“It was the committee and coach Teia Ambrosoli who really pulled the club out of the doldrums and from the verge of extinction,’’ vice president Richard Crook said.

“While the general public may think the Clams were pretty awful across the board this year, we competed in every match and didn’t forfeit a game.

“We only had 10 players for a few matches early in the season but as the year progressed the numbers increased. Right now there there’s a feeling of excitement about the 2017 season that the club hasn’t experienced for some time.’’

Mr Crook invited all former players and supporters to come along to a game next year.

“They can fell what winning a match means,’’ he said.

The Clams haven’t won a game since 2012. Old Bar was one of the powerhouses of the Lower North Coast competition when it started in 2008. The clubs figures in five successive grand finals, winning the premiership in 2009 and 2011.

Anthony Barber remains president with Brian Groughan the secretary and Teia Ambrosioli the treasurer. Richard Crook is vice president and Brad Lewis the registar. Adam Frank is team manager.

The club is currently advertising for a coach for next year.

Meanwhile at the club’s presentation night Teia Ambrosoli was named Clam of the Year.

Other award winners were: most dedicated Teia Ambrosoli; never give up Kane Beattie; best back Connor Rogers; best forward Aaron Swan; best and fairest Teia Ambrosoli; rucker’s mug Connor Rogers.

MEANWHILE the Forster-Tuncurry Dolphins have been asked to host the NSW Women’s Country Rugby Union Championships next March.

Games will be played at the Tuncurry north complex.  Country zones from across NSW will contest the event which will also act as selection trials for the NSW Corellas team.

“Obvioulsy this will bring many visitors to showcase the Great Lakes and the Forster Dolphins club,’’ secretary Gerry Hobbs said. 

Forster-Tuncurry has won the last four Lower North Coast premierships and hasn’t lost a match in two years.

The Dolphins beat Wallamba in this year’s decider played at Tuncurry.

Forster has also awarded long serving publicity officer, Phil Wilkins with life membership. Mr Wilkins, an award winning cricket and rugby writer with the Sydney Morning Herald, has been with the Dolphins for 10 years.