Sharks Touch Football Club stalwart Scott Pierce reflects on time with Toowoomba team ahead of 50th anniversary

Sharks Touch Football Club will always hold a special place in Scott Pierce’s heart. Ahead of the club’s 50th anniversary this weekend the former rep star shares what makes the club so great.

The Sharks touch football are playing in retro jerseys this season to mark their 50th year of action.

Perched atop the Great Dividing Range, 700m above sea level, Toowoomba is bereft of sandy beaches and mesmerising waves.

It does however have a ‘famous’ harbour that has played a major role in the shaping of one of Toowoomba’s elite sports clubs.

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary this weekend, Sharks Touch Football Club will pay tribute to their rich history.

Formed by ex-rugby league international Des McGovern, who owned a Caltex service station, they started life as the Caltex Stars in 1974 before becoming the Austral Stars.

A change of sponsors in 1981 required a change of name. The club’s new watering hole, the Cheyenne Hotel, situated on the banks of Toowoomba’s famous Drayton Harbour, influenced the decision and the club become the Drayton Sharks.

For as long as he has played touch football in Toowoomba, Scott Pierce has been part of the Sharks.

The now Sharks life member joined in 1983 along with his brother Craig.

Sharks Best and Fairest player award is named in honour of the Craig Pierce.

“The club is very special to me,” Scott Pierce said, who still plays in and coaches the club’s B-grade side at 56 years of age.

“It was not very common for clubs to take on a lot juniors, not in the early 80s at least, but Sharks were very welcoming.

“Now it’s like an extended family for me – it’s about so much more than just touch football.

“I wouldn’t stayed with the club, my family would not be part of the club, if we did enjoy it so much.”

Scott Pierce in action for the Sharks against the Lions in the Men's A grade Toowoomba Touch at Kearneys Spring ovals, Saturday, June 07, 2014. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle.

Scott and Craig were the club’s first Queensland representative players in 1985 with Craig also named in an Australian junior team around the same time.

Craig, who passed away in 2003, has long been considered one of the club’s most valuable contributors and the Sharks Best and Fairest Player award is named in his honour.

“It’s a real honour to have the award named after him,” Scott said.

“It’s something our family really values.

“Looking back making (Queensland and Australia) rep teams, that was the cherry on top.

“It’s the memories and the friendships made that you remember, the special moments that you cherish.”

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations the Sharks are playing in retro jerseys this season.

The club is also hosting a race day on Saturday July 27 at Toowoomba’s Clifford Park Racecourse.

A special tribute will be paid to club’s lifetime members at the event.

For more details visit the Sharks Facebook page.