ONE of the Coffs Coast’s most successful sporting clubs is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend.

The Coffs Harbour Snappers will be celebrating its 50th year with a Red and Black Ball on Saturday, 17 June at Pacific Bay Resort.

Before their celebrations, the Snappers play their local derby against the SCU Marlins at BayRange Rugby Park, during the latest round of the Mid North Coast Rugby Union Northern Division season.

The first incarnation of the Coffs Harbour Rugby Club was established in 1973.

Known as the Snappers, the club entered the Far North Coast competition and took out both the first and second grade premierships in its inaugural year.

For the best part of the next two decades, the Snappers dominated the competition, taking out thirteen premierships in seventeen years.

This included a run of seven undefeated seasons in first grade, an incredible record that is yet to be surpassed.

Snappers Old Boy Gerard de Carle said it was the family connections and contributions which defined the club.

“Like most sporting clubs, it’s a family affair at the Snappers,” he said.

“From my end, my son and I both played, and Des Hoy who was an original Snapper in ‘73 played, as did his sons, and his grandson currently plays for the Snappers.

“Ken Alderman played in the ‘73 team and his son played.

“Michael Tonks is an ex-Snapper, and his son currently plays for them.

“A lot of families have contributed to the club in one form or another.”

The former Snappers player said the social aspect was the highlight of his time at the club.

“Rugby has always been a social game, and I’ve met so many great people through the club that are still friends today,” he said.

“Winning premierships was a bonus, but it’s more the social side for me.

“So it will be great to catch up with a lot of the Old Boys this weekend.”

By Aiden BURGESS