Part 1 - Importance of 70s Foundation

September 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of an amazing run of five consecutive "A" Grade premierships for the Normanby Rugby League Football Club.

This came at the end of a remarkable fifteen year span that saw the club contest eleven Grand Finals, winning ten. This is a stunning record which can be put into perspective from the view of how hard it is to win just one premiership.

All of these ten premierships were contested in the top grade of Commercial, Metropolitan and Public Service leagues. This dedication and mateship is something Normanby still prides itself on today.

Before getting into the teams from the Eighties, it is important to look at the foundations put in place for this team to be so successful. The Seventies sides contested six Grand Finals in a row winning 1971,72,73,74 & 76, losing 1975 in extra time.

To show how dominant the 1975 team was in the Grand Final, goal-kicker Harry Donnelly missed six from six that day and still scores were locked 3 all at fulltime. It should be noted that Harry’s usual high standard with the boot helped the team to win the other five of that era. This was obviously an amazing time at the club.

Even more amazing was the fact some of the players involved in the premierships of the Seventies were still playing in the Eighties premierships. These included club legends Russell (Doggie) Taylor, Harry Donnelly, Denis Turner, Dalton Kelly, Gary Cooper and Donny Pennant.

Having these guys still involved in the Eighties was invaluable and went a long way to achieving the success we had.

To be continued……

By Brian Donnelly