Perhaps it was the introduction of the free drinks and pizzas that drew the members for another round of the necessary formalities to settle in the club’s administration and set up for next year.

Seasoned club president, Greg Murphy, agreed to continue in the position for another year and was unanimously voted in to the top job. 

The redoubtable Greg Horton again has agreed to take on the post of senior rugby manager, while Messrs. Dun, Dean and Wallace continue in their roles of treasurer, secretary and promotions manager. 

Tim Guest has taken on the role of junior rugby chairman from Kees Quinten. 

The president expressed the club’s deep appreciation to Kees for his outstanding work in developing and organising the club’s juniors over recent years. 

Tim will be joined by the experienced Fred Campbell as junior rugby manager as he takes on this role for another term. 

Towering lock, Mitch Hardy was voted in as club captain with Keegan Stevens taking up the voluminous job of registrar. 

Former long serving president and most recent facilities manager, Frank Isaac, will continue to assist the club as usual but has also taken on the position of treasurer with the Illawarra District Rugby Union. 

All expressed their thanks for Frank’s service for so many years on the club board. 

Chris Watts has taken on the onerous task of developing and looking after the club’s extensive facilities. 

Rounding out the positions is Jessica Webster, who continues her family’s long involvement with the club as she takes on the role of bar and canteen manager.

The meeting decided to nominate for the three senior grades, all junior grades and for the colts competitions in season 2014. 

While the club has lost last season’s first grade and club coach, Scott Jones, who is leaving the area due to work commitments, it has gained an experienced replacement. 

John Sullivan, most recently coaching at the Warringah club in the Sydney competition, has agreed to take up the first grade and club coaching position. Rumour has it that he is “an old fashioned” coach with firm ideas on player fitness and commitment. 

Phil Duncan will again coach second grade, with Rod Wilson again acting as the team manager. 

Other coaching positions are being finalised. 

Shoals had a reasonably successful season in 2013 with first grade just missing the semi-finals after a great fighting second round series of wins including the scalp of grand final winner, Camden. 

Shoals’ second grade side entered the semi-finals with strong form all season but just lost a cliff hanger in the opening series. 

Season 2014 should be a rewarding year as the club’s younger players benefit from their experiences over recent seasons. 

The club also embarks each year on a heavy social calendar with a wide variety of activities for home games. 

The always popular Green Steam Day will again be a feature as will the third Digger Day which has now become one of the club’s more dominant and widely acclaimed events in the season. 

New players are always welcome at the club as it strives to continue the rugby tradition of comradeship both on and off the field.