Seven clubs – Taree Old Bar, Taree United, Camden Haven, Wingham, Wauchope, Forster-Tuncurry and Port Macquarie battled out what was a highly competitive premiership. The two Taree-based sides, Old Bar and United, had successful seasons, with Old Bar, captain-coached by Tony Hinton, defeating Camden Haven 50-8 in the grand final played at the Jack Neal Oval. Camden Haven qualified for the club’s first Group Three grand final since 1955 by eliminating United in the final played at Laurieton the previous week.  Back then Radio 2RE broadcast Group Three matches every Sunday afternoon, with Murray Nelson calling the action assisted by Tony Clifton and Clem Randall, the statistician.

Times photographer Rod Badger made the trip to Laurieton for the United/Camden Haven final. Here’s a sample of his work.