1897 Metropolitan Rugby Union season

Last updated

1897 Sydney Rugby Premiership
Duration8 May to 11 September
Teams6
Premiers Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick  (4th title)
Minor Premiers Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick  (3rd title)
Runners-up Sydney 1904.png Pirates
Wooden spoon Easts 1901.svg Paddington (3rd spoon)
Top point-scorer(s) Sydney 1904.png Percy Macnamara (24)
Top try-scorer(s) University 1865.png William Shortland (4)
First Junior
Number of teams10
PremiersHomebush
Runners-upBuccaneer
Second Junior
Number of teams13
PremiersManly Federal
Runners-upRedfern Waratah

The 1897 Metropolitan Rugby Union season was the 24th season of the Sydney Rugby Premiership. Six clubs competed from May till September 1897. The season culminated in the premiership, which was won by Randwick who were undefeated during the season. Randwick were crowned premiers by virtue of finishing the season on top of the table. This was the first premiership run under the new Metropolitan Rugby Football Union.

Contents

Teams

Six clubs signed up with the Metropolitan Rugby Football Union to play the Senior Premiership. Each of the teams had participated in the premiership previously. The Paddington club had been disqualified from the competition at the end of the previous season due to unpaid Union fees. As a result, the club was newly formed at the beginning of the season. Paddington kept the identity and the history of the former club. [1]

Easts jersey.svg
Paddington

Formed c.1883
Captain: Unknown

Sydney 1904.png
Pirates

Formed on 27 March 1889
Captain: James Carson

Randwick Original Colours.png
Randwick

Formed c.1882
Ground: Randwick Reserve
Captain: Allen Scott

Uni jersey.svg
Sydney University

Formed c.1863
Ground: University Oval
Captain: Harry Wood

Wallaroo Colours.svg
Wallaroo

Formed c.1870
Captain: Paddy Lane

Wentworth

Formed c.1892
Captain: Billy Warbrick

Season summary

Early in the 1897, at the annual meeting for the New South Wales Rugby Football Union, a motion was passed to form a branch union to take over the running of club football. This new union was named the Metropolitan Rugby Football Union. [2]

There was some discussion about the quality of play that football was producing in 1897. Some quarters declared that the standard had deteriorated over the past few seasons. However, it was suggested by others in the media that football was moving from individual heroics to team brilliance. The addition of talented players from the Junior ranks was welcomed with many of these players selected for representative honours. [3]

The 1897 Sydney Rugby Premiership saw Randwick Football Club present its best performance to take all before it. The club were undefeated in all games during the season and won all three main awards, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trophy, Agricultural Society Trophy and the Premiership. [3] Unfortunately, the Agricultural Society Trophy was stripped from the club and awarded to their opponents due to a technicality. Before playing the semi-final, Randwick requested to allow the New Zealander, Tom Pauling, to play for the team. The Union allowed him to play but, due to a protest by the Pirates after the completion of the final, the decision was revised. With the new decision, the Pirates were awarded the Agricultural Society Trophy. [4]

After the introduction of new Juniors to the team, the Pirates Football Club transformed their season. During the previous season, the team failed to win a single game and began the new year with a pair of losses. With the arrival of Conlon, Boyd, Evers, McMahon, Ellis, Warman and Baird the team displayed improved form only slightly below that of the Premiers. The team were present in both trophy finals and finished the season runners-up. After the protest against Randwick was upheld, the Pirates were awarded with the Agricultural Society Trophy. Hopes were high for the future. [3]

The two older clubs, Sydney University and Wallaroo, experienced less than their usual success during the season. Both teams were in the middle of a rebuilding phase, with older and more experienced players retiring from the game. New young blood was filtering into the ranks with hope that the clubs would soon be back to their high-class best. The 'Varsity displayed an upturn in their performance from previous seasons, giving the club promise for the future. Victory over the Pirates and an excellent game against the Premiers were the highlights of the season. Wallaroo experienced their worst season for a decade. This could be attributed to the injuries to key players, Row and Kelly. The team won only two games during the season and were unable to recruit Juniors of merit. With an infusion of new blood mixing with the sound, experienced players, it is believed that Wallaroo could achieve success once again. [3]

Ladder

TeamPldWDLBPFPAPDPts
1 Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 9900010438+6618
2 Sydney 1904.png Pirates950408870+1810
3 Wallaroo Colours.svg Wallaroo720514558-136
4 University 1865.png Sydney University 730404469-256
5Wentworth730405855+36
6 Easts 1901.svg Paddington50050756-490

[5]

Ladder progression

TeamRegular SeasonMPFinals
12345W1W2W3W4
1 Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 246810 [6] 101214 [7] 1618
2 Sydney 1904.png Pirates0024668 [8] 8 [7] 1010
3 Wallaroo Colours.svg Wallaroo222244466
4 University 1865.png Sydney University 022444466
5Wentworth2466666 [8] 6
6 Easts 1901.svg Paddington00000 [6] 0

Trophy finals

Finals Week 1, 19 June & 17 July

SCG Trophy semi-finalsRpy
1 Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 17
4 Wallaroo Colours.svg Wallaroo3
2Wentworth36
3 Sydney 1904.png Pirates317

Sydney Cricket Ground Trophy

The top four teams on the ladder qualified to compete for the Sydney Cricket Ground Trophy. Games were decided by draw with Wentworth and the Pirates facing off for the second successive week. This game ended with a 3 all draw and was replayed on 17 July. In the replay, the Pirates won easily 17 points to 6. In the second semi, Randwick had the better team resulting in a loss for Wallaroo 17 to 3. [9]

Agricultural Society Trophy

After missing out on playing for the SCG Trophy, the Sydney University Football Club still qualified for the Agricultural Society Trophy. As no other teams were still in existence to contend for the trophy, University proceeded directly to the next week of finals.

Finals Week 2, 24 July & 7 August

SCG Trophy finalRpy
Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 06
Sydney 1904.png Pirates03
RAS Trophy qualifying round
Wentworth3
University 1865.png University 17
Wallaroo Colours.svg WallarooBye

Sydney Cricket Ground Trophy

There was much anticipation for the final, as many believed that the Pirates were the only club to end Randwick's unbeaten run. With the game played on a wet and muddy day, the result was almost what the crowd wanted. The ground was in such poor condition that the referee took a turn in the mud and humorously wore a muddy stain to show for it. The Pirates played a stronger wet-weather game and were able to hold Randwick to a nil all draw. [10]

The replay final saw similar cold and squally weather. Despite the conditions, the game was commended for its fine display with both teams playing well. The score was 3 all at half time with Randwick eventually coming away as winners. The fact that Randwick did not score more points was due to the excellent defence of their opponents. Overall, the victors were the better team. [11]

Agricultural Society Trophy

The Wentworth club continued their slow decline from the highs of the previous season. After losing three out of their last four games, several fresh players were brought in to compete against the 'Varsity. For the first 15 to 20 minutes of the game, the two teams were equal. After that, University played with greater 'life' to win the game and progress. [12] Wallaroo were awarded a bye and progressed into the semi-finals.

Finals Week 3, 28 August

RAS Trophy semi-finals
Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 24
University 1865.png University 3
Sydney 1904.png Pirates11
Wallaroo Colours.svg Wallaroo7

Agricultural Society Trophy

Much of the brightness had disappeared by the time of the semi-finals. Representative duties robbed the games of the finest players, with the two semi finals being played at the inconveniently distant Kensington Racecourse. Even with a weak team, Randwick were able to defeat a lacklustre University 24 to 3. [13] The second semi saw a more even contest between the Pirates and Wallaroo. The game was closely fought until the eventual victors were able to take the lead near the end of the match. [14]

Finals Week 4, 28 August

RAS Trophy final
Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick 17
Sydney 1904.png Pirates6

Agricultural Society Trophy

Prior to the final being played, the Metropolitan Rugby Union reversed their decision to allow the New Zealander, Tom Pauling, to play for Randwick. However, the eventual Premiers were determined to include him in their squad. As a result, there was much ill feeling from the Pirates towards Randwick. This manifested itself in the game with players being called to explain their actions at a later hearing. Both teams were missing players due to representative duties which gave the crowd much hope for a Pirates victory. Eventually, Randwick were victorious, being more able to penetrate the defence of the opposition and make every play count. [15] After the game, the Union made the decision to strip Randwick of the trophy and award it to the Pirates. [4]

Statistics

Points

PlayerPlTGFGPts
1 Sydney 1904.png Percy Macnamara 1127024
2C Light808019
3 University 1865.png William Shortland741015
4 Randwick Original Colours.png William Barrie704114
5 Randwick Original Colours.png Allen Scott915013
6 Sydney 1904.png Frank Nelson1140012
7 Sydney 1904.png EW Shaw1140012
8 Randwick Original Colours.png Syd Miller 740012
9 Randwick Original Colours.png Charlie Winn640012
10 Wallaroo Colours.svg W Harris640012

Tries

PlayerPlT
1 University 1865.png William Shortland74
2 Sydney 1904.png Frank Nelson114
3 Sydney 1904.png EW Shaw114
4 Randwick Original Colours.png Syd Miller 74
5 Randwick Original Colours.png Charlie Winn64
6 Wallaroo Colours.svg W Harris64
7John O'Neill84
8 Sydney 1904.png Ernest McMahon93
9 Randwick Original Colours.png Arthur Braund93
10 Randwick Original Colours.png John Fraser93

Lower grades

The MRFU also conducted three junior competitions: First Juniors, Second Juniors, Third Juniors and Fourth Juniors.

First Juniors

Ten clubs signed up for First Juniors. [16] The teams that played were: Newtown, Petersham, Summer Hill Oaklands, Marrickville, University II, North Sydney, Mercantile, Homebush, Strathfield and Buccaneer. [17] At the end of the regular rounds, the Buccaneer club were sitting at the top of the ladder. In the semi-finals, Buccaneer won against Summer Hill Oaklands and Homebush defeated Mercantile. [18] In the final, Homebush defeated Buccaneer 9 points to 4 to win the premiership. [19]

Second Juniors

Thirteen clubs submitted a team for Second Juniors. [16] Teams were: Redfern Waratah, Richmond, University III, Parramatta Ormonde, Glebe, Manly Federal, Stanmore Institute, Adelphi, Rockdale, Pirates II, Waverley, Kogarah and Lyric. [17] When the regular games were completed, Redfern Waratah, Glebe, Manly Federal and Rockdale qualified for the semi-finals. The final saw Manly Federal defeated Redfern Waratah 9 points to nil. Manly Federal were declared premiers.

Third Juniors

Eighteen clubs initially signed up to play Third Juniors. [16] However, seventeen teams played in the competition. These teams were: Adelphi II, Bay View, Summer Hill Oaklands II, Granville Royal, East Sydney, Newtown Cambridge, Woollahra Junior, Chelsea, Avoca, Adler, Richmond II, Leichhardt Gladstone, Gladesville, Grosvenor, Endeavour, Iona and Homebush II. [17] At the conclusion of the regular rounds, the final four teams playing in the semi-finals were Newtown Cambridge, Endeavour, Leichhardt Gladstone and Bayview. The final saw Endeavour play Bayview for the premiership. Endeavour won the match 3 points to nil to remain undefeated for the year.

Fourth Juniors

Sixteen clubs submitted a team to play Fourth Juniors. [16] Teams in the competition were: Newtown Orlando, Newtown Avenue, Alexandria Premier, Balmain Waratah, Buccaneer II, Manly Federal II, Victoria, Chelsea II, St Mary's Union, Redfern Waratah II, Forest Lodge Cambridge, Carolina, Endeavour II, Pirates III, Redfern Cambridge and Willoughby Federal. [17] The semi finals saw Victoria win against Balmain Waratah and Forest Lodge Cambridge defeat Alexandria Premiers. The final saw Forest Lodge Cambridge win against Victoria 6 points to 3 to be declared premiers.

Participating clubs

ClubSenior GradeJunior Grade
1st2nd3rd4th
Adelphi Football ClubYY
Adler Football ClubY
Alexandria Premier Football ClubY
Avoca Football ClubY
Balmain Waratah Football ClubY
Bay View Football ClubY
Buccaneer Football ClubYY
Carolina Football ClubY
Chelsea Football ClubYY
East Sydney.png East Sydney Football ClubY
Endeavour Football ClubYY
Forest Lodge Cambridge Football ClubY
Gladesville Football ClubY
Glebe Football ClubY
Granville Royal Football ClubY
Grosvenor Football ClubY
Homebush Football ClubYY
Iona Football ClubY
Kogarah Football ClubY
Leichhardt Gladstone Football ClubY
Lyric Football ClubY
Manly Federal Football ClubYY
Marrickville Football ClubY
Mercantile Football ClubY
Newtown Football ClubY
Newtown Avenue Football ClubY
Newtown Cambridge Football ClubY
Newtown Orlando Football ClubY
North Sydney Football ClubY
Easts 1901.svg Paddington Football ClubY
Parramatta Ormonde Football ClubY
Petersham 1883.png Petersham Rugby Football Club Y
Sydney 1904.png Pirates Football ClubYYY
Randwick Original Colours.png Randwick Football Club Y
Redfern Cambridge.png Redfern Cambridge Football ClubY
Redfern Waratah.png Redfern Waratah Football ClubYY
Balmain 1874.svg Richmond Football ClubYY
Rockdale Football ClubY
St Mary's Union ClubY
Stanmore Institute Football ClubY
Strathfield Football ClubY
Summer Hill Oaklands Football ClubYY
University 1865.png Sydney University Football Club YYY
Victoria House Football ClubY
Wallaroo Colours.svg Wallaroo Football ClubY
Waverley Football ClubY
Wentworth Football ClubY
Willoughby Federal Football ClubY
Woollahra Junior Football ClubY

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References

  1. ↑ "(BY "THE CYNIC")". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 5 May 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  2. ↑ "FOOTBALL". Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930). 17 March 1897. p. 11. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "CLUB FOOTBALL IN 1897". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 15 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  4. 1 2 "FOOTBALL". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 13 October 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  5. 1 2 "FOOTBALL". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 15 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  6. 1 2 Paddington forfeited their game against Randwick.
  7. 1 2 SCG Final ended in a draw. The game was replayed a week later with the draw removed from the ladder.
  8. 1 2 SCG semi-final ended in a draw. The game was replayed a week later with the draw removed from the ladder.
  9. ↑ "RANDWICK v. WALLAROO". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 23 June 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  10. ↑ "SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND TROPHIES". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 28 July 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  11. ↑ "SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND TROPHIES". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 11 August 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  12. ↑ "AGRICULTURAL TROPHIES". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 28 July 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  13. ↑ "THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S TROPHIES". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 1 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  14. ↑ "PIRATES DEFEAT WALLAROO". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 1 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  15. ↑ "FOOTBALL". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 15 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 4 "FOOTBALL". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 28 April 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "FOOTBALL. (BY "THE CYNIC.")". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 12 May 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  18. ↑ "JUNIOR JOTTINGS". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 1 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  19. ↑ "JUNIOR JOTTINGS". Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939). 8 September 1897. p. 8. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
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