Michelle Donovan honoured with Memorial Match

Last Saturday saw the Griffith Waratahs and Griffith Black and Whites U16 league tag teams face off in the inaugural Michelle Donovan Memorial Shield. Michelle, together with her husband Robert Donovan, founded the Waratah Juniors Rugby League Club back in 2008.

Loved by all, Club President Lindsay Flack said it was a huge blow to the club when she became ill and passed away suddenly in 2019.

“It was a big blow to Group 20 as well,” Mr Flack said.

“She had a lot to do with the training of the girls.

“Many of the girls have come and gone between the Waratahs and the Black and Whites over the years.”

As things worked out, the Griffith Black and Whites team had a bye on their draw and were only too happy to play a scratch match for shield points in Michelle’s honour.

“The game was refereed by Michelle’s husband, Rob,” Mr Flack said.

“There was a minute’s silence and the girls wore pink arm bands because it was Michelle’s favourite colour.”

After a clean, respectful game, the Waratahs defeated Black and Whites 12 to 6. By the time the shield was presented, the girls were too cold for a prolonged affair.

Waratahs captain Evie Brand accepted the shield trophy on behalf of the team.

Michelle Donovan will be remembered each year when the two teams come together in her honour. She was named a life member back in 2012, only the second person to do so. Her husband followed in her footsteps in 2018.

The Waratah Juniors Rugby League Club thanked the Griffith Black and Whites for sharing the special day with them to honour a remarkable woman who gave so freely of her time.

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