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The following is the history of the Hamley Bridge Football Club from 1919 to 1939 as described by H.N.Ellis in a series of letters sent to the Junction News and Owen Post newspaper in 1956.
I would like to quote on of Mr Elliss last paragraphs before I continue this is the end of the story of football as I remember it , if I have quoted wrong years etc. I regret it but after recalling incidents which occurred thirty years ago errors are liable to happen. I quote this in respect for past players, supporters and Mr Ellis as we dont want to knowingly misrepresent past performances.
1919
Hamley were undefeated through the minor round and as a sign of confidence engaged the Hamley Bridge Brass band to accompany them to the grand final to play on the train and during the quarter time breaks. Two minutes to go Hamley were 2 points down when Hamley kicked what was thought to be a goal but it was given a point! Arguments broke out as the siren blew and Balaklava sneaked in a one point win. Captain for 1919 was Archie Blacks.
AN INCIDENT IN THE 1920's
It is unknown in which year this incident happened but Hamleys goal umpire Tom Chaplin signalled a goal for Hamley and an Owen player claimed he touched the ball! Tom being very angry replied your a b@**^y liar . The Owen player walked up to Tom and Punched him in the nose leaving Tom with two Black eyes. Of course an all in melee ensued until umpires, officials and police could regain control. This is one of many incidents that gave the Wooroora Association a reputation that it was rare for a game to be played without a fight.
1921 - 1922
Played in the Gilbert Association against Tarlee, Stockport, Alma. Hamley had 2 teams the Hamleys and the Wang Doodles. The Wang Doodles won both Premierships.
1923
Due to the Schwerdt and Kain families Pinkerton Plains formed a team which involved some of the Hamley players. Pinkerton and Wang Doodles played off in the 1st Semi and Tarlee took out the Premiership.
1924
This was a great year for Hamley as they narrowly defeated Owen by one point on the last kick of the day. Pady Connell for Hamley and Barney Bennett from Owen tied for the Association B&F, and to separate the deadlock the powers to be decided to toss a coin, with Paddy calling and winning the toss he was announced the Leagues B&F and probably luckiest.
It was also this year or 1925 that the Grand Stand was erected at a cost of 230 pounds.
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1925
1925 was the last year of the Wooroora Association Hamley again faced Owen in the Grand Final and after about ten minutes an all in brawl erupted. The central umpire could not gain control so he stopped play, left the ground only to return with all the police officers from the district and the Association officials. The Association President lined up both teams and issued them with a stern warning that if any one was seen fighting during the rest of the game would be arrested and the police sergeant confirmed this. The rest of the game went without incident but Hamley
couldnt recover as Owen ran out easy winners.
1926
Hamley entered two teams in the Gilbert Association being the Duffields and the Hamleys. They played against Stockport, Owen, Tarlee and Alma. The Duffields defeated Owen in the Grand Final at Stockport by 1 point. A special train was used to transport all to Stockport for a cost of 9 pence each return.
1927
Hamley played in the Gawler Association and finished the year minor premiers only to loose the 1st Semi to Gawler Centrals. exercising the right of challenge Hamley played Gawler South for the cup in mid October only to be defeated.
1928
Remained in the Gawler Association and finished third.
1929 - 1931
Hamley entered a couple of teams in the Gilbert Association and on one year only managed to field one side and had trouble filling it each week. It was so bad they only had 16 players to play in the Semi Final.
1932
Entered 2 teams in the Gilbert Association the Rovers and the Wonderers who played off in the Grand Final with the honours going to the Rovers.
1933 - 1935
Played in the Barossa & Light Association without any success.
1936
H.N.Ellis was deputied by the HBFC to get Hamley into the Adelaide plains League and was successful in his endeavours. |
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Mr H.N.Ellis also picked his best possible team from the 1919-1939 era!
................. l I I l ..............
M.Venning R.Wendt W.Chaplin
L.Stott S.Pretty W.Simpson
J.Doyle V.Robins H.Brenton
N.Head J.Schwerdt F.Hart
G.Grubb T.Cornelious W.Yon
................... l I I l ...............
1st Ruck - P.Connell, J.Connell, L.Brooks
2nd Ruck - M.Venning, G.Grubb, W.Yon
19th - H.Pitkin
Some that just missed out were:
Augie Schahinger - Ruck
Bil Branson, Geoff Bohnsack - Half Backs
Reg Chenoweth - Brilliant Mark
I thank Mr Ellis for his letters to the paper as I found them extremely interesting to read and they show a proud history that we need to reflect on at times to ensure the
continuation of a prosperous club for future generations! |
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