"We started planning 18 months ago when Graham Steel told us it was coming up,'' Mr Martin said.

"Having no football last year because of covid probably helped us, because we were able to concentrate on the planning. But it's been pretty full-on for the last six weeks.''

The biggest crowd at the Wingham Sporting Complex since the 2003 grand final was on hand to see Wingham tackle Taree City in the 100th year celebrations. The Tigers won three of the four grades, with captain-coach Mick Sullivan dominant in Wingham's 46-20 defeat of the Bulls in first grade.

Mr Martin said it has been estimated nearly 1800 spectators were at the ground.

"The gate receipts don't tell the full story, because probably 300 to 400 people got in for free. They're our sponsors, players and Wingham and Taree Old Boys Club members,'' he added.

Volunteers working in the canteen and bar were kept busy, with $15,650 taken over the bar and $10,585 in the canteen.

"We went through 36 dozen chicken burgers,'' Mr Martin said.

As reported in Friday's Times, Bill Beddows, 91, was the oldest Tiger there. He was interviewed on stage at a function held at the Wingham Services Club. Bill travelled from Brisbane to attend.

Former first grade coach and club president Matt Robertson came from Wagga while Phil Lambert and Greg Davies made the trip from Queensland. Lambert played 17 seasons with Wingham and was captain-coach in 1979. He was presented with life membership before the start of the first grade game.

Mr Martin said the only disappointment was the lack of acknowledgement from the NSWRL.

"We're just the 11th country club to make it to 100,'' he said.

"But we didn't hear anything from the NSWRL.''

Wingham Services Club was packed on Saturday night when three 'best of' teams were announced. The sides will appear in a feature in Friday's Manning River Times.