It was a re-enactment of the rally held to garner more men for the First World War and as a century ago, many men came forward to volunteer to the “Hip, hip hoorays” familiar to 100 years ago.

In 1916, Mayor GB Ring, Member for Inverell FJ Thomas, and NSW Upper House member WT Dick roused 35 district men to the cause with impassioned speeches.

Inverell mayor Paul Harmon and Member for Wagga Wagga and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans and Centenary of Anzac Daryl Maguire played the roles, with Senator John Williams reading Mr Dick’s speech.

“The Australians have already won glory,” Mr Williams recited.

“Those who stay behind to share in that glory, I ask those young men, are they going to hang back and share in the fame of their countrymen without doing a tap themselves?”

Emcee Peter Caddey challenged the contemporary crowd to match the recruits of 1916. 

“Who will come forward tonight? We’re a little bit short of 35,” Peter joked.

“Come on boys!”

Men of all service ages approached reluctantly at first but gained momentum from the cricketers sprawling on the grass after their three day match, and soon about 20 assembled.

Each man received a medal pinned to their shirt, just as their counterparts a century ago.

“Cheers for the volunteers!” Peter cried and the crowd’s voice rose as one as the men grinned.

The service concluded with Rule Britannia and God Save the King, played by the Sapphire City Concert Band.