Candelo-Bemboka’s ‘Chocolate Soldiers’ will march onto the field on July 15 as part of 50th anniversary celebrations for the club.
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The origins of the club’s footy jumpers hark back to the late 60s when the late Doug Hambilton was captain-coach of the Penrith Panthers.
The Penrith club had joined the national competition in 1967, but joined alongside Cronulla and had to drop their royal blue look, instead opting for the chocolate brown jumpers.
That was the same year, clubman Brad Bobbin said both Candelo and Bemboka footy clubs agreed to amalgamate and a box of the jumpers was gifted to the club.
The club now sports a more striking teal strip – and hot pink for the ladies – but officials said they were eager to acknowledge their “chocolate” past.
Mr Bobbin said it was getting harder at that time to compete with bigger towns as Group 16 competition boomed.
“It became obvious the two small towns could no longer compete with the larger teams,” he said.
And so it was that Candelo-Bemboka United (RLFC) was born.
“With a strong and energetic committee and a good group of players, they were able to gel together under the astute guidance of popular local identity Eric Maddern as captain-coach,” Mr Bobbin said.
The club went on to win the first grade premiership in 1969, 1970, 1973, 74 and again in 75.
The Panthers also laid claim to two reserve grade and five junior premierships until a lack of players saw the club withdraw in 1983.
In 2014 the Panthers made a resurgence and went on to win the reserve grade premiership that season.
In the three years back in the competition, the club has featured in two of the last three reserve grade grand finals and also welcomed a women’s league-tag outfit to the fold.
The club is currently leading the reserve grade draw and will play host to the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs for the special anniversary round at Bemboka’s Colombo Park.
Gates will open at 12.30pm for two games with the Pink Panthers to meet the Hot Doggies at 1.30pm before a special jumper presentation.
Reserve grade will then run from 3pm with full canteen and bar facilities available.
To celebrate 50 years of Candelo-Bemboka United, the club is offering special re-prints of their heritage jumpers to the public.
Anyone who has ordered one of the heritage jumpers is encouraged to wear it at the game day on July 15.
If you haven’t got yours yet, the jumpers will be available to order on the day.