The Gloucester Magpies were a powerhouse in what was then known as Group 18 Rugby League in the 1950s and ‘60s.
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The Magpies won premierships in 1954, 1957-60 and 63-66. In that time, some of the best footballers to lace a boot in this area wore the famous black and white jumper - Don ‘Bandy’ Adams, Ross Johnstone, Joe White, Kevin Everitt and Keith Tull to name just some.
The Magpies won their last premiership in 1966, the year Group 18 became Group Three following the admission of Hastings clubs Wauchope and Port Macquarie.
The years following that success were lean for the club, although the performances of Country representative fullback, John Parish in at times almost impossible circumstances proved heartening for diehard supporters.
Four years ago, Group Three Rugby League instigated a hall of fame to mark the achievements of the game’s finest in this area. The timeframe stretches from the first postwar competition played in 1946 to the present day.
There’s no Gloucester representatives yet in the hall of fame and the group believes this anomaly should be be rectified. In fact, no Magpie has yet been nominated, the group believing this is because Gloucester isn’t involved in Group Three now.
The criteria for selection is based on a player’s performances in either Group 18 or Three. What they achieved either before or after isn’t taken into consideration.
The next induction into the hall of fame will be at the Wingham Services Club in December. There are usually two inductees per year, although this could increase.
Nominations can be sent to Group Three secretary Barrie Smith at 11 River Street, Cundletown.
Barrie can be contacted on 6553 9750 or 0417 492 865 for further details.
Kevin Hardy (Taree United), Warren Kimberley (Wauchope), Tony Paskins (Forster-Tuncurry) and Wally Sneddon (Wauchope) were the original inductees. They were followed by Errol Ruprecht (Taree United/Old Bar) and Garry McQuillan (Forster-Tuncurry). In 2015, Bruce ‘Porky’ Slater and Harry Smith from Wingham were inducted.