Gippsland sports historian Laurie Williams is on the trail of Gippsland Rugby clubs, especially teams from the RAAF and the Sale Razorbacks, Maffra Bulldogs and Wurruk Warriors for a new book on the history of rugby played in Gippsland.
The RAAF entered teams in the metro competitions in league and union around the 1960s, and any information regarding them would be helpful.
In 1957, Sale entered a team in the Metro Union, playing through to 1971 when they were beaten by Laverton in the Grand Final 17-2.
From there, we jump to 1982 when Sale was admitted to State League 2 (Union) along with the Morwell Tigers.
Mentioned players included Wridgeway, Campbell, Sheppard, Mark Wilson, Vogan and Hughson.
Morwell took Sale apart in the opening match of 1983, winning 69-3.
It seems that Sale folded after this but Williams has picked up threads in 1991 when the Sale Razorbacks fielded a team in the newly formed Gippsland Rugby League Association, along with the Traralgon Panthers, Hazelwood Eels and the East Gippsland Brumbies.
In 1992, the Maffra Bulldogs entered the fray and information regarding them would help in the compilation of the history.
Sale had a tremendous season, making it to the Grand Final, but were taken down by the Traralgon Panthers 26-22.
Best for the Razorbacks was Don Wales (who ended up winning the association’s best and fairest award), P Gray, S Sauer, A McMullens and A McLure.
Maffra pulled out in 1994, but many of their players joined with RAAF players to form the Wurruk Warriors in 1994.
Sale improved on their previous season, winning the premiership with a 28-22 victory over the Morwell Tigers.
Wurruk only lasted one season, pulling out in 1995.
Sale continued their good form, winning in 1995 with a 44-18 victory over the Churchill Gladiators.
By 1997 the competition had reduced to five clubs, with Sale being the dominant one, winning the flag over Traralgon 29-24 and in 1998 the Morwell Magpies folded but joined with the Hazelwood Eels to form the Morwell Miners.
Sale continued in 1999 and 2000 but due to shortage of players had to merged with East Gippsland midway through the season to be known as SEG.
Any further information regarding players, photos, newspaper articles and scores of the Sale teams, Maffra and Wurruk teams would be appreciated.
Williams can be reached at lauriefooty@hotmail.com.
