FRASER Coast’s Sunshine Coast Rugby Union clash with University today has taken on extra significance following the death of club stalwart Brian Lindford on Monday.
Mariners president Andrew Beattie described Lindford, who was also known as “Gundi”, as the “ultimate clubman” and a major loss to the local rugby community.
Lindford had a profound impact on rugby union in the region.
He played an integral part in forming the Fighting Whiting, the first rugby club in Hervey Bay, and later helped launch the Golden Oldies.
Several Mariners players attended Lindford’s funeral yesterday and will be wearing black armbands when they run onto University Oval, Sippy Downs today.
Mariners skipper Trent DeVere said the best way the team could honour him was with a win over University.
“He was a big inspiration for many of us,” he said.
“The vast majority of the guys were at his funeral so he’ll be fresh in our minds and we’ll be playing for him.”
The Mariners head into today’s encounter off the back of their first win in the competition.
DeVere said the win had filled the boys with plenty of confidence, but he was wary of University, who are hoping to snap a four-game losing streak.
“Uni is a very good team, but hasn’t had the best start to the season so they’ll be hungry for a win,” he said.
By Griffith Thomas
