The crowd cheered, jeered and turned out in numbers not seen since the Pickers back-to-back premiership years of 2010-11 as the Maitland Sportsground was farewelled.
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The game against Central Newcastle ended in a thrilling 22-all draw, despite the efforts of 2500 Pickers fans to coax hooker Kurt Aldridge’s kick through the uprights from out wide.
Pickers legends such as Alan McNab and Brian Burke stood on the outer hill near the canteen with fans eager to reminisce about the golden days of the 1960s and ’70s.
The catcalls of the past were back stronger than ever, with a witch’s cone used by one fan as an impromptu megaphone.
The applause was warm and genuine for the Oxygen All Stars cheer leaders and then for the young players of the future drawn from the Pickers feeder clubs in little league games before and during half-time of the main game
The new generation of Pickers turned in a sterling performance on the ground led by PJ Ellis, in what he would later announce was his last game.
New warriors Tylar Carter, Rob Mason and Steve Waetford busted holes in the Butcher Boys defence and Luke Mercer crossed for a double to suggest a new golden period may dawn at the new purpose-designed rectangular stadium.
The city said goodbye to the Maitland Sportsground in style.
