THE who’s who of the Shoalhaven Rugby Club’s first 50 years were honoured at Saturday’s anniversary dinner, when the club unveiled its five teams of the past decades.
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The first decade, running from 1968-77, had a squad that included props Greg Horton and Wally King, hooker Mike Ring, second rowers Tim Johnson and David White, breakaways Ian Zanstra and Tony Turner and number eight Greg Bishop in the forward pack.
Completing the starting side were halfback Don Cooper, five-eighth Geoff Tracey, centres Bill Ellison and Peter Holbourne, wingers John Horton and Ian Carratt and fullback Noel Goodger.
Also included in the squad were reserves David Boylson, Alan Whitton, Ian Parkins, Jim Bryant, Graeme Watson and Doug Roxburgh.
The club’s second decade side announced, from 1978-87, was headlined by forwards Phil Olsen, Bruce Bishop, Keith Jones, Dave Eddington, John Campbell, Neil Lord, Chris Watts, John Miller and Greg Bishop.
Rounding out this side were backs Maurie Bruce, Geoff Tracey, Rob McIntosh, Bruce Williams, Nic Sverdlof, Peter Phelps and Peter Gell, along with reserves Alan Calcraft, Peter Phillips, Bernie Gleeson, Gray Osmond, Damien Longhurst and Glen Armstrong.
Moving onto the club’s third decade of existence (1988-97) and this star-studded squad includes forwards Chris Coulthart, Gordon Clark, Mario Cinello, Cameron Urquhart, Craig Maddinson, John Miller, Joe Johnston and Chris Watts.
Supporting these workhorses are backline stars Dale Spresser, Tim Eddy, Trevor Dawson, Damien Baker, Dean Bagnall, Jon Knowles and Jason Cook.
The fourth squad announced was the decade from 1998-2007, which again featured Chris Coulthart at prop.
He was joined in the pack by Kyle Harrison, Brad Newton, Chad Fraser, Jason Vaughan, Jamie Andrews, Anthony Clarke and Steve Harrison.
The halves for this side were Alan Baird and Leith Cooper, with the outside backs being Michael Hayes, Mark Sproule, David Sproule, Jason Clark and Aaron Clarke.
The final squad (2008-17) unveiled was headlined by 2008 premiership captain Steve Harrison – who was accompanied by Alex Wilson, James Smith, Ash Henry, Mitch Hardy, Aaron Louden, Joe Calcraft and Tom Horton in the forwards.
Rounding out this squad are Paul Clements, Josh Dennis, Josh Deckhart, Dom Whittingham, Mark Brandon, Kieran Brandon and Steve Brandon.
On the night, the 2008 Shoals first grade premiership side was also announced as the team of the half century.
That premiership side, which defeated Avondale 27-12 at Rugby Park, was captained by Steve Harrison, and included Trent Higgins, Duncan Madge, James Smith, Jason Vaughan, Chad Fraser, Anthony Clarke, Joe Calcraft, Paul Clements, Leith Cooper, Aaron Clarke, Mark Sproule, Lindsay Higgins, David Sproule, Chris Brien, Owen Jones, Harry Davis, Nathan Lord, Liam Allen, Phil Duncan, Mick Walker, Dom Whittingham and Matt Lane.
Paul Mulready was the head coach, and was assisted by Kevin Lord, Gordon Clark, Peter Dun, Dave Whatman and Trevor Dawson.
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