Manning Softball Association had a burgeoning competition played at Taree Recreation Centre on Saturday afternoons during this time while Taree-based bowling clubs - Taree West, Taree, Railway and Leagues were dominant in the Manning association.

Taree Golf Club regularly attracted big fields for weekend and midweek competitions.

Manning River Rowing Club was going strong and celebrated its 20th birthday.

Plenty of champions emerged from this area during the 1970s - rugby league and rugby union international Geoff Richardson, sailor Ian Ruff, hockey's Robyn Leggatt (nee Fernley) and shooter Terry Rumble.

By the end of the decade the brilliantly versatile Mal Cochrane was making Australian Schoolboy teams for hockey and rugby league while also excelling at cricket.

Visit the Manning River Times website at 6pm every Wednesday to view the latest gallery in the series.