For reasons not necessary to be explored here, the attack to dispatch the Fulgencia Batista government failed, and the 80 or so revolutionaries, due to the worldwide eye on the situation, were placed in custody on a small island off the Cuban south coast.
We celebrate the confidence, courage and spirit of those people, and the subsequent Cuban nation.
So for lunch today, Rosa and I worked on baked garlic tomato, in stage of preparation, see graphic above.
Then out to Rugby Park for the main game. A great number on the sideline experienced the enthusiastic efforts of young men of today - the Uni team and club, with coach Matt Jensen, and the Taroona 1st grade.
Old dogs on the sideline were interested in the innovations in the line-outs. Forwards seemed to not only touch the ball, but hold it and deliver it to the half back.
The score line see-sawed with Uni leading at the half way break.
Scrummaging was appropriate and spirited.
Refereeing was non intrusive, and players were able to engage for extended periods, leading to very entertaining sport. As Merv said he was advised when he took to referring, "first thing to do is shove the whistle up your arse, and you will be less likely to put it in your mouth". Good advice. You can take it out now Merv.
Butchers, bakers, candle-stick makers. Musicians, nurses and carpenters. Electricians and mechanics, students from numerous countries. It was a field day of internationality.
Well set scrums. Whilst not always won by one team, the slight majority take out by Taroona assisted them to win enough extra, to gain a 2 try advantage by the time of the final whistle at 4.35pm
Side line committee members HG and Roy complained that the pale ale Cascade had run out and that the only full strength beer was Boags. Mention of this dilemna to the Procurator General should see proper beer next week.
Irish, Queensland and Vietnam - all represented in this line up of sideline authority
Colours enough that if they had the motorbikes it would have been an illegal assembly. Welcome to the many University Associates Club old dogs on the sideline. They have the best organised communication between members, and regular monthly sauce-a-thons.
Hunting the ball.
And a penalty to Uni for some offence by Taroona. Shame John Kerr, Shame!
Another well set scrum
Sponsors BMB proudly associated with TURUFC
Milling around after the final whistle, the players attended the supporters and thanked them for their enthusiasm on the sideline. And vice versa
Another major sponsor, Tassal - providing sea food to the nation, and worldwide. Smoked salmon, cooked and fresh prawns: from ocean or pond to table
Speeches after centred on the game being the inaugural match between the two clubs with whom Greg Sawyer had most association, and the memorial shield in his name was presented to Taroona for their win. They will be proud to hold the shield for 2020
Lil and Tony Kube listen intently
Tassal proudly sported on the right shoulder
Both teams coalesced on around the Greg Sawyer memorial park bench, at the south west side of the rugby ground, for the photo shot.
