Candelo-Bemboka’s ‘Chocolate Soldiers’ will march onto the field on July 15 as part of 50th anniversary celebrations for the club.
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The origins of the club’s footy jumpers hark back to the late 60s when the late Doug Hambilton was captain-coach of the Penrith Panthers.
The Penrith club had joined the national competition in 1967, but joined alongside Cronulla and had to drop their royal blue look, instead opting for the chocolate brown jumpers.
That was the same year, clubman Brad Bobbin said both Candelo and Bemboka footy clubs agreed to amalgamate and a box of the jumpers was gifted to the club.
The club now sports a more striking teal strip – and hot pink for the ladies – but officials said they were eager to acknowledge their “chocolate” past.
Mr Bobbin said it was getting harder at that time to compete with bigger towns as Group 16 competition boomed.
“It became obvious the two small towns could no longer compete with the larger teams,” he said.
And so it was that Candelo-Bemboka United (RLFC) was born.
The club went on to win the first grade premiership in 1969, 1970, 1973, 74 and again in 75 before withdrawing in 1983.
In 2014 the Panthers made a resurgence and went on to win the reserve grade premiership that season.
The club is currently leading the reserve grade draw and will play host to the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs for the special anniversary round at Bemboka’s Colombo Park.
Gates will open at 12.30pm for two games with the Pink Panthers to meet the Hot Doggies at 1.30pm with reserve grade at 3pm with full canteen and bar.