Mr Drury was at the group’s annual meeting at the Wingham Services Club and has accepted the chief executive’s position. He will eventually replace long serving official Barrie Smith, who did not seek re-election. However, Mr Smith will remain in the role until Mr Drury is right to take over.

“Mal’s booked in to have knee replacement surgery in Newcastle this week,’’ Mr Smith explained.

Mr Drury played with the Taree Old Bar club, where he also served as secretary. He is also a former referee and he has been a member of the Group Three referee’s appointment board for a number of years. Mr Drury is also the president of Taree West men’s bowling club committee.

Geoff Kelly from Port Macquarie is the group’s new senior vice president, replacing Kevin Hardy from Taree, who also stood down at the annual meeting.

Mr Hardy has been on the group’s executive since 1984.

Wayne Bridge from Wingham was returned as chairman. This will be his 12th term.

Warren Blissett from Forster is junior vice president. His is also the registrar.

Jarrod Woodhouse from Taree was elected to the board for the first time, replacing Mr Hardy. 

Geoff Kerr from Wingham and Ian Andrews from Taree are the other board members.