Chairman Mark Queenan said the Hawthorne Challenge would involve Premier 1, 2 and 3 sides from Singleton, Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie – and be played for each weekend.

“The club that wins most grades on the weekend will be the holder of the Hawthorne Challenge,” he explained.

“The initiative is aimed at generating interest and competition across all three grades as the winning club each weekend will pocket $300 in prizemoney.”

The starting point for the first showdown will be the clash between Southern Beaches and Maitland at Ernie Calland Field on April 7 as Southern Beaches are current holders of the Hawthorne Cup (a separate initiative).

“The Hawthorne Challenge will be in the hands of the successful club across the three grades each weekend – that club taking it to the next competition round for a new challenge,” Queenan said.

“2018 will be our inaugural year for the Hawthorne Challenge and, if the concept is successful, we plan to continue the challenge into future seasons.”

The Hawthorne Cup will be funded to the same level as previous years with $500 for a win and $300 for a retention.

Meanwhile, The Hawthorne Club boasts new committee members for 2018 following the retirement of treasurer Darren Turner and Greg Sellers. 

They have been replaced by Bruce Cook (treasurer) and Richard Jones OAM and Rowan Burgess (committee). 

Queenan will continue as chairman and Hennie Du Plooy as secretary.

“We’re concentrating on a busy 2018 Rugby Support Program through sponsorship of the Newcastle Rugby Union Referees Association and the Hawthorne Scholarship, which is designed to assist in the recruitment, development and retention of junior referees,” he said.

“The club also is sponsoring the Newcastle Juniors Women’s Summer 7s competitions while providing support for rugby clubs throughout the Hunter Region via the Hawthorne Cup, the Hawthorne Academy 7s, Hunter Women’s and the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union Wildfires Senior and Colts representative teams.”

Queenan said The Hawthorne Club was a volunteer organisation whose charter was to support the various organisations within the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union Zone.

“We’re reliant on funding from sponsors and luncheons to fund our Rugby Support Program,” he admitted.

“Membership fees support all club operational costs and funds raised from other activities are directed to our Rugby Support Programs.”

He said attractive sponsorship packages were available and The Hawthorne Club was flexible in its approach to proposed packages. 

Details can be obtained from Mark Queenan on 0411 514 503 or chairman@hawthorneclub.com.au