NORTH Tamworth Bears will follow its most successful season with a new look committee, president and two new coaches.
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At yesterday’s annual general meeting, Matt Walsh, this year’s Under 18 coach, was elected president of the club with first grade stars Zac Russ and Marshall Barker appointed co-coaches of the premiership winning side.
The two players replace no-playing coach Brad McManus, who was named club champion at Friday’ night’s presentation night at Tamworth Golf Club when the Bears received the prestigious Clayton Cup from Country Rugby League vice president Doug Harrison.
McManus announced his retirement Friday night as did club president Peter Woolaston as the club celebrated three major Group 4 premierships – first grade, second grade and Under 18s – their first ladies league tag making a grand final and the Clayton Cup.
Since its inception in 1937, the Clayton Cup has only been won more than once by seven clubs - Tweed Heads Seagulls (1963, 83, 89) Cobar (1971, 72, 98), Tumbarumba (1985-86), Grafton Ghosts (2010-11), Forster Tuncurry (1994-95), Barellan (1999-2002) and now North Tamworth (1951, 2014).
CRL vice president Doug Harrison praised the club for its most successful year.
“I was here for the grand final and saw a great win, 56-18 over Gunnedah,” Harrison said.
“But I also saw Norths win second grade and Under 18s. It’s been a fantastic year for them. There is a lot of history attached to this club.”
Club patron Jack Woolaston, 90, in February, has seen much of it since becoming a part of the Bears in 1947.
“It’s the first time we’ve won three premierships, should have won all four,” he said.
“Congratulations though to everyone for a great year.”
Outgoing coach McManus said it was a great away to go out.
“Really this award could have gone to anyone but I’m happy to have it,” McManus said
McManus thanked all the players, officials, sponsors and supporters for their efforts.
“It’s been a sensational year.
“Couldn’t be happier with the way it went.
“We were caught short a little last year but this year we bounced back and did the job and finished it in style.”
Bears Player of the Year was Jake Cocking. He also won best first grade forward while skipper Marshall Barker was the players player and Callum Hayne the best back. Hayne was also named junior clubman of the year as well as being the highest tryscorer.
Abel Carney was highest pointscorer, lock Nic Dobson won the Josh Marshall Memorial for the 110 percent award and John O’Meagher won the Des King Memorial Club Person of the Year Award.
At yesterday’s annual general meeting Matt walsh was elected president with Tahnee Dollisson secretary and Brad McManus vice president.
Craig Clegg, Jody Cooper, James Cooper, Zac Russ, Bill Jeffery, Garth Coe, Dean ervine, Ben Browning, Belinda Clegg and Dave Constable were elected to the committee with Jack Woolaston and Garry Chillingworth patrons.
Zac Russ and Marshall Barker were appointed first grade co-coaches with Ben Browning remaining as second grade captain-coach with the Under 18 and Ladies League Tag coaching positions to be confirmed and a treasurer to be appointed as well.
