Soccer Honour Rolls

The discovery of the photograph of the 1917 Merewether Advance Honour Board in Newcastle (right) jogs my memory that other First World War soccer honour boards were created around Australia. Several members of soccer twitter searched for and reminded me about them also. It seems that we have a list of six known boards at the moment.

I suspect that there would have been many other honour rolls produced by soccer clubs around Australia and New Zealand, but here are the six we know about (plus a Second World War bonus at the bottom of the article).

1. Merewether (76 names in 1918)
2. Adelaide Locomotive (30 names in 1916)
3. Granville Association (over 60 names in 1916)
4. Pyrmont (70 names in 1918, with more to be added)
5. Toowoomba (140 names in 1919)
6. WA (over 400 names in 1922)

Unfortunately, the Places of Pride web site listing such boards has no record of them. And lest we start to generate a conspiracy about the deliberate marginalisation of soccer, only four Australian rules boards are mentioned while the rugby codes have but one each. Given that hundreds of football clubs across codes contributed thousands of players to the war effort this is a major problem. Is it an oversight in the way we memorialise footballing soldiers or does the responsibility lie with the sporting clubs themselves? Soccer is notorious in the way it shelves and discards its own history. Maybe the other codes have similar tendencies.

In the near future I will investigate the whereabouts of each of the boards and the existence of others.  So far, attempts to uncover the Merewether Board have been fruitless. I won't hold my breath but you never know.


NB. Here's a very specific one from WW2 "bearing the names of members of the South Australian Postal Institute Junior Soccer Club who have enlisted".

Adelaide Soccer Enlistments 1916

Some useful stats from the Adelaide Advertiser, Wednesday 7 June 1916, page 8

• 43 members of the South Adelaide Club enlisted.
• Estimated that of 340 soccer players in Adelaide, 230 enlisted
• consciousness of what other codes doing and saying

THE CALL TO ARMS.

[...]

"SOCCER" FOOTBALLERS AND THE WAR.

Mr. Harold Pearce, hon. secretary South Adelaide British Football Club, writes: '"Will you kindly publish the enclosed list of players of the club who have enlisted. It has been said in various parts of the city that British Association footballers have not done their share in the cause of the Empire in this time of war, hence this letter to contradict such false statements. Our association here in Adelaide had a membership of 340 members in the season of 1914; of that number 230 have enlisted.

In 1915 matches were played, and this year no games have been arranged whatever." 

The enclosed list is as follows: N.W. Taylor, J.C. McMasters, S.C. McMasters, W.G. Marsh, B. Witton, E. G. Wright, J. McDonald, J.F. McDonald, A.A. Wallace, G. Burberry, G. Edwards, T. Shirlock, H. Cole, C. Cole, G. Davis, W. Slaughter, A Godleman, F. McEwin, W. Birken, G. Bates, H. McKay, H. Tucker, A. Linsden, T. Cotton, J. Graham, J. Perry, C. Casseboum, C. Warrington, P. Finlay, P Yules, L. Limb, W. Morton, A.E. Phillips, J. Phillips, M. Richardson, H. Long, E. Long, F. Causer, F. Gregory, C. Brown, J. Murdock, F. Draper, H. Pearce.

Fremantle Caledonians

This is a fb post from the Bassendean Caledonians FC facebook page

LEST WE FORGET...

Our Callies ANZACS

The club was founded on 11 February 1913 as the Caledonian Soccer Club by members of the Fremantle Caledonian Society.

World War I

The tragedy of the First World War interrupted the formative years of the club. Most of the Caledonian soccer team's players and officials enlisted in the Australian Forces in the 1914–18 War. They were J. Anderson, J. Cowan, A. Marr, F. Beisley, R. Dewar, J. McFarlane, C. Braidwood, J. Durward, D. McKinnon, A. Brown, W. Earnshaw, R. McKinnon, G. Brown, J. Gourley, A. McPherson, D. Cameron, C. Grieve, C. Monteath, J. Chalmers, D. Henry, D. Reid, W. Chalmers, R. Leonard, J. Simpson, A. Cowan, F. Lyon, J. Thompson.

In addition, the West Australian of 14 May 1915 mentions a Callies player, Wilkie, as ‘being in Khaki’, and later references were made by Alec Marr to ‘wee McGregor’ serving at the front. Another Caledonian official, J. H. Campbell may be John Hollis Campbell who embarked with the 11th Battalion on 15 June 1917, while Archibald Cameron of High Street, Fremantle who served with the 27th Battalion may be the A. Cameron who was one of Callies’ original players.

Amongst all these players and officials a group of 14 were guests of the Fremantle Caledonian Society at a farewell function in the Caledonian Hall at the end of the 1915 season. When the Society organised a welcome home function for the Caledonian recruits four years later only five of the 14 attended, the rest having been killed, wounded or otherwise traumatised by the conflict.

The extent of the Caledonian sacrifice to the Australian War effort can be seen in that all but five of the regular first team players in this squad made the supreme sacrifice while serving in the First World War.

The Caledonian players killed in action were ‘Barney’ Cowan, ‘Barney’ Henry, ‘Dickie’ Leonard, Dave McKinnon, Jamie Simpson, Frank Lyon, William Chalmers MM and Charlie Monteath.

REST IN PEACE....

From https://www.facebook.com/profile/100056650463643/search/?q=soccer%20anzacs

England v Scotland, Melbourne Style, 1909

This is a nice report in the Melbourne Herald on Friday 13 August 1909, p3. It gives a picture of a buoyant game ready to progress. It also contains a preview of the first Dockerty Cup final.

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BRITISH ASSOCIATION GAME.

(By "JACKEROO.")

Last Saturday was a "red letter" day tor the British Football Association or Victoria. A large crowd of enthusiastic supporters assembled at Middle Park to witness a match between English and Scotch players, members of this association. The selection committees carefully chose their representative elevens, and it was generally voted one of the best games of soccer yet seen in Melbourne. Before the match, the Scotch players and supporters were already proclaiming victory, but, let me here tell you. that England won comparatively easy by three goals to two. 

Scotland kicked off against a strong wind, but the English halves securing, put their forwards on the attack, the English left wing very early in the game giving the Scottish defence a taste of their good quality. Cumming and Baird were defending well, however, and relieved their goal. 

The Scotch forwards then made tracks for the English goal, but did not become dangerous the English halves (Ladkin, Evans, and Bird) holding them fairly easy. Ladkin, playing half-back for England, was feeding the wing cleverly, and the persistent attack of Greves and Hutton had its reward at last, for after nice play by these two, Appleby, at centre, received a pass, and scored first goal for England. This livened up the Scots, and their forwards now became more prominent, but could not beat the English halves. It must not be forgotten that Scotland were playing against the wind, therefore most of the play was in their own half. 

At last the Scotch left wing, playing nicely together, became persistent, and Hall securing near the centre, made a good run. When tackled he passed to Fletcher, who sent in a nice centre, which Hall secured and equalised the scores with a clever shot. The play of the English forwards in this half was very ragged. They indulged in too much passing instead of making for goal when they had a strong wind behind them. 

Half-time arrived with the score one goal each. 

It was thought that the English defence would be in for a hot time during the second half, Scotland having the wind in their favor. Scotland early made an attack on the English goal, and, having awarded a very doubtful penalty, Menzies scored for Scotland with a good shot, The English forwards were now rearranged. Brown going from inside right to centre and Appleby taking Brown's position. From this change England benefited greatly, for Greves, Hutton, and Brown, all club mates, combined nicely, and gave the spec-tators a splendid display ot tip-top football, and it is to these players that England mainly owe their victory. Menzies, at centre-half was working hard for Scotland, feeding his forwards well, of whom Hall was the only one to trouble the English defence, where Elliott was playing a masterful game at back. The attack being again taken up by Eng-land, Greves secured near the half-way line, and running along his wing put in a marvellous centre. The ball, keeping high, just went under the crossbar, giving Baird, the Scots' goalie, no chance. Thus the score was once more equal, being two goals each. 

From this to the end England had most of the game, their halves easily keeping in check the Scottish attack. England attacked strongly, and after a hot scrimmage in front of the Scottish goal, a penalty was given against Menzies, but from the resultant kick Elliott, the English captain, shot wide. Not to be denied, however, the English forwards again attacked, and Brown scored with a nice shot. Time shortly afterwards arrived, with England winners by three goals to two. 

England's team, all round, played consistently and generally seemed to hold the Scots fairly easy. The Scotch team did not play the game that was expected of them, their for-wards, with the exception of Hall, not being able to get the better of the English halves. Mr Palmer refereed the game, and had the assistance of Mr S. H. Thomas (England) and Mr Middleton (Scotland) on the lines. 

To show how soccer football is finding its way over the globe, it is interesting to note that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur re-cently made a very successful tour of the Argentine. These teams played a match at Buenos Ayres before a crowd of over 20,000 spectators, Aston Villa winning by two goals to one. 

The game has taken such a hold in America that next football season the American association is sending a team to England, and an International match has been arranged. The American team will be composed of American-born players, and fixtures have already been arranged with Notts. Forest, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Leeds City and other leading English clubs. The New York "Herald" of May 23 gives a lengthy report of the final for the American Association Cup. between Brooklyn and the Yonkers (New York). The match attracted 15,000 spectators, Brooklyn winning by four goals to one. 

Tomorrow the "Coop" final is to be played (how these words stirs an Englishman's heart). The competing teams are Carlton and St. Kilda. The East Melbourne ground has been engaged, and the match commences at 3 o'clock. Mr Palmer has been appointed referee, and Mr Jackson (Fitzroy) and Mr Fraser (Melbourne) have been chosen as linesmen. This match should prove a great go, an both teams are in good form and have been doing good training work. 

Carlton earned their position in the final by beating Melbourne, four goals to nil, and Fitzroy, eight goals to nil, and with an undefeated certificate in the League games, their chance looks good. St. Kilda worked their way into the final by defeating Williamstown, five goals to two and Prahran. eight goals to two, Also finishing second to Carlton in the League chart. 

It may be said for St. Kilda that their team has become much stronger this last few weeks, owing to finding new blood, so intending visitors to this match should not be disappointed jn witnessing a ding-dong battle. 

St. Kilda team will be selected from Dolan, Fletcher, Cartwright, Dockerty, Evans (capt.), Collins, Greysmith, Vass, Hodgkinson, Brown, Hutton, Greves. 

Carlton will be selected from Baird, Menzies (capt.), Cumming (2), Spence, M'Millan, Williamson, Matthews, Hall, Halley, Terrier, Wardrop, Black, Campbell, Walters and Begg.

Soccer in Victoria: English Game Has Rapid Rise

Another Victorian state-of-play piece, this time in the Herald, Saturday 27 May 1922, page 5. Interesting for a number of reasons, especially the elision of 1. the original attempt to establish the game in the 1880s and 2. the Scottish aspect of the contemporary renaissance of the game in Victoria. Other points of note are the rapid expansion of the game and an early consciousness of the problem of enclosed grounds.

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Soccer in Victoria

English Game Has Rapid Rise

By "SALATIS"

For the average Victorian there is only one game of football, and that is the great Australian game. In that we are conservative. Nevertheless, soccer, the popular game of the United Kingdom, is establishing itself on a firm footing in this State, though, of course, there is no likelihood of it ever becoming a rival of the Australian game. 

The existence of the imported game in Melbourne rests mainly on the support accorded it by a staunch follow ing of men from England. That following is gradually growing in strength as every liner brings its fresh batch of new Australians.

On the other hand, soccer is a serious rival to that other great English game, Rugby football. Many persons are convinced that Rugby football is a dying sport. Evidence of this, it is claimed, has become apparent in New South Wales, and to a greater extent in Queensland, where soccer is speedily ousting its rival. New South Wales alone boasts a playing personnel of 6000 soccer footballers, while in the United Kingdom in 1914 there were 16,000 soccer teams, as compare!! with only 1100 Rugby teams, and the contrast is even greater today. In Victoria Rugby football has had little or no success, while soccer has managed to cling on for 14 years, and is stronger today than ever it was. Its history is interesting.

800 PLAYERS

In 1908 a small group of English enthusiasts, among whom were Messrs. H. J. Dockerty, W. E. Cumraings. E. Harvey, and E. C. Crawford, held a conference. These men could never reconcile themselves to our form of football, and they launched the ambitious but seemingly hopeless project of establishing soccer in Victoria. How they succeeded may be gauged from the fact that a small band of 60 followers has grown into 14 metropolitan clubs with a playing personnel of 600 and 2000 supporters. The com bination is known as the Victorian Amateur British Football Association, of which Dockerty is now president, Cummings secretary, and Harvey treasurer. Crawford was a former secretary, and he worked strenuously in the effort to raise soccer to its present status.

Though the standard is not as high, the conditions under which soccer is played in Victoria are similar to those influencing the game in. Great Britain. Even an international flavor is introduced by a yearly match between English and Scottish players, while this season will, in addition, wit ness the innovation of an all-Australian team playing a match against a combination composed of Welsh players.

From this it will be gathered that the game has managed to lure a sprinkling of Victorians. To further intensify the interest in soccer there are the usual cup ties, which bear the name of Dockerty, in honor of the president, and the trophies consist of cups for senior, second grade, and junior divisions, and a handsome shield for the premier team of the Association.

OPEN AND FAST

Mr Dockerty has been resident in Victoria for a number of years, and, being an ardent lover of football in any shape or form, he did not neglect to study our own game. He admires it, but prefers soccer, because he says it is more easily followed, there being only eleven men to a side. Furthermore, he claims that soccer is fast and opon, and leaves nothing to be desired from an onlooker's point of view when good players are seen In action in a "passing rush" and exercising that attractive head and foot work which is so distinctive from the Australian hand system. 

An English team may visit Australia in 1923. That is the accomplishment which Mr Dockerty and his soccer colleagues all over Australia are aiming at, and they are confident that it will be realised. The matter is in the hands of a Commonwealth council, of which Mr Dockerty is also president, and which is representative of soccer players in all States. The most im portant factor — finance — has been thrashed out, and Victoria's contribution to the general fund is a minimum of £750. This sum it is proposed to raise by the debenture system.

ENCLOSED GROUNDS SOUGHT

The lack of enclosed grounds is a sore point with the Soccer Association, for the "gate" means much to the success of any sport. However, during the proposed English visit it is likely that one of the metropolitan cricket grounds will be secured. The itinerary of the English team will have to be so arranged that the matches do not clash with our own games.

The Real Game of Football

This is an extensive piece written by leading Melbourne player, George Raitt (Sporting Globe, Saturday 23 June 1923, page 6). It has a number of features/claims, including: the brief suggestion that soccer's first Melbourne collapse was due to internal problems; his recollections of pre-war football and the English/Scottish nexus; Carlton effectively a Scots team in 1909; his own personal biography; the snapshot of P. Hamilton (born in Australia but who learned the game in Scotland); and a terrific sequence of photos of George playing the game.

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"Soccer—the Real Game of Football," — and its Prospects 

Specially Written for "The Sporting Globe" by George Raitt

Do you wonder that I should be still enthusiastic about the game of soccer when I was born and bred in the home of the game. I have been playing all my life and I will go on playing the great game of pure football until I am not physically able to take any further active part. 

Soccer is claimed—and in my opinion rightly so—as the game of football. After having played it for many years and having seen the other codes of football played, I am still as keen as ever on my chosen code. With its open and fast exchanges it stands out as a game of skill and as scoring is difficult compared with other codes, it tends to keep the contest even throughout. 

Starting in the Old Land many years ago soccer has spread to many parts of the globe. And now it is played in every country and is increasing in popularity. 

VICTORIAN PIONEERS 

In Victoria the game was played in the 80s but owing to internal trouble was allowed to lapse. In 1907 a few gentlemen headed by H. J. Dockerty again set the ball rolling. For that season practice games were played and during the summer months arrangements were made to start a competition. A strong committee was formed to carry out arrangements including H. J. Dockerty, L. Harvey, J. Holland, L. Fifer, H. Miller, T. Evans, A. Philips, E. Fraser and W. A. Cumming. 

The season opened with six clubs — Carlton, St. Kilda, Prahran, Melbourne, Fitzroy and Williamstown and after a good seasons play Carlton carried off all the trophies — a feat they repeated the following year, when South Melbourne had joined up with the association. In 1910 the season opened with nine clubs — Burns, Melbourne, Thistle, Yarraville and in addition four junior clubs were formed. The number of clubs has increased since then until now there are 18 clubs in Melbourne and districts, who place 28 teams in the field each Saturday. 

In addition to these, four clubs from the schools competed for the Navy Cup. In the country there are four clubs at Alexandra, three in Bendigo and district, and teams at Wonthaggi and club Point. To provide for these clubs, the association runs the following competitions — The Dockerty Cup competition which is open to all clubs in Victoria and is played on the knock-out principle. The four League Trophies are competed for by clubs in Melbourne and districts. The Reserve Cup is open to all reserve teams. Alexandra District Cup competed for by clubs in that district. The Navy Cup is confined to Technical schools. 

The management of these competitions is in the hands of a committee of delegates from the clubs, while the general management of the association is carried on by an elected council over which H. J. Dockerty, the president of the association presides, F. Harvey, treasurer and W. A. Cumming hon secretary are also among the officials of the game and to the work of these officials the game owes much of its success. 

PROMINENT PLAYERS 

Among the players who have helped to place the game on its present footing are P. Hamilton at present is a member of the Footscray team. Australian-born this player went to Scotland and reached the first class in football. Returning to Australia he has since both taken part in matches with credit to himself and his club. Another player who has left his mark on the game here is "Dave'" M. Millar. In my opinion he is the finest player we have had here. During seasons 1909-13 he delighted the followers of the game with his clever play. 

With the Victorian team in Sydney in 1914 he was the stand-out of a great side and even to this day his play is the talk of soccer people in New South Wales. 

Among some of the other players who have stood out from the general men are Menzies, a great "back" ; Ruddiman, centre half. The Carlton team was, in my opinion, the best we have had here and in regard to this?? an interesting story is told. 

CARLTON'S FORMATION 

One of the players just, arrived from Scotland happened to be chatting about the game. Hearing a voice from over the Border holding forth on Soccer, he challenged him to meet a team he would pick to play in the Carlton Gardens. 

The Scot was told it could not be arranged but if he had any players they could get games with the Carlton Club to which the other belonged. A meeting was called, and Scotty gathered his clan of 16 members to attend. When the meeting ended it was found that the Scots had taken charge of everything except the secretary's office which had been given to the Englishman to keep him quiet. 

On the field they carried out their policy, and took charge to such an extent that for two seasons they went undefeated, and remained so until the Burns Club, led by the same Scot who had gathered them for Carlton, defeated them in the opening game of the third season. 

ADVANTAGES OF SOCCER 

Soccer as a game of football is one in which you play football or ball with the foot only. Unlike other codes the hands are not used to any extent Only two players the goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball while in play. It is a game in which brute force is not allowed. With its eleven players a side, and a referee in complete charge of the game. It is clean, open and fast, and as the rules are definite on all points of the game, it is easily followed, and understood. 

It has also the advantage of being a game in which the small man has nearly as good a chance as the tall man. There being no ruck or scrum, in Soccer, the crowding which takes place in other codes is not present and the opportunity for sly or dirty play is not given. Then again, it is the international code. 

OLYMPIC REPRESENTATION 

If Australia is ever to be represented in football at the Olympic games, it must be in Soccer, which is the football game played in connection with them. That will take place before many years as in most of the Soccer is going ahead very rapidly. In Victoria there are now teams composed entirely of Australian players. The game here is entirely amateur, and as long it is played as Soccer should be played, it will continue to grow in numbers and become a favorite with the Australian public, just as it has done in other parts of the world. 

Certainly there are many good points in Rugby and the Australian game. The only spoiling feature of Rugby is, I think, the scrum. When I have nothing to do on Saturday I enjoy looking at the Australian game and I must say that there are some spectacular incidents in it. What appealed to me most in the game was the high marking and the pace at which the men travel with a ball which they must bounce. Still I would rather play Soccer. 

POINTS IN THE GAME 

One point which the average spectator does not understand is the one of "hands off the ball." Unlike the Australian game, the ball must not not be touched by the hands or arms. therefore when it is in the air we use our heads. Every player with the exception of the goal keeper must be able to head the ball and when this is perfected the average player can use his head as readily as his feet. Dribbling the ball is left almost entirely to the forwards, principally to the inside forwards, who have to take the ball within the danger zone and make the opening for the center forward to go through and score. 

One of the most spectacular points of the game is the shooting for goal. The center forward excels in this department and to be a good center forward one must be a good shot and be able to shoot from any position. This is a position which sometimes is very hard to fill, and which causes the club manager endless worry. He is always on the lookout for a prolific goal-scorer. Though difficult to perform well, punting is left to the backs. They constitute the defence and must be able to punt well to clear their lines and relieve the pressure on the goal. 

RECOLLECTIONS 

My first club of any note was Cambuslang Rangers. I spent two seasons with them. In the second season with them we had a great side and carried everything before us. The trophies we won that year were the Glasgow League, Glasgow Cup, Glasgow Charity Cup and North-Eastern Cup. With one exception the whole of this team played as professionals and some are still playing in first class football, notably Kenny Campbell, who has defended Scotland goal for several seasons in International football. Bob Robertson is still with Bo'ness. John McNaughton with Kilmarnock and my brother Willie is still going strong with King's Park. 

From Cambuslang I went to Huddersfield Town, but after a season and a half there I came to Melbourne in 1913. I thought I had said goodbye to the old game, not knowing that the game was being played here. I soon found out and being Scotch I was soon attached to Melbourne Thistle with which club I have played since. In 1914 we won the League Premiership and shared the Dockerty Cup with N and D United after two draw games. The following season we went one better and won both League and Cup. Our game closed down in 1915, and most of our players enlisted. Five paid the supreme sacrifice — J. Traynor, A. Goodson, J. Ross, J. Hogg and W. Brodie. This season we are not doing so well. I think the side can do better before the season closes. 

The fact that the game in Victoria is "not up to much" cannot be denied but when soccer is played well it is "the" game of football. All good things start from small beginnings and I have no doubt that soccer — now one of the least of footy codes in Victoria — will win a worthy place in the years to come.

HANDS OFF AND HEAD OR FEET ON

GEORGE RAITT IN ACTION (1) Passing (2) Heading the ball. 3) Shooting for Goal. (4) Punting

Northumberland and Durham Smoke Night 1922

The Emerald Hill Record (7 October 1922, p2) reported the annual smoke night of Northumberland and Durham United. Some interesting points: 

1. It's a spotted history of the club's 10 years. 
2. The recent death of the inaugural chairman Sam Hartley;
3. We learn that Ben Stevens captained the team for the first 9 years;  
4. J Lamb was the general dogsbody for the club and a number of others were important to its activities; 
5. Portable goalposts! I need a description.
6. Has the epicentre of N. and D. moved away from Footscray (intimated by the function being held in South Melbourne and reported in a local paper)?

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SOCCER ENTHUSIASTS.

Hold Annual Social.

The Northumberland and Durham United British Association Football Club (Soccer) held their annual smoke night on Saturday last in the Concordia Hall, South Melbourne. Mr. Albert N. Gay was the chairman, and referred to the position of the club and hoped that all present would have an enjoyable evening. Musical items were rendered by Messrs. Bristow, Craig, Davidson, Grieves, Jones, Lamb, and Thornton. The singing of Mr. Bob Davidson was particularly fine, and brought forth numerous encores. The chairman spoke feelingly on the sad loss the club had sustained owing to the death of Mr. Sam Hartley, who had been the chairman of the club since its formation. He felt sure the club as a body would do all in its power to assist Mrs. Hartley in every, possible way.

Mr. J. Lamb proposed the toast of The Captain and Players, and referred to the pleasure he got, through being connected with the club, every week, although he did have to carry the goal posts and nets and very often had to mark off the ground. However, it was more than pleasing to see 'N. and D. receiving such prominence each year. 

Mr. Ben Stevens (captain) rose to respond amid cries of "Good old Ben!" "Ben the evergreen!" etc., and stated how pleased he was to have the pleasure of responding on behalf of a team which he had captained for the past 10 years with the exception of last season. During those years they had won the League several times and the Dockerty cup twice. Of course, he knew from his long experience that secret of the success of N. and D. was the unanimity between the players and their committee. He could remember when the club first started. He had gone onto the ground with seven or eight men; and often had finished the game with a victory to their credit. (Laughter.) He thanked the committee for their staunch support in the past, and hoped for their continued good service in the future.

The toast of the committee was proposed by Mr. Grieves, and responded to by Mr. Bentley. Mr M. D. Cunningham, the genial and hard-working honorary secretary, spoke of the progress the club had made. During the three years he had been their secretary they had won the League premiership twice, and the Dockerty cup once, which was by no means a por record. He hoped the club would continue along the track of prosperity, and that next year both the cup and the shield would be on the table at their annual smoke night. (Loud cheers.) —'The Vigilante.'

Melbourne Herald (Wednesday 5 July 1922, page 18)

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HARTLEY. — On the 4th July. 1922, at his residence. 160 Little Buckley street, Footscray (suddenly). Samuel Hartley. (late president of Northumberland and Durham Football Club), dearly loved husband of Elizabeth Hartley, loving brother-in-law of Mrs. Fletcher, William, Isabel, and the late David Jeffrey, aged 54 years. Deeply mourned and sadly missed. 

This obituary in the Age (18 May 1936, page 1) references some N and D figures.

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DARBYSHIRE.—On the 16th May, Henry William, dearly beloved eldest son of William Henry and the late Rebecca Darbyshire, of 23 Garden Vale-road, Caulfield, loving brother of Ernest, Nellie, Marjory, Tina, Stanley, Edith and Rachel. DARBYSHIRE, H. W.— On the 16th May. From him sweet rest, For us just memories. Inserted by his loving father and brother, Stan, DARBYSHIRE.—On the 16th May, Harry, the dearly loved brother of Tina and Wilfred; also loving uncle of Olive, Edna, Lorna, Norman and Jack. Loved ones united. DARBYSHIRE. H. W.-On the 16th May. In silence we remember. —Inserted by living brother, Ern, and Vera. DARBYSHIRE, H. W.— On the 16th May. He giveth his beloved sleep. His tired, weary frame Has found sweet rest at last. —Inserted by his loving sisters, Edie and Rachel. DARBYSHIRE. —On the 16th May, H. W. In mind a silent thought, In heart a secret sorrow. —Marjory and Percy. —Inserted by his loving sister, Marjory, and Percy. DARBYSHIRE, H. W.-On the 16th May. Years fly pas, but his life to us Will always be the sweetest memories. —Inserted by his loving sister, Nellie, and Sid. DARBYSHIRE, H. W.—On the 16th May. in remembrance of my dear brother-in-law Edward Soames; Joyce Soames, Edward Henry Soames. At rest. DARBYSHIRE, H. W.—On the 16th May, in remembrance on behalf of the Northumberland and Durham Soccer Football team, Footscray. A good friend and a great sport.  

Robert Walter Pickersgill, Geordie Joiner.

This is the way it goes sometimes:

1. Up early to watch EPL.

2. Notice a text from Mav alerting me to a comment on facebook from Alan Pickersgill, to which he had attached this gorgeous photo of a Northumberland and Durham team in 1914. His grandfather Robert Walter Pickersgill is third from the right on the second back row.

Robert Pickersgill

3. Respond to Alan, who immediately proceeds to video call from his home in Gateshead, England. We have a long chat in which (after getting rid of the Mackem/Mag banter/formalities) he reveals the bones of a fantastic story.

4. Go to Footscray Market (past the car park that once was the site of the Bay View Hotel, which functioned as a dressing room for Northumberland and Durham and most likely in which Robert had prepared for games at Footscray Park), through the market, to take a photo of 13 Paisley St, the site of H.C. Lloyd's Alma Studio, the company that took the team shot.

13 Paisley St, Footscray Presently aTobacco franchise,
the recent tenancy history of this address is indicated
by the different signage upstairs and down.

5. Have that coffee.

More Fibs for Footy

The Melbourne Sporting Globe (28 February 1953, page 11) published the following letter from George Cathie (the former editor of the Footy Record and serial liar about soccer). In it he claims that there was no sign of soccer in Albert Park in the 1880s and that because the FA had been formed as recently as the 1880s, soccer couldn't have been played here so soon after. (Still mulling over the logic of that one.)

In fact, after sporadic organised games and practice matches in 1883 and 1884 in Middle/Albert Park, 1885 sees the game firmly established at Middle Park.

Rather than saying "I just hate the stupid game," Cathie's practice is more pernicious. He makes up facts to suit his argument and even more egregiously denies the actual presence of the game in Melbourne. In the pantheon of Melbourne soccer haters this chap is a stand out.

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Soccer in Albert Park

G J. Cathie Hawthorn writes:— An article in last Wednesday's "Sporting Globe" by J O Wilshaw headed Soccer in Albert Park, is very much astray in the statement that soccer had its home in Albert Park 70 years ago. 

I can well remember that in the 1880's, when the Australian game consisted of 20 players aside it was most difficult for all the local Junior clubs to obtain sufficient grounds for their requirements, and many arguments took place every Saturday afternoon because of the encroachment by older players in planting their small out of bounds flags on areas allotted to their younger rival clubs. 

At that period there was not a sign of a soccer club in Albert Park. As a matter of fact it was only a trifle over 70 years ago that the Soccer Football Association was formed in England though games had been played by amateur clubs prior to its formation, so it's hardly likely soccer was played here until many years later. 

Incidentally, what has become of all the Junior clubs which had their home grounds in Albert Park 50 years ago? There were no dressing room accommodation in those days—we hung our clothes on the fence along the St. Kilda railway line.

1914 Dockerty Cup Final

The 1914 Dockerty Cup between Northumberland and Durham United and Melbourne Thistle played at Middle Park was a scoreless draw. The replay at the same venue had a similar scoreline even after extra time. A goalless 210 minutes was enough and the decision was made to share the trophy. Harrison in The Winner was not impressed with the games (see below) but I have seen reports that were more glowing. The Argus for example.

The following is the report from The Winner, Wednesday 14 October 1914, page 6

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Football

SOCCER PLAYING SEASON CONCLUDED UNSATISFACTORY CUP FINAL

... THE CONTEST Only a few items occurred in the whole course of the two hours' play to send anyone into ecstasies. I had looked forward to far more scientific play than proved to be the case, and was disappointed. True, cup finals as a rule do not produce the best class of football; the players are far too keen and excited, and Saturday last proved no exception to the general rule. There was one thing, however, that was par ticularly noticeable, and that was that the respective goalkeepers — Robison and Russell-— were in great trim, and in that goal-keeping mood which meant that there would be some difficulty in breaking down their defences. And the two hours' play saw the respective goals intact In fact, if anything averted the defeat of the men of Northumber land and Durham it was the superb defence of Robison, who really effected some wonderful saves. Robison was indeed the hero of the hour, and I have seen players of greater pretensions in English League teams who could not have improved upon his display. There is little further to comment upon. The best of the N. and D. side were Robison and Ben. Stevens. Others I liked were Helas, Longthorne. and C. Weston. On the Thistle side, Russell, in goal, did all that was required of him, and Raitt, Guthrie, Bottomley, Brodie and Ackurof [Acquroff] were always prominent. 

A month later, the following images and text were published in the Winner, Wednesday 11 November 1914, page 7

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SOCCER FOOTBALL-JOINT HOLDERS OF DOCKERTY CUP, SEASON 1914.

NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM UNITED

Northumberland and Durham United are a team which will have seriously to be reckoned with, in next season's competitions. The players registered in the ranks of the North of England representatives showed brilliant form in the latter part of the season, and in the final tie of the Dockerty Cup held their own with the Thistle Club, the League premiers. Northumberland and Durham United played 18 games in the League Competition, of which they won seven, lost nine, and two were drawn games. Their best form, however, was shown in the Cup competition, and the players appearing in the: above photograph in the final tie of the Dockerty Cup. are — Robinson, Helas,  Longthorpe, Thompson, Stevens, Jefferies, H. Weston, Laycock, C. Weston, Millar, and Marsden.

Mark Boric's more reliable Victorian Football Statistical History gives: Northumberland and Durham United: J.Robison, E.Helas, R.Longthorpe, J.Thompson, B.Stevens, D.Jefferey, H.Weston, Laycock, C.Weston, R.Millar, H.Marsden.

 

MELBOURNE THISTLE CLUB (Photos, by E. W. Hicks)

The Melbourne Thistle Club has a record to be proud of. To win the League Premiership and become joint possessors with Northumberland and Durham United of the Dockerty Challenge Cup in the same season is a great 'honor indeed. The Scots' Club, has only been in existence three seasons, and has in its ranks many players of exceptional merit.In the League season just closed, Thistle played 18 matches, won 11, lost two, and five were drawn. The team scored 34 goals against 12 obtained by their opponents. Thistle headed the League table with 27 points, to their credit, their nearest opponents being the Birmingham team with 24 points. The Scots' representatives figuring in the final the for the Dockerty Challenge Cup, is given in the above photograph, are— Russell, Thompson, Raitt, Noble, Goodson, Benn, Bottomley, Clulow, Guthrie, Sandy, and Brodie. 

Boric gives: Melbourne Thistle: J.Russell, J.Thompson, G.Raitt, G.Noble, A.Goodson, H.Benn, A.Bottomley, Clulow, J.Guthrie, Sandy, J.Brodie.