Playing long balls into empty space since 2012.

Monday 29 March 2021

100 Years Ago Today, I April 1921

 Sun (Sydney), Thursday 31 March 1921, page 4


SOCCER CODE


The New South Wales Fire Brigade football (Soccer) team held their annual meeting at brigade headquarters, and the following officers were elected:— Patrons. Board of Fire Commissioners: president. Mr. N. C. Sparks, chief officer; vice-presidents, Mr. F. Jackson and Mr, H. Webb: chairman, Mr. J. M. Lamborne: hon. secretary and treasurer. Mr. L. Pearson; captain. Mr. A. Addnall : vice-captain. Mr. H. Bissett. The brigade has got together a very strong side. They commence on Saturday next with a practice match against Callan Park.

Photo of the (unrelated) 1939 Wagga Fire Brigade Soccer Club


Albany Despatch, Thursday 31 March 1921, page 3


Football.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

(By "Right Wing.")

The first match played under, the rules of the A.B.F.A was disposed of on Saturday, the opposing teams being two of the newly-formed ones, the Corinthians and Thistles. The weather was everything that could be wished for. Some delay took place at the commencement owing to the members having to erect the goals, but a start was made at 3.30, Mr. Davies having charge of the whistle. The Thistles won the toss, and decided to take advantage of the down grade. In the first half give and take play was indulged in, neither side being able to find the net. All the new members gave a good performance, and great credit is due to those who played their first game for their performance. With a bit more practice they should prove of great assistance to their individual teams. The second half proved more exciting, as the Corinthians set up an attack on the Thistle goal right from the start and it was only through Billy Fells, who put up a great performance between the sticks, that saved them. Try as they would, the Corinthian forwards could not get the ball past him. Just prior to full time, however, the Thistle forwards broke through, and from a centre put in by Sam Penter, Jack Dempster scored the winning goal. Harry May was the beat to the wide, he having charge of the Corinthians goal. The ball was sent down to be centred, but the referee sounded full time, leaving Thistles winners by one goal.

I have heard it rumored that "Boatswain" May is going to be the Association goal-keeper in all the future big matches this season. Good luck, Harry! l am sorry to hear that Mr. Fortuyn had the misfortune to get hurt, but hope he will put in an appearance for Corinthians in their first League match.


Daily Standard (Brisbane), Wednesday 30 March 1921, page 2


"SOCCER" FOOTBALL.

The following team will represent first grade Thistles against Corinthians at Raymond Park on Saturday at 3 p.m.:


Daily Mail (Brisbane), Tuesday 29 March 1921, page 7


SOCCER.

Wynnum Disappoint

The crowd which assembled at Raymond Park yesterday afternoon to witness the match between Corinthians, the premiers, and the newly-formed Wynnum Club was sadly disappointed. The Wynnum players failed to turn up, and the steady rain which fell throughout the afternoon further depressed spectators. Mr. Sam Cohen, the Corinthians' secretary, cites that Wynnum confirmed the fixture by tele-phone, and that he was at a loss to understand why they did not appear. The Q.F.A, secretary (Mr. Hildreth) when spoken to last evening said he had heard that the majority of the Wynnum players missed the train.


Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Wednesday 30 March 1921, page 8


WESTON. 

A large number of Soccer supporters, returned soldiers, and their friends, assembled in Shedden's Hall, when a number of presentations took place. Mr. R. Oliver presided, and was supported by Mr. T. Crawford in the vice-chair. After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. J. Middleby presented to Mr. R. Dickman, on behalf of the footballers, a silver-mounted inkstand. Mr. Middleby referred to the keen interest Mr. Dickman had always taken in all branches of sport since he had been in Weston, and especially the assistance and support he had given the local Soccer team, who during the time of Mr. Dickman's presidentship had attained the coveted honour of State champions. On behalf of the club, he wished him a safe and pleasant voyage to the Old Country, and hoped to see him back among them all again after his trip. After a few musical items, Mr. Hancock presented to Messrs J. Mather, J. Gilmour, H. Bellamy, J. Bellamy, R. Tweddle, playing members who have been recently married, a number of silver cruets and fruit dishes, also to Mr. F. Austin, a returned player, a shaving outfit. Mr. Hancock, himself a keen football enthusiast, referred to the pleasure it gave him to be associated with the Weston team, and hoped they would go well up in the coming season. Several of the recipients responded. Mr. Oliver, on behalf of the returned men and numerous friends, spoke of the regret they all felt at losing Mr. Dickman's services as president of the Weston branch of the R.S. and S.I.L, but trusted that in the near future he would be back among them again. He then called upon Mr. Hy. M'Donald, secretary of the Weston branch, to present Mr. Dickman with a handsome gold watch and roll of Treasury notes. Mr. M'Donald spoke of the enthusiasm of the friends outside the League, who had so generously subscribed to the testimonial, clear proof of the esteem in which Mr. Dickman was held by the general public in the town. On behalf of the subscribers he wished him bon voyage and a pleasant trip abroad. The rest of the evening was spent in harmony. Included in the company were visitors from Sydney, Newcastle, Maitland, and Cessnock. Those who contributed to the evening enjoyment included Mr. M'Donald (piano), Mr. G. Wilson (violin), Mr. S. Pearce (cornet), Mr. J. Dobie (hypnotist), songs Messrs M'Tinney, Randall, Pugh, Oliver, Mather, Bailey, Dixon. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by the company terminated an enjoyable evening. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dickman sail from Sydney on Saturday, 1st April, by the Orient liner Omar, formerly the German Koenigen Louise [taken as part of reparations]. 

A very painful accident occurred in Hebburn Colliery on Tuesday morning. A wheeler, R. Hawke, employed in the east section of the new tunnel, was leading his horse around the turn when he swung over and jambed the boy against a prop, breaking his jaw and his arm just below the shoulder. He received first aid in the mine, and was carried to the surface, where he was examined by Dr. Wood, who ordered his removal to the hospital, where he is making good progress.


Newcastle Sun, Friday 1 April 1921, page 4


FROM CRICKET TO FOOTBALL

Newcastle cricket competitions will enter upon the final stage to morrow, and arrangements are well in hand for the inauguration of the great winter sports, Rugby and Soccer football. ...  Perhaps the best feature of the cricket competitions is that they will be completed without trespassing upon the seasonal privileges of the footballers — an example which should win reciprocal restraint. Last year the followers of football played their games far beyond the recognised winter months, to the detriment of public interest in their own sport as well as in the commencement of the summer game. Both classes of football look forward to new records of 'gates' and matches. The Soccerites are welcoming the men from Great Britain who have come to swell the industrial ranks of the district. League sympathisers will doubtless also draw upon the new blood. On the football fields there should be cemented a friendship whose benign influence will extend to workshops and factories. For playing the game in sport must inevitably help to a better understanding of human character and a minimum of friction and unrest in the more serious responsibilities of life.


South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Friday 1 April 1921, page 9


The members of the Woonona Soccer Football Club greatly appreciate the action of the many ladies who assisted to entertain the West Wallsend footballers during their recent visit to Woonona.


Townsville Daily Bulletin, Wednesday 30 March 1921, page 3


FOOTBALL.

MALAYA DRAW WITH CHINESE.

Quite the best exhibition of soccer the Malaya men have given us during their visit was that on the Singapore B.C. ground when they met the clever Chinese team. It was a day which suited the sailors — not too hot and a nice dry ground— with the result that they were able to show their proper form in a game which greatly pleased the spectators. The S.C.F.A. [Singapore Chinese Football Association] also are to be congratulated on a good display, especially considering that four regular players, Chua Seng Chye, centre half, Lim Yong Liang, the captain, Cheong Seng Chye, outside right, and Tan Cheng Seah, the goalie, were all absent. Their substitutes were good, however, particularly the goalkeeper, who played a great game. It was a fast and most even contest, and a draw was a very good result. Mr. B. H. Gale was the referee, and the teams were: -

H.M.S. Malaya: Miller, O'Keefe and Aldridge; Wright, Burchett and Clayton; Leatherby, Kenny, Swales, Dean and Hadkiss. 

S.C.F.A.: Tan Boon Eng: Chua Cheng Yew and Toe Kwang Nghee; Chan Chiap Song, Cheong Chee Lim amdd Teo Joo Bong. Cbla Kwang Hong, Tan Beng Ann, Heng Cheng Yeok, Fong Un Sun and Chan Keng Song. 

From the start it promised to be a hotly contested game, and the promise was amply fulfilled. Things went at a dingdong pace, but both sides were kept away, and at half time they were the same as when they started. In the second half both goals had narrow shaves, and the keepers rose to real heights. The Chinese custodian twice saved shots which otherwise would have just got under the bar. At the other end Miller did some brilliant work, clearing sometimes when a goal seemed inevitable. In the last minute he just managed to save in great style, and the whistle blew for a goalless draw. Both teams played clever football, and it was an excellent game to watch.


Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Friday 1 April 1921, page 7


SPORTING

FOOTBALL.


The following team has been selected to represent the Rockhampton United Club in a soccer match at Nerimbera to-morrow, players to leave Stanley-street by train at 2.30 p.m. 

[nb. piece on Nerimbera Magpies by Joe Gorman from 2015]



Herald (Melbourne), Saturday 2 April 1921, page 5 


REVIVAL OF RUGBY FOOTBALL

Association to be Formed

By "SALATIS"

V. N. T. Karagheusian, a recent arrival from France, is seeking to form a Rugby Football Association in Melbourne. His efforts are backed by the support of the Rugby Union of New South Wales.

Prior to the war Albert Park was the scene of many a hard fought tussle between Melbourne Rugby teams on Saturday afternoons, and it is likely that it will this year see a revival of the great English game. Rugby football always has been the predominant winter game in New South Wales, and the authorities of that State are anxious to see the game revived in Victoria, in view of the visit of the South African team in June next. ...


SIEBENHAAR

This fabulous story comes via Adam Muyt's research on Dutch football in Australia and Richard Kreider's From Paddocks to Pitches.

It gives us some insight into the early rumblings of soccer in Perth in the early 1890s but it also presents us (a la Princep) with another one of the amazing characters inhabiting the early game in Australia.

Willem Siebenhaar [AKA Seeby] came to Perth from England in 1891, having left his native Holland in 1884.

A radical socialist/anarchist he did a number of interesting things in his life: See his ADB entry

  • became a chess champion, rejuvenating the game in 1890s Perth
  • Became naturalised in 1894
  • In "1906, he was deputy government statistician and deputy registrar-general from 1908."
  • espoused radical politics: "A libertarian socialist and theosophist, Siebenhaar was also an advocate of women's suffrage." 
  • Was suspended from his government job in 1916 for his anticonscription stance
  • Probably met Kropotkin
  • became a literary author, publishing among other things a sonnet sequence
  • Formed an unlikely friendship with DH Lawrence in his brief sojourn in Australia
What the mildly extensive archive on Siebehhaar doesn't show is his soccerness.


Western Mail (Perth), Saturday 16 April 1892, page 29


ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

TO THE SPORTING EDITOR.

SIR,-The football season is close at hand. There are undoubtedly a number of men here from England and elsewhere who are are quite au fait with the Victorian game, but who thoroughly understand and enjoy the English association game, and who would be most willing to play the game assuming it possible to find kindred spirits to form a club for the purpose. But, here where so many are strangers to each other, the difficulty is to find these kindred spirits who have this interest in common. May I venture to ask you to publish this letter with a view to reaching such as may be desirous of joining in this game, and ascertaining the possibility of forming an association club ? I know the Victorian game is all popular here ; there is a deal of play in it, and I of course am not seeking in the slightest to disparge it, but those who have played the other game as a rule prefer it, and there is ample room for both species of the game, just as at home there is plenty of room for both Association and Rugby. I venture to think that if the English association game were fairly started here, it would soon bold its own in popularity with the now all popular Victorian game. 

Yours, &c., C.B. 

This is Perth's 'Fletcher-letter'  to which Siebenhaar responds the following week. [Kreider suggests that CB is actually Seeby]


Western Mail, Saturday 23 April 1892, page 5


SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

To THE EDITOR.

SIR, I was very pleased to read "C.B.'s" letter on the above subject. For more than half a year I have been trying to bring together a sufficient number of friends of the game, but among my own friends have not found more than about ten Association players. If "C.B." will take the necessary steps to form an English Association Club he can be assured of the support of several enthusiasts, myself among the number. May I ask him, through your paper, to communicate with me as to the advisability of calling a meeting as soon as possible?

Yours, &c,

W. SIEBENHAAR. Perth, April 15.


This flurry of interest results in an interesting alliance, perhaps one unspeakable today.


West Australian, Friday 6 May 1892, page 6


SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

FOOTBALL NOTES.


AN ENGLISH ASSOCIATION AND RUGBY UNION CLUB.

A number of football players met last night at Strickland's hotel, for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming an association to promote the playing of the English Association game and the Rugby union game. There were about 22 persons present, and Mr. Siebenhaar took the chair.

After a considerable amount of discussion as to whether the Rugby game alone should be played, it was decided to form a club to be called the English Association and Rugby Union football Clnb.

Mr. Siebenhaar was appointed secretary and treasurer, pro. tem., and will receive the names and subscriptions of all intending players.

The following were appointed a preliminary committee :-Messrs. Reid, Grimley, Moran, Wilkinson and Siebenhaar.

It was resolved that Mondays and Thursdays be the days fixed for the practice of the English association game and Tuesdays and Fridays for Rugby, Wednesday being the day set apart for matches. It was also resolved that the committee should write to the High School authorities and ask for permission to play in the High School grant on Saturday next.

The subscription to the club was fixed at 5s. and the secretary received the names of a number of intending members.

Trove reveals that Seeby played soccer in 1892, 93 and 96. I haven't done a full scour but this is as much as I can find for now.

It's likely that his many other distractions take him away, though it interesting that just after the game kicks off properly in Perth he disappears.

A couple of later observations.

  • This is interesting, from the Sunday Times in 1911: "Siebenhaar, by the way, is a weird sort of creature, outside of office hours, and can be seen wandering about Claremont declaiming his dreadful verses to the defenceless scenery. The reception his book has received from the Australian press ought to cure him of the delusion that he can versify for quandongs." 
  • We see a Siebenhaar involved in Australian rules admin in the 1920s 
  • Three weeks after being struck by a motorcar, Siebenhaar died of chronic kidney disease and complications on 29 December 1936 at Littlehampton, West Sussex. His wife survived him.

Thursday 25 March 2021

IYKYH 25 March 2021

Books

Big O by Patrick Skene

Thanks Ian. Sadly there is a couple of bitter people in the soccer community who spoil it for authors. There are some great stories in Aus soccer but the community needs to get behind an author that takes the plunge - not take potshots.

Dylan Arvela

More on Footscray Thistles 

More on Footscray Park 

Lost Melbourne -- looks like they lost soccer


Tom Wills


Port Fairy

CB

Tuesday 23 March 2021

100 Years Ago Today, 25 March 1921

Age, Thursday 24 March 1921, page 10


SOCCER FOOTBALL.

A special general meeting will be held at the Amateur Sports Club on Wednesday next, 30th March, at 7.45 p.m, and the council of the V.A.B.F.A. trusts that all clubs will be fully represented. Mr. W. A. Cumming, the acting hon. secretary will be pleased to hear from the various secretaries, communications to be sent to the Caledonian Club, Queen's Walk, Melbourne.


Albany Despatch, Thursday 24 March 1921, page 3


THISTLES V. CORINTHIANS.

A scratch match under the British Association football rules will be played on the Perth-road ground on Saturday afternoon between representatives of the newly-formed Thistle and Corinthian clubs. The game -will start at 3 o'clock. The Thistle combination will be chosen from: Fell. R. Robins, Van Wyk, Booth, Price, C. Robins, S. Penter, Jennings. Williamson, S. Brown, Dempster, Scott, J. Reddin and Murray.


Week (Brisbane), Friday 25 March 1921, page 21


SOCCER FOOTBALL.

SIXTEEN SENIOR CLUBS.

ADOPTING ENGLISH LEAGUE SYSTEM.

By "RIGHT-HALF."

An Important move is afoot in Soccer football circles. With the entry of 16 senior clubs in the metropolitan competition as against nine last year, the Queensland Football Association is faced with the problem of dividing them into two divisions—to be known us division 1 and division II.—to the satisfaction of the players concerned. 

It should not be difficult, however, for the QFA to decide which clubs shall be in the respective divisions. The performanccs of individual clubs last season will assist them in this. The 16 senior clubs in clude four from Ipswich, and four, newly formed, in Brisbane. Ipswich will probably claim to have at least two of their clubs in division I; the four new clubs will naturally go to division II. 

Judging by last season's performances of the various teams, as shown by the premiership tables,the clubs will possibly be divided as follows:—

DIVISION I.            DIVISION II. 

Corintlhans                Pineapple R. 

Thistles                      Bulimba 

Pineapple R.              Booval

Queen's Park             Blackstone 

Brisbane City            Toowong

S. Brisbane U.           Kangaroos

Bush Rats                  Western Suburbs 

Bundamba                 Wynnum

The first six clubs in division 1 appeared in the order named in the metropolitan com petition table, at the end of last season. Bush Rats, were premiers, and Bundamba runners-up, in the Ipswich and West Moreton competition.

Pineapple Rovers, it will be noted, appear in each division. This year the club will field two senior teams, and as it is unlikely that the second eleven will be stronger than the first, one would expect to see it start off in division 2. Toowong, Kangaroo Athletic, Western Sub urbs. and Wynnum are the new clubs, whilst Booval, Bundamba, Blackstone, and Bush Rats .are the Ipswich clubs, who, as a result of a con ference with the Brisbane clubs on Saturday last decided to play this year in the metropolitan competition. Home and away matches will be played each week between Brisbane and Ipswich clubs.

As anticipated in my notes last week, there have been important changes in the personnel of the various clubs. Thistles' half-back line will comprise Callum, Peebles, and Love; all of whom represented Queensland against New South Wales in the southern State last season: Callum last season played for Brisbane City and Love for Queen's Park. South Brisbane United have been strengthened In the half-back line by the inclusion of W. Hanson and Peter Spence, formerly of Ipswich Railways. Spence represented the A.I.F. against H.M.S. Renown, and in 1914 he played for Queensland against New South Wales. Mathewson, of Pineapple Rovers, has signed on with Corinthians.

Forty-three clubs, as compared with thirty six last season, have to date affiliated with the Q.F.A. The 16 senior clubs have already been named; the junior clubs are as follows:—

First Grade
Fairfields, Kedron United, Gym. Football Club, Rosalie Rovers, Latrobes, Thistle, Corinthian, Brisbane City.

Second Grade
St. Lucia. Gym. Football Club. Oxley. Toowong, Merthyr, Bulimba Rangers, Kangaroos, Glennallen, Brisbane City, Thistle. Corinthian. Ellenas.

Third Grade
Bulimba Rangers. Merthyr. Caledonian, Ovals,- Nundah, Toowong, Wilston, Pineapple Rovers. Westwood, Thistle. Shafston Rovers, Corinthians, Violets. Kangaroo, Rangers.


Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, Saturday 26 March 1921, page 2


Granville District Football Association. 

The Annual Report. 

Annual report and balance-sheet for season 1920 was presented at the annual general meeting, held at the School of Arts, Granville on Tuesday, March 22:-

Gentlemen, 

After a most successful season I have pleasure in presenting, on behalf of the management committed, their annual report and balance-sheet. 

Competitions.
The following competitions were controlled by the committee: Juvenile (R.T. Young Memorial), won by Ryde Junior (Nurse Cup) won by Auburn Starlight; All-age (Granville Challenge Shield), won by Auburn District; Cottam Memorial Cup, won by Two Blues. District Team.-The District team, managed by a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. J. Macdonald, F. Robertson and A. Peatty (acting for R. Fairweather, who was in hospital most of the season), had a fairly successful season, and, although only securing 11 points in the Metropolitan First League competition, reached the final of the Gardiner Cup, being beaten by Balmain Fernleigh by 2 goals to 0. They also competed in the Nurse Cup (South Coast competition), winning one match and losing one. The complete record is as follows:-Won 14, lost 8, drawn 6, goals for 69, against 36. 

G. Dane and H. Wheat were included in the N.S.W. team that toured Queensland, and also in the matches v. Queensland that took place in Sydney. W. Dane was included in the latter matches, and also Metropolis v. H.M.S. Renown. H. Spurway secured a position in the Metropolitan v. Queensland, in this, his first year. of senior football. 

Schools.
The primary and High schools again availed themselves of the use of the pitches under our control. Rosehill won B grade competition, and were beaten in the district championship by Alexandria, the ultimate winners. In the combined district matches Granville District reached the final, then lost to Bankstown.

Mackintosh and Malcolm represented Granville District in the tour of the New South Wales boys in Queensland. The thanks of the schools' authorities are tendered to Messrs. P. T. Williams. R. Fairweather, Hopkins and Flynn for help during the season. 

Visitors.
The Senior and Junior teams of H.M.S. Renown were visitors to Clyde, and, before a record attendance, the visit
ing Seniors were victorious; whilst our Juniors triumphed over theirs after a splendid game. The visitors were entertained to lunch before the matches; and victors and vanquished sat down to dinner at the town hall after the games. 

The local Rechabite football team entertained another Rechabite team from Newcastle, the locals winning. The visiting boys entertained at a social at night, and a motor trip through the Hills the following morning, and voted Granville hospitality A1. The Queensland team also paid a social visit to Granville, and were entertained by local supporters, departing with the most pleasant of memories. 

Meetings.
The council and management committee held 30 meetings, and attendances of committee were as follow: F. Barlow 25, H. Epps 4, R. Fairweather 5, J. Fairweather 23, J. Gill 2 (elected Sept. 28th), B. Hyslop (elected Aug. 24th), W. Knight 29, H. Membrey 3, J. Macdonald 24, A. Peatty 8, J. Pollock 21. F. Pontin 9 (resigned), J. Riordan 21, G. Robertson 22. Fred Robertson 21, J. Thurston 12 (elected July 6th).  

The Association suffered a severe loss owing to the death of the late Albert Epps, who was hon. secretary for many years. A movement is on foot to perpetuate his memory, to which we hope you will subscribe. Late in the season J. Fairweather resigned the secretaryship, and was succeeded by W. Knight. 

Referees.
A feature of the season was the splendid work of the referees. Forming an association at the beginning of the year, they carried through our fixtures without a hitch, displaying the highest standard of efficiency and control that it has been our pleasure to record. We tender our heartiest thanks to them. 

Grounds.
A staggering blow was dealt us owing to the sale of Clyde Oval, for so many years the home of Granville Soccer and the scene of carnivals that have raised many hundreds of pounds for charity. The new owners the English Electric Company of Australia, have, however, treated us with the utmost consideration and kindness, and have allowed us to 
use portion of their land until it is required for the extension of their works. The making of a new playing area, fencing it with pickets, removing dressing rooms, taking down and re-erecting seating, and enclosing the whole with a post and rail fence has been very costly, the ground trustees having advanced the funds to enable us to meet you without a deficit. Owing to the efforts of Messrs. J. T. Lang and W. T. [Bill] Ely, M's.L.A., the Sydney Meat Preserving Company have generously granted us the use of part of their property at Auburn (known as Gee's paddock), and thus we have temporarily replaced the two pitches on the old ground. We have again cause to thank Messrs. J. T. Lang and W. T. Ely, M's.L.A., as, owing to their unceasing efforts, there is a definite promise from the Government that, in the very near future, an area of land will be resumed, to provide recreation ground for all purposes for the children and youth of the district. 

Benefit.
During the year the following sums were raised and handed over:-Widow of tile late J. Vairey, £20 ls 6d; St. Joseph's Hospital (Auburn), £2 2s; Parramatta District fospital, £2 2s; Granville Cottage Hospital, £2 2s (the latter were Cottam Charity Cup receipts); Granville Soldiers' Permanent Memorial, £91 0s ld; making a grand total of £117 7s 7d. N.S.W. Association.-At the beginning of the year a New South Wales Association was formed, but, owing to the procrastination of officers and the lack of board outlook by delegates, its first year has been anything but successful. The management requires drastic alteration. 

Finance.
The receipts for the year constitute a record, totalling £672 2s 7d. Although the same remark applies to expenditure, owing to reasons previously stated, we face the comining season with every confidence.

Advance of the Game.
The Soccer game is advancing rapidly, and our area is spreading. Liverpool and Cabra-Vale were added to our playing district last season, and the near future gives promise of additions from each township between Liverpool and Granvillle. 

Incoming Committee.
We recommend to the incoming committee to arrange similar competitions to last year; to organise a District team to compete in the Metropolitan Senior League and State championship (Gardiner Cup); and to secure any ground that is available for recreation. Also to tender a benefit to Mr. P. T. Williams, in recognitioh of the services he has rendered to the game dur ing the past 30 years. 

Press and Public.
We desire to express our hearty thanks to the Press for the space that they accorded us, and hope that their columns will again be open to us. The public we thank for their support, and trust that it will be continued in the future. 

WILL KNIGHT. Hon. Sec.




BALANCE-SHEET, SEASON 1920. 

INCOME.                                                                  £    s    d 

Club fees                                                                    23   3    0  

High School fees                                                         1   13   3 

Refunds, Met S.F.A protest fee                                   0   10    0 

Refunds, ticket tax                                                       2    7    5 

Refunds, loan to N.S.W.F.A                                        15   0    0 

Refunds, municipal,
council rates ES. Co. of Australia 
                               7   10   0

Refunds, clubs for extra medals                                   2    1    0 

Selling rights                                                                1    1     0 

Hon. members' subscriptions                                       2    1     0 

Share band carnival.                                                     7    4     0 

Gate receipts                                                              319   3     6 

Eight-Hour Day Gala (Soldiers Memorial)               141   7     8 

Grazing fees                                                                  5    0     0 

Sales: Fencing £1 10 0; piping £9 2 6                         10  12    6 

Advance; ground trust fund (a/c. closed)                      87  8     3 

                                                                                   £627  2      7 

Donations, acknowledged with thanks: Tanner and Peters, Auburn, complete set goal posts; Meggitt Ltd., Parramatta, one case oil (8 galls.).

EXPENDITURE.                                                   £    s     d 

Football material                                                       6    14    0 

Medals and engraving                                               3     5     3 

Referees' fees                                                            17  14    4 

Magpie a/e., £11 5s 2d;
fees, N.S.W. £1 13s:
M.F.A. £3 14s 3d 
                                                      16  12    5 

Goal posts, £6 15s 6d;
goal nets, £5 10s 
                                                       12   5     6 

Grounds, maintenance £19.0s 6d;
marking and caretaker, £21 3s 5d 
                             40   3    11 

Grounds, rent £4 18s 4d; rates, £30 4s ld;
insurance, 7s 1d 
                                                         35   9    6

Amusement tax                                                          22   0    5 

Ticket sellers and checkers                                         8    5    0 

Entertaining:
H.M.S. Renown, £27 4s 6d:
Lithgow, £1 13s 
                                                        28   17   6 

Share of gates:
N.S.W., £30 18s 2d;
M.G.F.A., £3 13s;
Hospitals, £6 6s 
                                                         40   17  2 

Eight-Hour Day Gala expenses                                 50    7    7 

Eight-Hour Day,
net proceeds to Soldiers' Memorial Fund 
                  91   0    1 

Vairey benefit match, gross pro ceeds                        20   1    6 

Loan to N.S.W. S.F.A.                                                15   0    0 

Printing, £6 ls;
room rent, £5 8s 6d;
sundries, 16s 5d 
                                                         12   15 11 

The late A. E. Epps:
Honorarium, £5;
wreath, etc., £1 11s 
                                                     6    11  0 

Hon. see., petty cash, £4;
bank fees, 10s;
cheque book, 8s 4d 
                                                     4    18   4 

Clyde Oval alterations                                               133   3    2 

Auburn ground preparation                                       10     0    0 

Balance                                                                      19    10   0 

                                                                                 £627   1     7 

Audited and found correct.
WM. ROWELL ALEX. McGill, Auditors.
March 22, 1921.
FRED BARLOW, Hon. Treas

Thursday 11 March 2021

Football Returns to Narrogin

Saturday afternoon in Narrogin. It was just like old times. The Field of Play marked out with stiff white lines, the corner flags struggling to muster a flutter, the goal nets stretched and taught, and Thomas Hogg Oval enveloped by the bush. And as the teams took to the field, black and gold on one side and sky blue the other, those of us with a sense of history felt pangs of sadness for a Narrogin that has gone. It is thirty five years since Narrogin Soccer Club began a swansong final season in the Amateur Soccer Association of WA. The completion of that season (with an enviable goal scoring record) closed the book on senior mens' Association Football in town, begun by Royston Macaulay Evans over a century ago.

Football historian Richard Kreider describes Mac Evans as "A brilliant all-round athlete, having represented WA in both football and cricket at first class level. He formed Narrogin's first football club in 1912 and represented the town in cricket, when they won the country carnival in 1913." Indeed, at this time the round ball game was known as Football, sometimes prefixed by 'Association' or 'British'. At the time, Mac Evans was employed in Narrogin with the Government Railways. Later in life, he was Chief Traffic Manager for WA Government Railways, retiring in 1950. And in the teams assembled to represent Narrogin during those years before the Great War was none other than Thomas Hogg, whose memory is suitably perpetuated in the naming of today's playing fields.

The Great War saw the Narrogin Football Club go into a recess, seven of the players serving in the First AIF. After the Great War, in 1920 Jack Clunas nurtured a rebirth of football, albeit on a more casual schedule of matches, and in 1950, a Narrogin Football Association was resurrected, given drive by European arrivals after World War Two, many of those spending their first Australian years in the Narrogin migrant camp.

In 1985, the club celebrated twenty five years of continuous competition in Amateur Football. This achievement was recognised by the body governing Perth Amateur Football by a handsome plaque which hung in the clubrooms for many years, up until the demise of Narrogin Soccer Club at the end of the 1987 season. I had the pleasure of playing as a regular in Narrogin's final two seasons. And as Albany Rovers took to the field in black and gold, Narrogin's old colours, to face Collie Power in sky blue, the scene was set on a warm, muggy afternoon for recollection and nostalgia and the sheer joys of football.

By Stephen Bowes (first published on Facebook)

100 Years Ago Today, 11 March 1921

QUEENSLAND

Daily Mail, Wednesday 9 March 1921, page 4


NEWS FROM THE COUNTRY.

Buderim.

Following the annual meeting of the local Soccer clubs, a week or so ago, clubs in the same code, have since been formed at Palmwoods and Mapleton, and as there is a likelihood of Nambour and Woombye following suit it will be the first time in the sporting history of the North Coast that a set of Soccer fixtures will be played.




Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser, Friday 11 March 1921, page 4




NEWCASTLE

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate ,Wednesday 9 March 1921, page 5


SOCCER CODE. A delegates' meeting of the Northern District British Football Association will be held in the Trades Hall on Saturday night.


SYDNEY

Sun, Tuesday 8 March 1921, page 8


PROGRESS OF SOCCER

Asociation's Annual Report

The first report of the Metropolitan Soc cer Football Association, which was sub mitted at the annual meeting at the Sports Club last night, states:— 

"The 1920 season proved prosperous, and it augers well for 1921. There is no doubt that last year will be historical in many respects. In the first place, the adop tion of the new constitution of the New South Wales Soccer Football Association, dividing the State up into separate and autonomous associations and giving each representation on the management of New South Wales S.F.A. proved a success. Heretofore Sydney was part and parcel of the N.S.W. Association, but now has equal representation with the other affiliated branches. It gave the Metropolitan Association a considerable advance in organising in the metropolis, and enabled the management of the association to develop the game." 

The balance-sheet shows a credit balance of £53 5s 6d, out of an income of £560 0s 6d. Outstanding fees by clubs total £31 16s 3d, while the association has no liabilities. 


PERTH

Sunday Times, Sunday 13 March 1921, page 1


Westralians in the German Pacific

....

We found the Rabaul Malays, who are employed by Government department and large trading stores at clerical work, accountancy, draughting; etc., a cultured and capable lot, attired always in spotless, white suits and straw hats. The Malays can boast of a very fine string orchestra and a first-rate soccer football team. It was quite a common thing at Rabaul to witness a football match between the garrison on a warship and the Malays. They generally took a lot of beating, and I believe honors remain about "easy."

Wednesday 3 March 2021

QUEENSLAND


Daily Mail, Tuesday 1 March 1921, page 9


NEWS FROM THE COUNTRY.

Buderim [?]

[end of the sports news] At the annual meeting of the Soccer Football Club the election of officers resulted as follows :— Patron, Mr. W. P. Mitchell ; president, Mr. R. O. McMillan ; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Foote, G. B. Nonmus, F. Nelson, V. E. White, W. Grant, and D. Campbell ; secretary, Mr. J. A. Forde. It was decided to open the season with a match to be played at Brisbane during Easter, between a team composed of players from Palmwoods, Woombye, Buderim, Nambour, and Yandina, and a metropolitan club. Large quantities of strawberries, French beans, and tomatoes are now being planted as a result of the showery weather. The coffee trees, which were very late in blooming this year, are loaded with berries, and it is anticipated the harvest will be a very heavy one. 


Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser , Friday 4 March 1921, page 4


Buderim

The fact that the cricket season is rapidly ending was borne out on Saturday afternoon when a number of soccer enthusiasts indulged in some practice at Smith's paddock which is in fair order. To raise the cost of the necessary materials et., a social and dance will be held in the School of Arts on March 19th.


Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Tuesday 1 March 1921, p. 7


FOOTBALL.

A meeting of those interested in soccer football will be held at the Archer-street drill gound to-morrow night to form a new club, the Rockhampton Celtic.


Darling Downs Gazette, Wednesday 2 March 1921, page 6


DISTRICT NEWS. OAKEY

[at the end of the sports news] The Oakey Western Suburbs Soccer Club has reformed, and intends to affiliate with the Q.B.F.A. Miss Brennan who has been stationed at Oakey G.R.R. has been transferred and promoted to Brisbane.


Telegraph (Brisbane, Saturday 5 March 1921, page 9


Soccer. Football.

Kedron United Club.— A meeting of the Soccer Football Club will be held in Mr. Dewar's residence, Kedron, on Thursday,- 10th March.


Telegraph (Brisbane), Friday 4 March 1921, page 5


Australian Football.

Exhibition Oval Lease.

Tenders closed yesterday for the hire of the Exhibition oval, for the ensuing football season. Offers were received from the Football League (Rugby), the Soccer Association, and the Australian Rules League. The tender of the lastnamed was the highest, and it has been accepted. A proviso in the contract is that the ground is to be available to any organisation requiring it for an inter state or international game, whether football, lacrosse, hockey, or any other game.


MELBOURNE

Herald, Thursday 3 March 1921, page 16


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE. Tenders and quotations will be received at the Contracts Office, Victoria Barracks, St Kilda road, Melbourne, up till 2 o'clock p.m. on:

FRIDAY, 4th MARCH. 1921. 

For the supply of Stop Watches, Cells (Electric), Tinned Salmon, Balls (Soccer) with Bladder and Brushes (Sweeping).