1920 FOOTBALL SEASON RESULTS
SOUTH WESTERN D.F.A.
1920 SOUTH WESTERN DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Round 1 - Saturday May 15: Ganmain 1.3 (9) def by Coolamon 8.4 (52), Grong Grong 2.1 (13) vs Marrar 7.14 (56) Narandera 3.10 (28) def Matong 1.5 (11), Leeton 7.1 (43) def Junee 4.4 (28). ** Grong Grong club won the protest against the Marrar Club in playing Phillip H. Breheny, after being duly requested by the Association, through the secretary, not to do so.
R2 - May 22: Ganmain 5.5 (35) def by Leeton 6.14 (50), Grong Grong 3.4 (22) vs Narandera 11.7 (73), Junee 4.10 (34) def Coolamon 1.13 (19), Marrar 9.16 (70) def Matong 5.7 (37). ** Grong Grong won the protest against the Narandera Club in playing J. R. Barclay, without a clearance and permit from Berrigan Club, and not being bona-fide resident.
R3 - May 29: Ganmain 6.9 (45) Junee 3.8 (26), Grong Grong 5.5 (35) def Matong 4.7 (31), Leeton 7.4 (46) def Coolamon 2.3 (15), Narandera 8.11 (59) def Marrar 6.13 (49).
R4 - June 5: Coolamon 11.17 (83) def Grong Grong 2.1 (13), Junee 3.18 (36) def Narandera 3.2 (20), Marrar 4.11 (35) def Ganmain 4.6 (30), Matong 1.1 (7) def by Leeton 6.7 (43). ** Replayed game on Wednesday, June 23 resulting in a win for Marrar 3.5 (23) to Ganmain 2.2 (14). The protest by Narandera against Junee playing playing B. Elliott and J. J. Kane on the ground they were not eligible until June 12 was upheld, a fine of 10s 6d each on the two men was imposed.
R5 - June 12: Coolamon 4.8 (32) draw Marrar 4.8 (32), Grong Grong 16 def Ganmain 14, Leeton 6.6 (42) def Narandera 5.6 (36), Matong 2.11 (23) def by Junee 10.10 (70)
Wed June 16: SWDFA 14.13 (97) def Newtown 4.9 (33) at Ganmain.
R6 - June 19: Coolamon 15.15 (105) Narandera 2.3 (15), Ganmain 10.14 (74) def Matong 2.3 (15), Junee 7.13 (55) def Grong Grong 1.0 (6), Marrar 7.9 (51) def Leeton 1.4 (10).
R7 - June 26: Leeton 7.10 (52) def Grong Grong 2.3 (15), Marrar 7.15 (57) def Junee 6.3 (39), Matong 5.9 (39) def by Coolamon 9.10 (64), Narandera 3.15 (33) def Ganmain 7.4 (31).
July 3: East vs West
R8 - July 10: Coolamon 10.15 (75) def Ganmain 7.13 (55), Junee 5.8 (38) def Leeton 3.10 (28), Marrar 8.8 (56) def Grong Grong 3.8 (26), Matong 3.3 (21) def by Narandera 5.16 (46).
R9 - July 17: Coolamon 10.5 (65) def Junee 7.10 (52), Leeton 4. 12 (36) def by Ganmain 8.4 (52), Matong 5.9 (39) def by Marrar 8.13 (61), Narandera 5.9 (39) def Grong Grong 2.5 (19).
R10 - July 24: Coolamon 7.18 (60) def Leeton 9.3 (57), Junee 4.6 (30) def Ganmain 0.1 (1), Marrar 4.6 (30) def Narandera 2.1 (13), Matong def by Grong Grong 22 pts.
R11 - July 31: Ganmain def by Marrar 25 pts, Grong Grong 1.8 (14) def by Coolamon 4.8 (32), Leeton 9.12 (66) def Matong 4.4 (28), Narandera 14.9 (93) def Junee 5.12 (42).
R12 - August 7: Ganmain 2.9 (21) def by Grong Grong 7.9 (51), Junee 11.13 (79) def Matong 5.5 (35) Marrar 6.10 (46) def Coolamon 5.5 (36), Narandera 6.24 (60) def Leeton 2.5 (17). Leeton played two men short for three quarter against Narandera after Ted McClellan had the misfortune to run into a man while running with his head down and broke his collar bone. Bill Thompson went up for a high mark and coming down on a stop he had in his heel of his boot and twisted his ankle severely.
R13 - August 14: Coolamon 13.10 (88) def Matong 1. 6 (12), Ganmain 8.12 (60) def by Narandera 10.12 (72), Grong Grong 2.6 (18) def by Leeton 1.8 (20), Junee def by Marrar 50pts.
R14 - August 21: Grong Grong 11.13 (79) def Junee 3.1 (19), Leeton 8.5 (53) def Marrar 5.12 (42), Matong def Ganmain by 5 pts, Narandera 7.12 (54) def by Coolamon 8.8 (56). A surprise came from Matong, where the village team scored its first win of the competition by defeating Ganmain.
Ladder: Coolamon 10 3 1 42, Marrar 10 3 1 42, Leeton 9 5 0 36, Narandera 8 6 0 32, Junee 7 7 0 28, Grong Grong 7 7 0 28, Ganmain 3 11 0 12, Matong 1 13 0 4.
First Semi Final - Saturday September 4, 1920 at Grong Grong
Marrar ............ 1.0 .. 2.2 .. 4.4 .. 5.4 (34)
Narandera ..... 1.0 .. 3.1 .. 5.2 .. 6.5 (41)
Umpire: F. C. Harrison, of Sydney League
Goals - Marar: Jim Beheny, J Blair, G Gregory, H Molloy
Narandera: J Sheehan 2, J Parr, B Confoy, G Hayes, W McClure
Marrar: Bill Scott (capt), Jack Blair, Harry M'Evey, Jim and Joe Breheny, George Castle, Pat Gaynor, G Gregory, A Blair, Roy Plummer, Bill McIntyre, Rueben Brown, Joe O'Keefe, Harry Molloy, Lou Fury, B and M Hall, E Brown.
Narandera: Jim Grimmond (capt), Jack Sheehan, Jack Whitty, Tyson Moon, Ted Roach, Talbot Griggs, Ben Hawkshaw, Jack Parr, George Stewart, Alf Longmire, Bob Kersley, Dan Moon, Alf Hutchison, Bill McClure, B. Confoy, Jack Barclay, Gus Hayes
Match report: The meeting of Narandera and Marrar (last year's premiers) drew a vast crowd to the Grong Grong oval, the gate receipts amounting to £41/7/3. All arrangements were ably carried out by Messrs. W. Guest and W. Anderson, president and secretary respectively of the Association, and reflect much credit to the gentlemen concerned. Mr. F C. Harrison, who had controlled the recent Narandera-Coolamon match, was field umpire, whilst L. Harry and J. Hatton, also of Sydney, had charge of the goal flags.
The first half of the game produced a great effort, and it was fully expected during the interval even greater deeds would be witnessed in the remaining two sessions. But early in the third it was noticeable that the play was deteriorating, too many men allowed on the ball, and compared with the previous quarters was much below par. The fourth quarter was practically a repetition of the third. As it was drawing to a close one of the most degrading incidents in the history of the Association occurred, and it is sincerely to be hoped that such regrettable occurrence will never be witnessed again.
Within seven minutes of time a Narandera man and Gregory (Marrar) were in pursuit of the ball on the Western boundary, near the scoring board, when the former appeared to receive a bump. This he evidently resented, as he rushed in and struck Gregory.
A section of crowd rushed the ground, and a general mix-up looked imminent, but after a few minutes order was restored.
The play was resumed by the umpire awarding Narandera a free kick, but it had no sooner got going again before Joe Breheny was "floored" by a Narandera player. This caused another "brush" among the players, and the onlookers again rushed the ground a big "row" appeared certain. Fortunately, this was averted.
Whilst efforts were being made to clear the ground of spectators and get the play restarted, the ball was knocked out of the possession of the umpire, and when recovered again it was found to be punctured. A second ball was asked for, and a second-hand ball was procured, but Marrar would not consent to play with it. After a big delay, the umpire bounced the ball, and Narandera kicked a goal. They continued to play till their timekeeper rang the bell.
During the progress of the game the umpire penalised Marrar no less than 68 times, as against 28 frees by Narandera.
At times the umpire seemed to be over strict and right throughout the game appeared to pay marked attention to the red sashes. Narandera's only absentees from a full team were L. Clarkson, whilst Marrar were without three such good players as C. Molan, R. Cupples, and H. Ray, and it is needless to mention that they were all missed. Narandera claimed the match, but Marrar protested the game being awarded to them. Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review / Fri Sep 10, 1920.
Second Semi Final - Saturday, September 11, 1920 at Narandera Park
Coolamon ..... 2.2 .. 3.3 .. 5.5 .. 6.6 (42)
Leeton ........... 2.1 .. 3.4 .. 4.8 .. 5.10 (40)
Umpire: F. C. Harrison, of Sydney League
Goals - Coolamon: A Slade, R Armstrong, W Allen, L Stainsby, R Riseborough
Leeton: W Inman 2, G. Hollingsworth, J Schwab, R Elrington
Coolamon: Jack Leitch (capt), Alonza and Ernie Slade, Ollie and Ralph Armstrong, Harold Bean, N Bright, L Vesperman, Les Stainsby, J Dorman, Pat Billingham, Frank Rogerson, Joe Burley, Ray Riseborough, Roy Booth, T Crommelin, W Allen, George Blacklock.
Leeton: Guildford Webb (capt), Ted McClellan, Bill Inman, Dick Elrington, Francis and Len Polkinghorne, J. Whiteley, Wivell, F O'Keefe, G. Hollingsworth, Bill Taylor, J. Ash, Vic Alexander, "Snowy" Wallace, Charlie Grigg, Jack Schwab, D Foster, Ben Roberts
Match report: The weather on Saturday was wet and wintry. Rain fell at intervals during the morning and the journey to Narandera, while heavy rain had fallen during the previous days. Although the weather remained threatening throughout the match only a slight shower fell, while the heaviness of the ground seemed to exercise its regarding influence on both teams.
The game was slow up to half time, and after during the third quarter it was below the standard usually associated with the Association's semi-finals. In the middle of the fourth quarter few gave Coolamon a chance of winning. Throughout the season, however, with one exception, when a strenuous effort has been required, the green and whites have not been found wanting.
And so, on Saturday, for during the latter part of the final quarter they rallied wonderfully, while the character of the play was such that the previous shortcomings of both sides were forgotten.
Coolamon team had been strengthened by the return of Les Stainsby after his injury of several weeks previously, but although he did well under the circumstances he was not at his best. Ernie Slade also appeared, whilst it was noticeable that Riseborough struck his previous wonderful form. Although the weather prevented Alonza Slade from playing with customary ease and accuracy, some of his splendid marks and the almost uncanniness with which he so frequently appeared just where he wanted called forth generous comments of admiration. T. Crommelin at times was brilliant, and he effectively demonstrated that he was worthy of his place in the team long before that worthiness was recognised.
Although Coolamon's victory was well deserved, Leeton can consider themselves unlucky that they did not win.
The game was characterised throughout by the upmost friendliness, and although the umpire was strict and may have made one or two mistakes, he gave entire satisfaction to both sides. Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review / Fri Sep 17, 1920.
Premiership Final - Saturday, September 18, 1920 at Ganmain Recreation Ground
Coolamon ..... 3.6 .. 3.7 .. 5.9 .. 5.12 (42)
Narandera .... 0.2 .. 1.7 .. 2.10 .. 3.11 (29)
Umpire: Mr. Norden, of Melbourne League
Coolamon: R Booth 2, T Crommelin, L Stainsby, A Slade,
Narandera: J Sheehan 2, T Moon
Coolamon: Jack Leitch (capt), Alonza and Ernie Slade, Les Stainsby, N Bright, Harold Bean, Ollie and Ralph Armstrong, T Crommelin, Roy Booth, L Vesperman, J Dorman, Pat Billingham, Frank Rogerson, George Blacklock, Joe Burley, Ray Riseborough, W Allen.
Narandera: Jim Grimmond (capt), Jack Sheehan (coach), Jack Whitty, Jack Barclay, Dan and Tyler Moon, Ted Roach, George Stewart, Bob Kersley, Alf Longmire, Ben Hawkshaw, Bill and A. McClure, Lionel Clarkson, Jack Parr, Talbot Griggs, B Confoy, Alf Hutchison. Match report: Coolamon put the seal on their fame as wet weather "artists" on Saturday last when they met and outplayed Narandera on the Ganmain Recreation ground. Saturday's contest drew the biggest crowd yet seen at a football match in these parts, the attendance being estimated at 3000. The afternoon was observed as a half-holiday in Coolamon, 549 persons, accompanied by the band, left here by special train, which was well crowded with Junee and Marrarites on arrival. The train from Yanco and Narandera end was also densely packed. Many also made the journey to the convincing ground by road. The gate receipts amounted to £78 odd.
The rain fell during the latter part of the week had made the playing ground in places very wet and greasy, especially near the boundary line. Whereas Narandera are considered a dry-weather team, Coolamon seem quite at home on a wet and heavy ground. And they lived full up to this tradition on Saturday, and soon after the game commenced established a substantial lead in points which gave them a mortgage on the prize.
Both teams received a flattering reception as they filed on to the field, Coolamon being led by little "Jimmy" Ibbott, as their mascot, dressed in the club's colors - green and white.
Owing to Mr. Jack Elder being unable to make the trip at the last moment, the duties of field umpire was carried out by Mr. Norden, the noted Melbourne League man, and the manner in which he controlled the game left nothing further to be desired. Messrs. Harrod and Patterson (Sydney) were goal umpires, whilst Mr. H. C. Harrison, also of Sydney, was one of the boundary umpires. Messrs. W. Guest and W. Anderson were busy men seeing to all details and are deserving of a lot of praise.
Coolamon's effort in the opening team appeared to take the heart out of Narandera's supporters, and the enthusiasm usually found in such contests was in a marked degree absent. Nevertheless, the play was of sufficient merit to keep the vast assemblage interest throughout. Except in the second quarter, Narandera looked like making a fight of it, Coolamon had all the best of the deal, and considering the state of the ground their high marking and kicking was remarkable. Narandera's efforts were mostly spasmodic, and undoubtedly the winners proved the much better combination.
When the final bell pealed forth proclaiming Coolamon winners by 13 points the joy of their big contingent of supporters knew no bounds. The players were cheered and cheered again and carried should high to the dressing room. Headed by the Coolamon Band, a procession was then formed and the heroes on the day again shouldered and carried to the Royal Hotel corner.
With practically all the Coolamon players excelling themselves it is hard to discriminate, but we cannot refrain from mentioning the great game put up by Alonza "Poddy" Slade, who with his high marks and general play was always a highlight; Riseborough, whose marking and kicking was splendid, and Ernie Slade, in defence, also cannot be omitted.
Jack Sheehan was the pick of the Narandera eighteen, whilst Ben Hawkshaw and Alf Longmore also did yeomen service.
Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review / Fri Sep 17, 1920.
1920 SWDFA CLUB PLAYER LIST
Coolamon: Jack Leitch (capt), W Allen, Ollie and Ralph Armstrong, Harold Bean, Pat Billingham, George Blacklock, Bill Blake, Roy Booth, N Bright, Joe Burley, Cyril Ceely, T Crommelin, J Dorman, D and J Glasscott, A Kane, G and T Miller, Ray Riseborough, Frank Rogerson, S Rolfs, Alonza "Poddy" and Ernie Slade, Les Stainsby, L Vesperman.
Ganmain: Bill Collis (capt), E Bell, J Bracken, Allan and Harold Brill, Paddy Carroll, Bill Clarkson, Jack Corbett, Stan Cox, L Crotty, Gus Curtis, G Douglas, B and C Lenon, Alf Maskell, Archie and R. McPherson, Jem McPhillips, C Mellor, T Murray, Ted Noonan, B Stoneham, R Welden, S Wray, F Reddrop
Grong Grong: W. E. Watts (coach), Jack Knight (capt), C Billingham, Jack and Ray Brideoake, D and E Carr, Bill Finch, R Guest, Hugh Kerr, Frank Klein, A McLennan, H and Jack Molloy, S O'Meara, Dick Reid, Rosser, W Russell, Jim Slender, F Spencer, D Wennerbom
Junee: J Thomson (capt), J Brown, T Elliott, R Evans, W Finn, Feitz, J Kane, Jelly, Sutherland, Clive and Ernie Turner, Wenke
Leeton: Guildford "Smacker" Webb (capt), Ted McClellan (vice-capt), A and Vic Alexander, J. Ash, Barnes, Dick Elrington, D Foster, Charlie and Jim Grigg, Hall, Arthur "Curley" Harding, Chas. Hollingworth, Clarry Hubbard, Bill Inman, Ted McClennan, W Mulloy, F O'Keefe, Francis and Len Polkinghorne, Ben Roberts, G. V. Rogers, Ned Ryan, Jack Schwab, R Southee, R Stall, S Wivell, Bill Taylor, Bill Thompson, "Snowy" Wallace, Jack Whitton, J Whiteley, Whittaker,
Marrar: Bill Scott (capt), A. and Jack Blair, Joe and Jim Breheny, E. and Rueben Brown, George Castle, R. Cupples, Lou Fury, Pat Gaynor, Graetz, G Gregory, M. and R. Hall, Bill McIntyre, Harry M'Evey, Harry Molloy, C. Moylan, Joe O'Keefe, Roy Plummer, H. Ray,
Matong: Paddy Walsh, Bean Bros, Ledger, Frank Murphy, J. O'Meara, Otto Schultz, W Searle
Narandera: Jack Sheehan (coach), Jim Grimmond (capt), Lionel Clarkson (vice-capt), Jack Barclay, Fred Brown, Roy Butson, C and Bill Clarkson, L Foster, W Graham, Talbot Griggs, L Hagen, Ben Hawkshaw, Gus Hayes, Alf Hutchison, Bob Kersley, Alf Longmire, H McLean, Bill McClure, Dan and Tyler Moon, R Mulholland, Ted Roach, George Stewart, C Taylor, Jack Welsh, Jack Whitty.