Jeremy, the part time Swan, at Hellfire Pass after the ANZAC Day Dawn Service
The Vietnam Swans trip to Thailand to play in the 2009 ANZAC Day match against the Thailand Tigers was amazing.
On the footy field, the Tigers were younger, faster, fitter and, although we played with plenty of heart, we were beaten 91 to 13 points.
Off the footy field, we attended the Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass. Then it was off to the Allied War Cemetery for a memorial and wreath laying service.
The Vietnam Swans were also given the honour of laying our own wreath during the official service. This magnificent opportunity was made possible thanks to the Thailand Tigers who organise for a wreath to be laid on behalf of each of the clubs that have played them on ANZAC Day (this is the 5th year of their ANZAC Match. The other four teams to have played Thailand are the Malaysian Warriors, Hong Kong Dragons, Bali Geckos and Jakarta Bintangs).
The actual match was played in front of a crowd of between 300 and 400 people – including 3 ex POWs.
Thank you to the Thailand Tigers for a magnificently organised weekend. Combined with the ANZAC Day services, this is the ANZAC Day that none of us will ever forget.
Detailed reports and photos still to come.