This is the story of Charlie Crook. In remembrance of Charlie.
The Clams and the Ratz play for the Charlie Crook Shield at the last game of the season between the 2 clubs, so please help share the life of Charlie and support the clubs in this weekends game being played at Urara Lane this Saturday women kick off at 2.15 followed by the men at 3 pm. The Clams are really focussed on regaining the shield.

Charlie Crook’s life was truly an inspiration to so many people. His life was cherished by many as a result of being born with a Genetic defect that ultimately took his life.
At the age of two, Charlie was diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome, an MPS condition after which his parents Therese and Richard were advised his life expectancy would be possibly 7 yrs.
In those ensuing years Charlie carried on with his life loving his weekly outing watching his Dad Richard play Rugby for the Old Bar Clams. His Mother had a heck of a job looking after him on the sidelines, however one match against The Foster Dolphins really stood out when he ran on the field at the age of 4yrs and entered a Ruck with ‘all the big men’ !!. Both teams will never forget this. A little bit later Charlie became a Ball Boy for the team.
During the 1980’s and early 90’s Charlie regularly became a spectator at the usual grudge matches against the then Taree Bulldogs. It was always a great tussle and Richard recalls Charlie saying ’ Go the Bulldogs’ every day for a week after each match. Didn’t go over too well but with all things considered, it was probably fitting that when The Clams and Bulldogs amalgamated to form The Manning River Ratz in 1995, Richard later became President in 2001.
Richard played for The Briars in the Sydney Subbies comp before relocating to the Manning in 1985. He then lined up for The Old Bar Clams winning two Premierships against the strong Mid North Coast Clubs of the time 1986 & 1987. He also won another Premiership against The Forster Dolphins in 1992.
Richard retired from Rugby in 1995 after Charlie suffered a life threatening accident. Charlie spent the following 8 months in a Sydney Hospital where he underwent 32 Major Brain operations, numerous other medical procedures and a severe stroke all at the age of 10yrs.
Over the following years Charlie suffered severe epilepsy as well as further complications with his continued battle with Brain injuries. All up Charlie had over 50 Major Operations and General Anaesthetics but continued to battle on and defy all expectations with his life.
Meanwhile after the sudden death of his beautiful mother in the year 2000 Richard had to cease his music teaching business and assist with Charlie’s 24 hour care. It was at this time when former Clams team mates Darren Drury and Tom Burke invited Richard to become President of The Ratz. One year of that then out of retirement at the age of 46yrs Richard began playing Rugby once again this time for the Ratz.
In 2003 The Mid North Coast Zone President contacted Richard and expressed an interest about The Clams reforming to play in a Lower Mid Coast comp. One thing led to another and The Clams were back in 2004. There were many anxious moments with Clubs, Competitions and personalities at that time but after a couple of knee reconstructions Richard took to the field again and played for another 2/3 years – finally retiring at the age of 52. (at Dorrigo)
Charlie always accompanied Richard to matches in his wheelchair and seemed to be an integral part of the Rugby fraternal in this district. He suffered yet another gut wrenching injury in 2006 with very frail bones, both femurs were shattered at the same time and we all believed he would not return from Hospital this time. Well, he did and while his precious life was daily in the balance Charlie gallantly battled away.
It seemed fitting that on the day Charlie left us, Richard was reluctant to leave home because of Charlie’s condition – but decided to pop in and watch The Clams v The Ratz while sitting in his car. Richard must have known the time was right for Charlie and after arriving home his wonderful Son said goodbye.
After Charlie’s farewell, The Ratz Admin supplied a beautiful Trophy in Charlie’s honour to be competed for annually. The Clams had success over the next few years but The Ratz claimed this Trophy several years back and we want to have the shield back at our home.
Crooksy as well as everyone on the competition was over the moon when we defeated Wallamba and this would be the making of icing on the cake this season to regain the shield again. Dig in deep CLAMIES

Location

Urara Lane Taree