Two Blues legend, Peter ‘Thommo’ Thompson, admits he’d still be lacing up the boots for his beloved Shute Shield Club if not for the limitations of age.
The pesky flanker played 106 First Grade games for the Two Blues, including the 1977 Shute Shield Grand Final, which saw the Parramatta side dethrone the ever-imposing Randwick juggernaut 17-9 at the SCG.
Thommo says the enormity of the occasion will live on with him forever.
“Winning that Grand Final at the SCG is certainly the highlight,” he said.
“We were competing against the very best in Australia, without the stars of any Randwick side.
“I remember telling my teammates I was prepared to die on the pitch for them that day.”
The 1977 Grand Final would launch a brief rivalry between Parramatta and Randwick, a matchup which also including Finals in 1984-1986, of which Parramatta won two.
It was just reward for Thommo and his teammates, who went agonisingly close to Grand Final glory in 1975, only to lose 9-6 to Northern Suburbs.
Having etched his name into Two Blues history, Thommo has begun a life of service to the Club which offered him so many opportunities.
Thommo was part of Tours to Hong Kong, New Zealand and Europe, as well as a brief stint in New York in 1983.
“To give back for what you’ve got is so important,” he said.
“Volunteering is the essence of Club rugby; it is an acknowledgment of how much your Club really means to you.
“A Club can’t survive without the countless number of individuals proudly dedicating their time all around the ground while the players are out on the field.
“I want to be out on the field with the jersey on, but those days are over so I support in any other way I can.”
Thommo proudly acts as the Two Blues Ground Marshall on game day, ensuring he is as close to the action as possible every Saturday.
The former secondary teacher says his ability to volunteer feeds his ambition to see the Two Blues return to the glories of his era.
“I’m passionate enough to put the flanker jersey on right now,” he said.
“It’s in my fibre and a huge part of who I am.
“When you’ve got your back to the wall you need the support of everyone around you.
“It’s a passion of mine and I know I play a role in the bigger picture.
“There’s a spot at a Club for everyone. I’d urge everyone to go out and find their role.”
