole community, different schools, all came together, and it was incredible.
“That’s the sort of vibe our game has as well, so it’s great to see.”
Community coach Michael McClenaghan continued: “As far as I can remember, for as long as I’ve been a part of the club, it’s been a massive thing every year.
“Everyone at the club does their part to organise it and help out, and it becomes such a busy day.”
As well as the showpiece match on Saturday afternoon, there will be a walking rugby session from 1pm where anyone who wants to get involved, or try out rugby for the first time, can take part.
