The Boyde Campbell Cup drew one of the biggest crowds that Kitchener Park has seen this year and among those cheering for Gunnedah was the 1973 Bulldogs team.
It has been 50 years since the iconic grand final win for Gunnedah and despite the many successful careers of those player, all those available were humble enough journey back to home turf for a reunion.
The team celebrated with a beer or two at the Courthouse Hotel for ‘old times’ sake.
The celebration continued the next day by watching the game before having dinner to finish off the reunion.
“It is always good to catch up and go over good times,” life member and player for the 1973 Bulldogs team Don Pascoe said.
Not too much time passed apart for this team, with a previous reunion the year before which had mates deciding to meet again for a 50-year anniversary.
The Boyde Campbell cup game was between the Gunnedah Bulldogs and the Boggabri Kangaroos in honour of the former player for both teams.
“We went to the shed and tried to drum them up a bit,” Don said when talking about the Gunnedah team.
Unfortunately, this year’s Bulldogs side could not replicate the history-making victory of the ‘73 team, but it did not stop the energy from the crowd.
Among the reunion contingent was Robert (Changa) Jones who is now the chairman of the Dolphins NRL board.
“It reminded me of the grand final day so many years ago,” Robert said.
He enjoyed being back in the company of old friends watching a local game.
“It was great to catch up with the boys,” he said.
“I had never seen Boggabri play in the first division,” he said.
The players enjoyed reminiscing over old games and great stories from one of Gunnedah rugby league’s highest moments.
“We had some great characters in that team,” Robert said.
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