Above (L-R): David Smerdon (2001), Liam Wright (2014), Cameron Bairstow (2008), Darren Marchant (1989), Tony Brennan (1974), Alan Smith (1975)

For the second year in a row the COBA Long Lunch was an event to remember! On Friday 26 August, Old Boys from all generations gathered at Felons Barrel Hall in Howard Smith Wharves to enjoy great food, drinks, company, and entertainment.

After launching the 1300BLUEGREY mental health initiative last year, this year’s lunch focused on promoting on the COBA Connect & Play competitions. These include some longstanding and successful tournaments like: basketball, volleyball, tennis, and cricket, as well as exciting new additions of an annual invitational golf day and an online chess tournament set down for Sunday 16 October from 6 pm to 9 pm.

To fit the sporting theme, guests at the long lunch were treated to two panels of Churchie Old Boy sporting greats: Cameron Bairstow (2008) – Olympic Basketballer, Darren Marchant (1989) - Basketball, Alan Smith (1975) - Olympic Shooter, Tony Brennan (1974) - Socceroo, Liam Wright (2014) - QLD Reds Captain, and David Smerdon (2001) - Chess Grandmaster. Whilst these special guests have excelled in their chosen sports, they doubled as fantastic entertainers on the stage, causing eruptions of laughter throughout the day.

Many fantastic prizes were provided by sponsors and were up for grabs through a raffle and a game of ‘Last Man Standing’. Every Old Boy left with a COBA stubby cooler, which came in very handy on the day as well.

For most Old Boys at the event, the fun didn’t stop at lunch, maintaining a presence at the Wharves well into the evening.

Check out the photos on the COBweb.

For Old Boys interested in investigating Connect & Play activities, please click here to email the Churchie OBA office.