THERE was a busy schedule of summer sports in the Manning back in 1976.
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Manning A-grade cricket was strong with Bob Wallace, George McCartney, Bob O'Mahony, Peter Rumbel and John Adamson among the leading players. Sailing was the area's most successful sport in terms of national and State championships in that era. The Manning Vaucluse Senior (VS) fleet was among the best in Australia. Many younger sailors graduated from the VJ class raced held on Saturday mornings in to the VS's, where races were conducted on Saturday afternoons.
Taree-based bowling clubs - Taree West, Taree, Railway and Leagues were dominant in the Manning association while Taree Golf Club regularly attracted big fields for weekend and midweek competitions. Croquet, various disciples of shooting and tennis all enjoyed a strong following. Commonwealth Games (and later Olympic) representative Terry Rumbel was a regular competitor at Taree-Wingham Gun Club events.
Manning Softball Association had a burgeoning competition played at Taree Recreation Centre on Saturday afternoons. All four Lower North Coast Branch surf life saving clubs - Taree Old Bar, Crowdy Head, Black Head and Forster conducted annual carnivals. This culminated in the branch championships, usually held at Crowdy Head, where Old Bar competitors dominated.
Enjoy some of the shots taken by Times photographer Robert Simpson that summer. If you can help with a few names, please contact Mick McDonald on 0447 048 776.