Sevens tourney a hit for mental health

THE Highlanders’ Rugby 7s charity tournament got underway to an elated start last Saturday morning.

Committee member Aaron Sarra, when not hyping the crowd with PA announcements, said the event at Doug Dean Reserve looked to be “a pretty good turnout.”

“We’re really stoked to be able to do this, and the support is really good here today. Once the sun’s out, it’s just a perfect day for rugby,” he said.

With 19 games across eight teams, both local and visiting, the proceeds from the inaugural event are going towards men’s mental health, a cause Mr Sarra said resonates with many of the players.

“It means quite a lot to a few of the boys over here. I know that a lot of them post-COVID had a lot of mental health issues, and it means a lot that we can be able to give back,” he said.

Highlanders’ player Chris Armstrong said the excitement over the event could be heard across the field.

“Every time there’s a big hit, you hear everyone going crazy from the sidelines,” he said.

“All the teams are full and there’s tonnes of spectators, and nowhere to park in the best possible way.”

The club is in talks to make the tournament an annual event, which Mr Armstrong said “would be spectacular.”

Teams were present from far and wide, with sides making the trip from as far as Bendigo and Melbourne.

Ararat resident Warren Nightingale drove up to celebrate his birthday, and had a front row seat from the comfort of his car.

“The wife let me come down here so I could spend all day watching the rugby sevens,” he said.

“I’m a fan of rugby league fan so getting to see it in a local town is great. There needs to be more of this.

“I was actually surprised when I first rolled in that I couldn’t get a park.”