North Tamworth began to assemble the troops to defend their record making four grade Group 4 premiership sweep with a sign-on day and Christmas party held at the Jack Woolaston Oval clubhouse.
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The Bears first grade side made it three in a row after defeating rivals West Lions in a game that they might rather forget, although winning the premiership is such emphatic fashion will always be a fond memory for club captain and player of the final Scott Blanch.
On that day the Bears reserve grade beat Narrabri, while the juniors also went back to back with victory over Armidale, while the Bears girls did something they haven’t been able to do for three years when they beat premiers and local rivals Oxley Diggers in the grand final.
The good news for the Bears is that most of their players are returning for another crack at the title, and while the club hoped that was going to be a maiden Group 21 title, a decision from Group 4 to not release the premiers has their focus back on the local league.
“We just wanted to try something different, it’s a good comp down there and the logistics are similar,” Blanch said.
“It didn’t come off so we are looking to win Group 4 again.”
The Bears top grade will head into the competition as heavy favourites after early signs suggest that they will only lose a few players, while the lower grades are producing even more top grade potential.
Flying winger James ‘Dutchy’ Duchatel has moved back to the Central Coast after a successful one year stint at the club, while another long serving stalwart has also literally hung up the boots, although the skipper might thing otherwise.
“Chinny (Shane) Wadwell hung his boots on the goal posts after the final last year and reckons he is retiring,” Blanch said.
“It’s alright though I took his boots home and will just give them back to him.”
“We will see what happens there.”
Blanch believes that Narrabri will be one of the toughest trips next season after the semi-finalists recruited well.
“They picked up Brenton Cochrane and Sean Russ and a few others,” Blanch said.
“They are very handy players and it is always a tough trip.”
“I expect even more improvement from the Diggers (Collegians), and hopefully the two Tamworth sides can get through the tough times and back on their feet.”
“We don’t mind which comp we play in.”
“We just love the game, getting together and throwing the ball around.”
“It should be another good year.”
The Bears began light training last week and urge anyone interested in having a run or getting involved in the club to join them at Jack Woolaston Oval on Tuesday or Thursday from 6.30pm.
