1914 SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION 
President: W. Guest, Secretary: L. Henshaw, Treasurer: H. C. Podmore

Round 1 - June 13
Leeton def by Matong, Narandera 35 def Ganmain 14, Grong Grong, bye
Report: The match between Narandera and Ganmain was played on the local Park Oval, and was very keenly contested. The scoring in the first quarter was even, but was entirely in the Imperial's favour during the second half. In the first quarter Narandera led by 8 points to 7 and at half-time they had increased their advantage to four points (11 to 7). The third quarter was very exciting, and on several occasions the play was fast and open. Ganmain made a determined effort to reduce the leeway, but the defence of the home team was perfect. Ganmain added seven points as against 10 by Narandera. The final quarter was much in the favour of the home team as far as scoring was concerned, and when the final bell tingled Narandera was leading by 21 points. The final score were Narandera, 35 points; Ganmain, 14 points.
The Narandera team's performance was a creditable one, particularly against such a strong combination as Ganmain.  Mr. W Guest, President of the Association, was present, and supervised the proceedings in his official capacity. The match was umpired by Mr. T. J. Foster, of Kamarah.

 

Round 2 - June 20 
Grong Grong 2.4 (16) def by Leeton 2.8 (20), Ganmain def Matong, Narandera, bye
Match report: The first competition match of the season as far as Grong Grong were concerned took place on the Grong Grong ground last Saturday between the above teams. The competition is for a gold cup, presented by Messrs. Jas. Roach and W. Guest, patron and president respectively of the S.W.D.F. Association. Leeton boys proved the winners by the narrow margin of 4 points, the final score being Leeton, 2.8; Grong Grong, 2.4.
A very large attendance witnessed the game, which was fast and exciting from start to finish. The teams were as follows: 
Grong Grong:- Joe Carson (capt), J Molloy, H Molloy, T Butler, G Carr, E Carr, A Mulholland, W Found, P Bourke, H McKellar, Jack Bourke, Jim Burke, A Ryan, M Burke, S Jones, D Charles, W Woods, and J Taylor.
Leeton:- G Bruce (capt), C Bruce, H Conway, F Dale, D Quinlivan, S Simmonds, Peters, N Stoll, W Williams, J Taylor, Barnes, Sullivan, Misson, Daley, D Elrington, Crower, Taylor, and F Archer.
For the winners Simmonds, G Bruce, Quinlivan and Elrington were the best, and for the losers J Carson, H and J Molloy, S Jones, Mulholland, and Butler shone out. C Bruce and Sullivan were the goal kickers for Leeton, whilst Mulholland scored both goals for Grong Grong.

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Round 3 - June 27
Grong Grong def by Ganmain, Narandera 51 def Matong 11, Leeton, bye
Report: Much interest was taken in the match between Matong and the Narandera Imperials. Matong had twice won the premiership, and they only lost the honor last season to Narandera in the grand final game. There has always existed a friendly rivalry between these two clubs, and a clean fought contest is generally the result of their meetings. On Saturday Matong arrived with a strong combination of players, and they were very confident of defeating the Imperials. The personal of the visiting team was much the same as that of Matong's crack team last season, but evidently a number of those players have not yet struck form, so probably they will give a better account of themselves later on. The Imperials were fortunate in being able to put a very strong team in the field, and what a strong combination it was to. Their marking and kicking was almost perfection, while their general play was indeed creditable. Several members of the team were "green"; this being their initial game this season, and should be seen to even better advantage in future fixtures. Paddy Walsh led the Matong team, and Charlie Pickerd captained the Imperials.
Almost immediately after umpire Dryburgh put the ball in play, the local team set the pace a cracker. For some time the Matong backs were busy defending their citadel, but Narandera was not long in opening their scoring account. The play was fairly fast and open, and there was every appearance of a ding-dong game resulting, but the local boys appeared to carry too much condition for the Matong men, who showed signs of tiring towards the approach of half-time. The Matong players were mostly big, heavy men, and Narandera adapted a wise course in making the play fast from the beginning. The scores at half-time were Narandera, 28 points; Matong 4 points; and at the close of the game Narandera 51 points, Matong 11 points.
Although the score was decidedly one-sided, it doesn't go to say that the game was all in favour of the home team. There were many strenuous, and even exciting stages, and spectators were well rewarded for their outlay at the gate. All the players of the local team fully justified their inclusion, and if the team will get into training earnestly, they should indeed hard to beat. Captain Pickerd is to be commended for his handling of the local boys, and also playing one of the best games on the ground. All players are requested to attend training at Park Oval every Tuesday and Thursday evening for practice.  

 

Round 4 - July 4
Narandera  64 def Leeton 21, Matong 25 def by Grong Grong 30, Ganmain, bye
Report: The South Western District Association competition advance another stage on Saturday last, when Grong Grong covered the colors at Matong, and Narandera secured an easy victory over Leeton. 
During the week much interest was aroused in the Leeton-Narandera match; it having been freely rumoured that Leeton were bringing a very strong team, and were confident of handing out the first defeat this season to the Imperials. However, the anticipations of the irrigation town was far from realised. True, they failed to get their best team to travel, but even so, their representatives failed to make much of a show against the local boys.
G. Bruce was in charge of Leeton, while C. Pickerd commanded the local forces. Following their usual procedure, Narandera made the pace a cracker from the onset, and soon had the visitors in trouble. During the first quarter Narandera scored 22 points, as against 2 points by Leeton. In the second quarter, Narandera added 2 goals 2 behinds to their tally, while Leeton only succeeded in putting up one goal one behind, and at half-time Narandera had a margin of 27 points. Leeton were determined after the interval, but could not make much impression against the Imperials. The visitors scored 8 points during the quarter, to which the home team replied with 11 points. In the final quarter Narandera brought their score to 64 points, and Leeton had increased their tally to 21 points before the final bell rang. 
The local team made a splendid showing, and their display was at times picturesque. They marked splendidly, and with a few exceptions, their kicking was accurate. Practically every man of the local eighteen played a good, clean, open game, and the team fully deserved their victory. The Leeton boys played a very clean game, but their general display was disappointing, although they battled gamely throughout the match. The gate yielded £5/17/4/.  
There was a large attendance at the Matong recreation ground on Saturday afternoon to witness thee competition match, Matong v. Grong Grong. Play commenced at 3 p.m. Mr Foster acted as umpire, and Mr. Nolan was timekeeper. During the final quarter the visiting team held the advantage, securing 9 points to Matong's 6. The feature of this quarter was the brilliant marking and kicking of the visitors and a splendid display by Hogan, Walsh, and Smith, which resulted in a goal, the only score for Matong this quarter. The second quarter was a very exciting one for the barrackers. Grong Grong secured two points and a goal to Matong's two points. Jim Breheny, at the commencement of the third quarter, evened matters by kicking a goal. Both teams were playing their best. Matong kicked a point, but the visitors rallied and secured two points. The in quick succession added two more goals to their score, 30-15. The last quarter Grong Grong were on the defensive, Bill Walsh (Matong) shortly after play resumed secured and kicked a goal. The local team now wanted ten points to win, but they were unlucky. For ten minutes before the bell rang, and up until close, play was confined near their goal, and several marks were taken at different angles. Only four points were scored, however, thus leaving the visitors the victors by five points, 30 to 25. The most prominent players in the Grong Grong team were Hanson, Mulholland, and Molloy, whilst for Matong, McPherson, Donkin, Smith, Breheny, and Roberts were the most conspicuous. Over 6 was taken at the gate. The visitors were entertained at the Farmer' Home Hotel. 

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Round 5 - July 11
Leeton 22 def by Ganmain 30, Grong Grong 13 def by Narandera 65, Matong, bye.
Report: The first round of competition matches was brought to a conclusion on Saturday last, when Ganmain invaded the irrigation area and defeated the Leeton force by 30 points to 22, and Grong Grong was unsuccessful in their attempt to capture the scalps of the Imperials, the latter being victorious by 65 points to 13.
The Grong Grong-Narandera match attracted a good assemblage of supporters of both teams, the gate yielding £6 17s. The visitors arrived with their best team, and were very confident of success. Equally jubilant were the supporters, who vociferously cheered the players while their chances appeared healthy. 
Immediately after umpire Foster bounced the ball, Grong Grong started off with a dash, and they were not long in opening their scoring account with a goal from Molloy. The visitors continued to attack the local citadel vigorously, and the Narandera backs were kept busy defending. Grong Grong's vigorous play enabled them to put up a good lead before the quarter time bell rang, when the scores were Grong Grong, 12 points; Narandera, 2. Narandera was playing one man short for the greater part of the first term, "Bun" Davis being unavoidably late. Grong Grong's 10-point lead caused Narandera supporters to think hard, but Pickerds's thorough knowledge of the game enabled him to successfully alter the manoeuvre of his men.
As soon as the ball was bounced for the second quarter, Narandera started off determined to reduce the leeway, but the visitors defensive work was sound. Both teams were playing splendid football, and the spectators were kept at the zenith of excitement. The local ruck consisting of Roach, Bryant, Davis, with Strahan as rover, were battling grandly, and on several occasions succeeded in working the ball to their back men. Here Lester Henshaw shone out. He was playing one of his best games, and his accurate kicking more than once assisted him to score for the home team. The game continued fast and open, and it is questionable if ever better football has been seen on the local Oval.  than during this stage of the match. The sound of the half time recess, Narandera were leading their opponents by 19 points to 13. On resuming the Imperials continued to be aggressive, but Grong Grong failed to play as well as in the previous stages of the game. Although they played on gamely, and occasionally brightened the hopes of their barrackers, they were beaten. For the rest of the game the home team played good defensive football, while they succeeded in adding 46 points to their tally, they prevented Grong Grong from altering their score. The fial figures declared by the scorer were Narandera, 65; Grong Grong, 13. 
The whole Imperial 18 played splendidly. They manipulated the ball well, and were very alert in general play. The three juniors Flood, Bean and Clarkson showed out prominently, and are improving. 
 
Round 6 - July 18
Ganmain 2.9 (21) def Narandara 2.6 (18), Matong def Leeton, Grong Grong, bye.
Report: The second round of competition matches was commenced on Saturday last, when Matong scored their second victory over Leeton, and the Narandera Imperials were beaten for the first time this season, Ganmain being their conquerors, and there was only a small margins in favor of both winning teams. 
The special train chartered by the Association from Yanco to Ganmain was well patronised. Both the Leeton and Narandera teams had a following of supporters. Fully 100 Narandera people made the trip to Ganmain; and a number of Grong Grong residents also patronised the train.
The return match between Narandera and Ganmain attracted a large attendance, and the contest was worthy of the crowd which came to see it. The Narandera team had the good fortune to have all their previous competition matches on their own ground, and last Saturday was the first time on which they were asked to defend their laurels off "their own sandhill," as one Ganmain barracker remarked. However, they succeeded in getting a strong team away, and were full of confidence.
As a hard, even struggle, with an intensely exciting finish, the match must rank as one of the best competition fixtures for some time. It was stubbornly fought every inch of the way, and the play was bristled with sparkling football, with the result that never for a moment did the interest flag. The score for the first half clearly illustrated the evenness of the play. In the first quarter Ganmain scored two points, and Narandera replied with a single.
The next term brought an additional three points for the home team, while Narandera added a goal from the boot of Henshaw, and when the half-time bell rang the visitors were leading by one point (6-5).
After the interval Ganmain forced the play with renewed vigor, and delighted their supporters by adding 2 goals and a behind to their tally, as against two points by their opponents. Ganmain's barrackers were now jubilant over their team's chances, and anticipated a good margin win, but Narandera was by no means beaten, and they put up a plucky fight after the interval. Ganmain entered upon the last quarter with a lead of 12 points, which Narandera set out systematically to wipe off. They worked so effectively that in 12 or 15 minutes there remained but the insignificant deficiency of 4 points. The visitors continued to battle with determination, but Ganmain was putting up a strong defence. Had there been the least faltering by the Ganmain backs, the game would have been lost, for Narandera was constantly in attack. Another single was added to the home score, and the visitors succeeded in getting another brace of behinds before the time-keepers closed the game, and proclaimed Ganmain winners by 3 points; 21-18.  The winning team are to be complimented for their efforts. They used a considerable amount of combination in their play, and they marked and kicked well. Their display was a vast improvement on that given here early in the season. Ganmain scribe in the Coolamon Farmers' Review wrote, "The Narandera team lack the instincts of true sportsmanship for they took the defeat with very bad grace". 

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Round 7 - July 25
Matong 27 def Ganmain 19, Leeton def by Grong Grong, Narandera, bye
Report: The defeat of Ganmain by Matong on Saturday last came as a surprise to many followers of the game, and Grong Grong's easy victory over Leeton on the latter's ground, was also unexpected. The position of the clubs is becoming far more complicated than was first anticipated, and likewise the interest in the competition is growing greater.

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Round 8 - August 1
Matong def by Narandera, Ganmain def Grong Grong, Leeton, bye

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Round 9 - August 8
Leeton def by Narandera, Grong Grong def Matong, Ganmain, bye

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Round 10 August 15
Grong Grong def Narandera, Leeton forfeited to Ganmain, Matong, bye
Report: The  second round of competition matches was completed on Saturday, when Grong Grong defeated Narandera, and Leeton forfeited to Ganmain. The result of the Grong Grong-Narrandera match was a surprise to many follows of the game, Although it was expected that Grong Grong would put up a big effort, it was not attempted that Grong Grong would put up a big defence, it was not anticipated that they would victorious. Owing to a strong wind blowing across the oval, the play was not as interesting as expected. The final scores gave Grong Grong a winning margin of 8 points.
 

Ladder: Narandera 8 2 32, Ganmain 8 2 32, Grong Grong 6 4 24, Matong 5 5 20, Leeton 3 7  12. 

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Semi Finals - Narandera and Ganmain Victories
The two semi-final matches of the South Western District Association Competition on Saturday afternoon last produced first class football, and both matches were keenly contested from start to finish. The Ganmain and Matong teams decided their issue at Narandera, the result being a win for the former by 9 points, while Grong Grong played the Imperials at Leeton, and were beaten by 10 points.
The special train from Ganmain to Yanco was well patronised, especially by the Matong people, and it should not incur any expense on the various clubs.
The Association secured the services of two League Umpires (Messrs. Pitcher and Davidson) from Sydney, and they filled their positions creditably, and to the satisfaction of the teams. Their expert knowledge of the rules of the game enables them to control the play in masterly fashion, much to the appreciation of the spectators, as well as the players.
The Association cannot be congratulated, however, in deciding upon the Grong Grong-Narandera match being played at Leeton. There were few Leeton residence present at the match, and the gate (£1 16s) was chiefly contributed to by followers of the visiting teams; besides, it meant additional expense, cab fares, etc, to the players. The recreation ground at Yanco Siding, providing it was available, would have been a far more convenient and less expensive place.  

   

Semi-Final - Saturday August 22, 1914 at Narandera Park Oval
Ganmain defeated Matong, by 9 points, but match awarded to Matong, owing to Ganmain breaking the rules in putting a player out onto the field who was playing in his first game of the season.

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Semi-Final - Saturday August 22, 1914 at Leeton Recreation Ground
Narandera ........ 1.1 .. 3.9 .. 3.9 .. 5.13 (43)
Grong Grong ... 1.2 ..  4.2 .. 4.9 .. 4.9 (33)
Match report: Owing to a delay with the car conveying Alf Roach, Charlie Pickerd (captain), and H McPhee, the Narandera team were compelled to take the field three men short, and were thus under a big handicap during the first 30 minutes or so of the game. Umpire Pitcher started the match well on time, and the players were not long in finding their legs. The exceptionally dry weather is having its effect on the turf, and the players found the Leeton Oval very hard. The first quarter was evenly contested, a feature of the play being good open football. The performance of the 15 Imperials, who were in charge of Lester Henshaw prior to Pickerd's arrival was a gallant one indeed. Their efforts were best emphasised by the fact that the Grong Grong team only scored one more point than them. When the first-quarter bell rang the score was, Grong Grong 1.2, Narandera 1.1.
The Imperials started the second quarter in dashing style and kept their opponents busy defending. During the first 10 to 15 minutes of the term Narandera completely outplayed their opponents and added 2.7 to their score. By this time the rest of the Narandera team had arrived, and it as if Grong Grong would be easily defeated, but they rallied up wonderfully. With a determined rush they took the ball into their opponents territory and scored a goal. Two additional goals were added to their score before half-time, when Narandera only lead by one point, 27-26.
Grong Grong continued aggressive in the third quarter, but the Imperials were content to use defensive tactics, rather than force the play. This course was probably taken with a view of reserving their dash for the final quarter. When the final change of ends was made the scores were, Grong Grong 33, Narandera 27. 
Excitement ran high in the final quarter. Both teams played as if their lives depended on the result. For the first part of the term matters were very even, but the Imperials effective play was gradually telling. Henshaw, was playing admirably, was given a free kick, and with a splendid drop-kick hoisted a goal for Narandera. A couple of minor points were added to the Imperials' score, and they were leading by two points when Alf Roach took a mark on the wing. He decided to have a place shot, and with an exceptionally fine kick, the ball was sent clean through the sticks. Two more behinds were scored by Narandera before the bell tingled, signalling the close of a splendid game, in which interest never ceased. The final scores were Narandera 43 points, Grong Grong 33 points.  

Football Final Postponed
Owing to the League (Sydney) not having given their decision in regard to the appeal lodged by Ganmain against the S.W.D.F. Association's decision that they could not play a certain man in the semi-final match, the final competition match has been postponed until Saturday week, 5th September. Yesterday the Secretary of the Association (Mr. L. Henshaw) received word from Sydney to the effect that Ganmain's appeal had been dismissed, but owning to the intelligence being unofficial, he could not take definite steps in regard to same. If the appeal has been dismissed, Ganmain loses its semifinal match, and Matong will thus meet Narandera in the final next Saturday. (Friday, August, 28, 1914). 

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Football Premiership - Imperial's Easy Victory
The final for the Premiership of the South Western District Fooball Association Competition was played last Saturday afternoon and resulted in an easy win for Narandera Imperial. Owning to the Ganmain Club losing their appeal against the decision of the S.W.D.F. Association in not allowing them to play in their semi-final match (as they had not played in a Competition game), Matong became entitled to take part in the final match. There was a large assemblage of spectators at the Park Oval to witness the match, and naturally much interest was taken at the fixture. The gates yielded £8 14s, an amount which goes to the credit of the Association.  
Matong brought their best team, and captain Paddy Walsh was full of confidence. The Imperial team was the same as selected, with the exception of Clarkson replacing Longmire (who was laid up with influenza). Pitcher, of the N.S.W. League, umpired the game admirably, and to the entire satisfaction of both teams.  

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Final - Saturday September 5, 1914 at Narandera Park Oval
Narandera ... 1.3 .. 4.6 .. 17.18 (126
Matong ....... 0.2 .. 0.4  .. 2.10 (22) 
Match report: Immediately the ball was put in action, Narandera became aggressive, and forced the play vigorously. This proved a wise move, for they soon had their opponents busy defending. For a time Matong defended well, but Narandera effective tactics were telling, and they opened their score with a single. Two more behinds were added, before Matong forced the ball to the opposite end and opened their account with a minor point. The home team scored a goal and Matong another behind before the first change was made, when the score was Narandera 9 points, Matong 2 points.
Narandera started the second quarter with plenty of dash, and with the assistance of the wind soon had Matong in trouble. Before the half-time bell rang, the locals had increased their tally to 30 points, as against Matong's 4 points. After the interval, Narandera renewed their attack, and although Matong defended gamely they could make little headway. In the final quarter, Narandera almost had complete control of the situation and played all over their opponents. So completely did they outplay their opponents, that the spectacle was reduced to one in which Narandera appeared to be out to put up a record score and to this end they more than succeeded. When the final bell rang, the scorer declared as follows, Narandera 126 points, Matong 22 points. 
The Imperials deserve their success in annexing the premiership of the South Western District Football Association Competition. This is the second year they have earned that distinction, and, strange to say, they won the honor from Matong last season. They have played evenly and consistently throughout the season, and players and committeemen alike always took a keen interest in the affairs of the Club. In passing, a word of praise is due to the committee, who worked arduously to place the Club in the position it now enjoys. The Club is very grateful to those employers who on several occasions allowed players to get off to take part in the matches. 
The Imperials this season had a splendid team, and it is questionable if ever a better combination has represented Narandera in recent years. It is as gratifying to note the success of the younger players as it is recording the continued success of the older members of the team. Ted Roach was easily the "plum" of the juniors, but K. Flood, H. Bean, and W. Clarkson acquitted themselves well and more than justified their inclusion in the team. A. Longmire, L. Henshaw and C. Pickerd, held pride of place among the older players; and others to more than distinguish themselves were J. Grimmond, H. O'Rourke, the Bailey Bros., T. Moon, S. Mulholland, A. Roach, T. Bryant, J. Strahan, W. Davis, H. McPhee, D. McLeish, and A. Ainsworth.
By winning the premiership Narandera is entitled to hold the handsome silver cup which was given to the Association by Messrs. Jas. Roach and Wm. Quest for competition. The rules provide that the trophy must be won twice before becoming the property of any team. Source - Narandera Argus).

Narandera Imperial:- Charlie Pickerd (capt), Jack Jolley (vice-capt), A. Ainsworth, Reg and V Bailey, H Bean, T Bryant, W Clarkson, W Davis, Henry Elwin, J Frost, J Barnfield, K Flood, Talbot Griggs, Jim Grimmond, Lester Henshaw, B Hosking, Alf Longmire, F Lougham, Dan McLeish, W Maxwell, H McPhee, A McPherson, Tyson Moon, Bert Moyle, S Mulholland, H O'Rourke, Robert Porteous, W Richards, Alf and Ted Roach, L Sherriff, J Strahan, W Weilont.

BARELLAN ARDLETHAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Ardlethan, Barellan (J Leitch), Kamarah, Moombooldool
Premiers: Barellan