The Fassifern Bombers Rugby League club held their 50th anniversary recently at their Harrisville grounds.
A large crowd was in attendance to watch four senior grades as the men played Norths in three grades and the women's team played Springfield.
At the same time, 100 members and guests were treated to a sit-down lunch at the southern end of their picturesque ground under a marquee to celebrate the Bombers' 50th anniversary.
The luncheon was hosted by club president Paul Roderick, a former Bomber and Ipswich Jet, who with a band of hardworking volunteers provide wonderful opportunities for the rugby league families of the Fassifern Valley.
The club was founded when the Boonah Rabbitohs folded in 1975, and it was deemed that the community needed a footy team.
The event was attended by many members who had made contributions to the Fassifern club over the past 50 years.
Roderick made special mention of the Hayes family who donated the back paddock of their farm to become the quaint ground that Hayes Oval is today.
The anecdotes around converting a cow paddock into a rugby league field bought much laughter to the crowd.
Community rugby league was certainly at the forefront as Roderick recognised many individuals from the club's past.
Roderick conducted a question and answer with QRL board members Renita Garard and Matt O'Hanlon, along with former Fassifern Junior, Ipswich Jet and Canberra Raiders star Marshall Chalk, who is now a Scenic Rim councillor.
After lunch, Roderick presented two special awards to the club's two main and long-term sponsors, Frank Klan and Cec Miles who were presented with a framed replica 1986 A Grade maroon and white jersey of the Fassifern Bombers’ first year in A Grade.
The QRL congratulations Roderick and his committee for the excellent afternoon of entertainment that was provided, and congratulations to the Fassifern Bombers for their first 50 years.
On a sadder note, a minute silence was taken for Bruce Rogers who was an original member of the club.
For the record, Fassifern defeated Norths 36-0 to make it four wins in a clean sweep for the day.
A 50 year history of the club can be ordered from fassifernrugbyleague@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Harsant Photography
