For Dave ‘Beez’ Bezer, an unwavering passion for the Gordon Tartan stems all the way back to his childhood neighbours.
As a young kid growing up in Artarmon, Dave lived near Brian and Ross King, who each represented Gordon in both rugby and cricket.
Brian King, known affectionately as the Reverent Lock, used to encourage Dave down to Chatswood Oval, where a love for the Tartan quickly developed.
“Travelling down the Chatswood Oval quickly became routine,” he said.
“I used to sell rugby programs on the hill for about a shilling each.
“One day I came home quite proudly having earned a pound and my Mum wondered where on Earth I’d been.”
Attending Chatswood High in his teenage years, Beez became close with many of the Gordon stars, keeping his passion for the Tartan very much alive.
After leaving high school, Beez took on management roles within the Colts program, where a perpetual trophy is now named in his honour.
But for the Gordon stalwart, his steadfast service has always been driven by a passion for the Club.
“I was never quite good enough to play for Gordon myself, so I view my ability to volunteer and serve as my contribution out on the field,” he said.
“I’ve always been passionate about ensuring the ground is prepared so that the players can focus on their role.
“Setting everything up early will prepare you for successful rugby.”
There are few at Gordon who would’ve experienced the emotional rollercoaster of Shute Shield success quite like Beez.
After Premierships in 1993, 1995 and 1998, Gordon faced operational and financial adversity with the growing professionalism of Club rugby in the early 2000’s.
At the time, Beez sat as General Manager of the Stags, a period which he admits was especially testing for the Club.
“We were going through a real hard time after our run of success in the late-90’s,” he said.
“Things begun to fall away, our success started to slip, and we were asked a lot of questions.
“But all those tough times were justified last year with our recent premiership.
“It’s credit to the Club’s comradery that we were able to return to the top once again.”
Gordon’s triumphant 2020 Shute Shield trophy was the Stags ninth overall, seeing them equal Eastern Suburbs as the competitions third most successful Club.
Grant Pisani, current General Manager of Gordon Rugby, says the service of Beez is a key component in any Tartan success.
“The untiring dedication of Dave Bezer and his hardworking contribution over the past 60-years is a huge reason why our Club continues to be recognised as one of the heavyweights of the Shute Shield competition,” he said.
While Beez won’t admit he is to thank for any of the Club’s success, the Gordon tragic does acknowledge that success can’t be achieved without volunteers.
“The success of a Club is completely based off its administration,” he says.
“These individuals dedicate so much time so that a Club can remain successful.
“For me, it’s an easy choice. There is a connection and relationship here which continues to have a profound impact on my life.
“I really do believe the Shute Shield is one of the best rugby competitions in the world and I’m happy to contribute to its successful landscape in any way I can.”
