The 1911 season was a memorable one for the Tocumwal Football Club. Since the halcyon days of the late 1890's(3 premierships in 4 years) the club had been in a state of decline, and had actually failed to form a team for a number of years.However, the rise of a crop of good local players, coupled with a strong President in Mr John Hearn(whose occupation was advertised as Farrier, Coach Builder, Blacksmith & Vetinery Dentist!) saw the club in good shape.
The club again entered the Southern Riverina Football Ass, comprising Berrigan , Finley(the 1910 Premiers) & Jerilderie.
The home & away season was nearly a perfect one for the Bloods, winning the 1st 5 games straight before falling to Berrigan in the last game. Ably led by the skipper, Charlie Boyle, the leading players were Mick McConnaughty at full-forward; Bobby Hutson , the start rover, Billy Cottle; Humphrey Hearn at full-back; big Joe O'Connor at centre-haklf forward; and the young high-flyer Cec Herberte.
Round 1: v Jerilderie @ Toc on 27 May
Tocumwal 2.0 = 6 defeated Jerilderie 0.0 = 0
Goals: Mick.McConnaughty, Cecil.Ware
Best: Worrall, Hutson, Cl Boyle, T & D Haynes. G.Blowes, W.Cottle
An ignominious start for Jerilderie. The day was cold, the ground wet & the ball greasy. To say they got off to bad start was an understatement. They travelled to Toc on the day of the match, with pre-arranged plans to change the teams of horses for their drag at Finley. However, due to a misunderstanding, this did not occur & they were forced to continue to Toc with the same over-worked teams. At the scheduled start time of the match (3pm) word had reached Toc of the delay and that the over-worked horses were struggling to complete the trip. So the Toc supporters rallied around & arranged for a Mr Evans to take his drag/horses out to meet them and bring them in to Toc.
Subsequently, the game did not start until 4pm and, after the first 10 minutes, a fairly one-sided affair. The visitors presented a very mediocre team who, tired from the long trip, provided very little opposition. Due to the wet conditions, the match was a poor spectacle, with Toc’s win being the only positive on the day.
Round 2: v Finley @ Finley on 03 June
Tocumwal 2.9 = 21 defeated Finley 1.9 = 15
Goals: O’Connor, McConnaughty.
Best: Not mentioned.
Finley, the 1910 premiers, travelled to Toc for their first derby of this season. Both sides were reported to be at full strength, with most favouring Finley to be too strong.
In the 1st quarter, Toc stunned the visitors with their tenacity, bringing the ball down to their forward line from virtually the first bounce, and there is stayed for most of the quarter. Although, they continued to pepper away at the goals continually, the final reward was only 2 points for the quarter (to Finley’s nil)
The 2nd quarter saw the game finally open up with play see-sawing across the centre. A poor kickout from the Finley defence saw Toc’s O’Connor mark, and with a beautiful place kick, he scored the locals first major, amongst much cheering from the spectators. Finley responded with a goal and some points of their own later in the quarter, so at the main break saw them leading by 1 point:
Tocumwal 1.2 = 8 Finley 1.3 = 9
Finley had their tails in the air & took over control of the game in the 3rd quarter. However poor scoring saw them rack up a number of behinds. However, in a surprising switch-play late in the quarter, saw Toc bring the ball all from full back the way around the wing to where O’Connor had a shot for his 2nd goal, only registering a behind. The resulting Finley kick-out saw the ball snapped up by nippy McConnaughty who kicked truly for Toc’s 2nd to regain the lead. The local supporters were cheering wildly, as they could sense a big upset. But could the locals hold on?
The final quarter was a desperate affair, with both sides blazing away at the goals, trying to finish the other off (Finley with 5 behinds to Toc’s 2) However, it was Toc’s day and a great win was the result of their efforts.
Round 3: v Berrigan @ Toc on 09 June
Result: Toc 2.2 = 14 defeated Berrigan 1.5 = 11
Squad
Boyle (Capt) Blowes Cantlon H.Hearn
Hutson D.Haynes T.Haynes McConnaughty
C.Ware H.Shaw E,Rowe N.Richardson
G.Worrell A.Worrell J.Grant J.Reynoldson
G.Grant J.O’Connor W.Cottle Menhennitt
C.Herberte M.Houston S.Ghent
No report of the game was recorded other than the score, however the SRA ladder after 3 rounds showed Toc on top with 3 straight wins.
Round 4: v Jerilderie @ Jerilderie on Wednesday 13 June
Result: Tocumwal 0.3 = 3 defeated Jerilderie 0.1 = 1
This game was played on the Wednesday as it was a national holiday (Coronation Day).
The report was only minor, giving the scores & stating that the low scores was the result of a strong wind that blew all day.
4 wins in a row for Toc and still on top of the ladder.
Round 5: v Finley @ Finley on 24 June
Result: Toc 4.4 = 24 defeated Finley 3.3 = 21
Goals: Cantlon (2), Rowe, ‘Multum of Parvo’
This was the top of the table clash. Toc undefeated v Finly with only 1 loss (to Toc)
Much was expected, however as a spectacle it was apparently an appalling game (from a Finley reporter!!) A swirling breeze and constant scrimmages saw a battle but not a spectacle.
‘On Saturday last Tocumwal journeyed to Finley to meet that team for the second time this season. They were accompanied by .a big crowd of supporters including many ladies. A great deal of interest was manifested in the game, and notwithstanding the fact that Toc .has an unbeaten record for this year, followers of the blue and white,were very, confident of "downing "the river bays”, whilst the latter were satisfied they would mix the play, although they said very little. There was a big attendance at the ground, and many of the enthusiasts were conspicuous on the oval, and interfered with the players on more than one occasion, in fact it is doubtful if the barrackers were ever a greater nuisance on the Finley ground than they were on Saturday.
Messrs S. Boyle and D. Haynes who were suffering from bumps received in the Jerilderie match the previous Wednesday, stood down, their places being ably filled by Messrs G. Grant and Cantlon.;
The home team had its full strength, which was augmented by Cooper, who played such an excellent game against Berrigan on the previous Saturday. From the bounce of the ball, the home team secured and passed well towards the sticks, where a free
kick was awarded to Yeo, who failed to make good use of it, and from a scrimmage the leather was: forced out of bounds, Stevens secured from the throw in, and smartly
passed to F. Bresnan, who raised two flags within three minutes of the bounce.
In play again, the Finns forced the play right to the sticks where D.Coulter made a mark, and amidst great excitement followed the lead set by Bresnan. Two goals in eight minutes raised the voices of the barrackers of the home team, who
.evidently were not allowing for the friendly wind which was of immense help in the first quarter to the home team.
When the ball was set free, Cantlon attacked and with a long boot sent it well towards the Finley sticks, where J. O'Connor was awarded a free kick within easy distance, but like Yeo, he failed to score. Both teams were often' penalized during this quarter, Finley perhaps more so than the visitors. A deal of give and take play was indulged in, the Finns trying to increase their lead, whilst the visitors were .struggling gamely against the strong wind to raise a flag but the term ended
:Finley, 2 goals,
Tocumwal nil.
'
With a lead of twelve points, supporters of the home team were in great spirits,
and friendly banter between supporters was freely exchanged, but the visitors were full of hope and anxious to avail. themselves of the help of the wind, which they did, so soon as the ball' was bounced. Cantlon secured and forced well down when D. Coulter returned, but Cantlon again secured and from a long punt raised two flags for Toc. From the bounce the visitors took the ball and by a succession of free kicks, it was carried to the sticks, where the "Multum of Parvo" of the Toc team was awarded a free kick, and raised two flags amidst tremendous cheering from the river supporters. The goal was secured from a difficult angle, and C. Herberte is deserving of credit. In play, the visitors again took possession, and forced the leather forward, when Grant secured and passed well down, but it was returned, each side playing with determination, when again, the ball was getting towards the goal and Rowe from a mark secured the third goal. During this quarter, the visitors had decidedly the better of the play, and in addition to the trio of goals, secured a like number of minor points, per medium of Messrs Ware, Herberte and Hearn, whilst the home team registered a single, secured by Yeo. The scores for the quarter were
Tocumwal 3g 3b.
Fiuley lb.
The supporters of the old blue and white were not so confident now, although many were of the opinion that the boys would, as usual, make their bid for a win in this
quarter, and the visitors were equally confident that they would retain the lead.
The wind had fallen considerably when this term was started, but what there was, was in favor of Finley, and they worked the leather on to the south wing where Grant
marked and passed to O'Connor, who missed, but was awarded a free kick and played to Worrall, to Hearne ,to Grant to Ware, when P. Jones was awarded a free kick and
with a long kick the ball was returned, and from a; scrimmage in front of the sticks, the ball was forced through the behind posts, a minor thus resulting for the home boys. From the kick-off a free kick was awarded Levings, but his effort was marked by Shaw; a few seconds later Toc was penalised, with the result tint the ball was
within the danger line, but Menhennit who was playing an excellent game, saved the situation. Five minutes from the ringing of the bell Yeo had a shot, but was unfortunate in only raising one flag. From the kick-off it was forced out, and on the throw, P. Jones, that sterling player, was awarded a free kick, which resulted in a sixer for his team. The quarter ended without the visitors scoring, the results being
Fiuley Ig 2b, Tocumwal nil.
The excitement was intense as the teams crossed sides for the final bout of twenty five minutes; the old blue and white had drawn up level with Toe, and a great battle was expected, as the wind had now practically ceased. Spectators and supporters were more excited than the players, but it is doubtful if there was ever a harder fought quarter played on the Finley ground since Finley defeated Jcrilderie for the premiership by two points some eight years ago. Supporters yelled themselves hoarse, and for fully fifteen minutes neither team was gaining any advantage, although the game was full of dash and strenuous exertion, when Cottle marked, passed to Cantlon, who, from a long placed kick scored a very meritorious goal, which was greeted with cheers from the supporters of the opposing team. The blue and whites were not daunted by this score, and they repeatedly got the leather within scoring distance, but the strong defence of Toc. was impregnable, and the ball was returned, and again Caution marked- who, from a place kick, raised a single, which was within a few inches of being a sixer. During the latter part of the quarter, Finley had the ball mostly at the sticks. But failed to score, and the bell rang when the scores were:
.
Tocumwal -4 gls. -4 bds. 28 points.
Fiuley .3 gls. 3 bds. 21 points.
Play in the final term, so far as the onlookers were concerned was considerably marred by players of both teams crowding the ball, which prevented any attempt at scientific football.’
However, importantly for Toc, another win over the reigning premiers.
Round 6: v Berrigan @ Berrigan on 01 July
Result: Toc were defeated by Berrigan (no scores available)
This was the final game in the home & away season. Despite this shock 1st loss form the season, Toc were the minor premiers for 1911. As minor premiers, they would compete for the major premiership with the challenger (either Finley of Berrigan)
Berrigan went on to defeat Finley in the semi-final, and would challenge Toc for the premiership, in Toc on Sat 08 July.
Grand Final: v Berrigan @ Tocumwal on 08 July
Result: Toc 3.13 = 31 were defeated by Berrigan 5.7 = 37
Goals: Cantlon (2), Menhenitt
Best: Not named
On Saturday these teams met for the third game of the season, when Berrigan scored a meritorious win over the river boys. Quite a big crowd of Berriganites were present; and the gate takings, viz, £16, constitute a record for this association.
Mr W, Lang of "Pine Lodge" won the guessing competition, his ticket being the exact number of points. The enclosing of the oval was a big improvement, and before another season, an effort should be made to erect a permanent fence.
In the first quarter the local boys had the help of a fairly strong wind and' succeeded in raising; five minor points, till Menhennit scored a sixer. Berrigan only crossed the half line once, during the first quarter.
On changing ends, the visitors taking advantage of the wind, immediately attacked and in three minutes raised two flags followed at a short interval with another, also five behinds, whilst the home team raised two singles against the wind, the scores at half time being
Berrigan 2g 5b-17 points.
Tocumwal lg 7b-13 points.
On resuming, the locals played a determined game and soon made up the four points they were to the bad, Menhennit, Grant and M'Connaughty, each scaring minor points, followed by Cantlon who secure two goals, one of which was very cleverly made by kicking over his head. In this quarter, the visitors failed to score, the totals when the bell rang being
Tocumwal 3g 12b-30 points.
Berrigan 2g 5b-17 points.
With a handicap of 13 points the visitors made the play very willing from the bounce, and with their hand-ball ran completely over the locals, who were taken by surprise
when Baikie raised a goal, which should have been stopped by the backman, this goal was quickly followed by two minors, and then the locals took the ball to the other
end where Ware had the bad luck, to strike the post, only a behind resulting. Berrigan again forced the play, and Corcoran secured a sixer, which left the scores equal. Most of the lads were now on the ball, and the excitement intense; the locals struggling gamely to make a draw, whilst the visitors were straining every nerve to make a point, upon which so much depended, when a rather unfortunate incident happened. Bruce punched the ball from the ruck, well in front of the sticks, and
Grant caught, at the same time being held by a Berrigan boy who was awarded a free kick, although Grant was unable to drop the ball. This free kick settled the game, as a
goal was secured and a few minutes later the bell rang, the visitors winning a well contested game, for which they deserve credit, by six points. Houstin as central umpire gave every satisfaction, with the exception of the free kick referred to.
Although Toc were defeated in this final, as minor premiers, the rules of the day determined that, as minor premiers, they earned the right to request rematch.
GRAND FINAL REPLAY; v Berrigan @ Berrigan on 15 July
Result: Toc 3.10 = 28 defeated Berrigan 1.6 = 12
Goals: Cantlon; G.Grant; O’Connor
Best: All players were named (no standout)
The competition in the S. R. F Association was brought to a close
on Saturday, when the locals defeated Berrigan.
No one, will grudge Tocumwal the place of honor, as it is about thirteen years since they occupied a similar position, and for some time were unable to raise a team. Two
years ago they failed to win association match, yet they endeavored to keep all engagements.
Tocumwal has been twitted with playing lads from other towns, and at the final on Saturday, rumour was current, that in the event of a win by the river boys, a protest
would follow. Upon the matter being mentioned to Mr Wardrop by the Toke officials, that courteous officer of the Association, admitted that such action had been spoken
of, but so far as he was concerned, He did not approve of it, and. He would do his utmost to prevent it.
As the money was paid over on Monday evening it is pleasing to note that the Berrigan boys have accepted the result of the game as final. Now, with reference to the cry of playing men from other towns, why is there any need for the shedding of such wasted tears? The rules or laws of the association were not infringed in any way.
With Finley and Berrigan, Tocumwal was allowed a radius of 12miles, from which to draw her supplies, and because the Koonoomoo settlement; the towns of Cobram and Strathmerton, came within that radius, the local club selected players from those towns, and for the final, five came from Cobram, one from Koonoomoo and one from
between the latter place and Strathmerton. The fact that Cobram was not playing in the Numurkah association this year, was the reason Toke secured help from that quarter and we say, without fear of contradiction, that any other club in the association would, if it deemed fit, have done exactly the same, and none can point the finger of scorn.
Therefore, in our opinion, that Tocumwal has honestly won pride of place, is no to be questioned, and we heartily congratulate them upon
being premiers of the S. R. F. A for 1911.
The Game
The Tocumwal skipper won the toss and naturally took advantage of the breeze. From the bounce, Toke ruck passed well forward, when Cantlon secured and after a brilliant run, planted the leather well between the sticks, within a minute of the commencement of the game. In play again, Berrigan worked to their end but S. Boyle returned and pissed to Cantlon, and from his kick G. Grant secured, and a snap-shot resulted in one flag. After being kicked off, play hovered round the sticks, two behinds resulting in quick succession, per medium of M. M'Connaughty and J. O'Connor. H. Hearn marked the kick off and lodged the leather well in front, where a scrimmage
took place, the ball was bounced, and the Berrigan ruck, who were struggling gamely to get it out of danger, were successful, it being worked against the wind |to the
opposite end, where Kenny secured a mark within kicking distance, but failed to score, his effort being marked in goal by Bob Hutson, who passed to Menhennit, the latter player sending it well down ; secured by a Toke player, a behind resulting,
which was followed soon after by two others, per medium of O'Connor .and Cantlon. The kick off was marked by Menhennit who passed to G.Grant and he made Toke's
second goal. From the bounce Berrigan made a determined dash in the endeavour to score, and succeeded in getting within kicking distance, but by a brilliant succession of marks from Hutson to Boyle to A. Worrall to Hearn to L. Grant to Cantlon, it was returned, the bell ringing immediately after. Berrigan, during this quarter, failed to
score, only crossing the centre line three times" The scores at the conclusion of the quarter were
Tocumwal 2 goals ft bhds.
Berrigan nil;
On changing ends, and having the advantage of the wind, their (sic Berrigan) supporters had no doubt they' would completely "run over" their opponent. But such was not the case as from the bounce Toke took possession and forced the play, Cantlon securing. But his kick was marked by Kuschert, who, however, was penalised for carrying the ball too far, the free kick being awarded to Hutson. A deal of give and take was then indulged in, till Baikie, who was working hard, secured and
sent it well forward where an easy mark was missed by Berrigan in front of the sticks, but a few minutes after a behind was scored.”Snowy" Rowe then took possession, and after a fine run round the wing, passed to Reynoldson, but it was again returned, and Egan, from a shot raised one flag. From the kick off a free kick was awarded to Toke, which, however, was marked by Quade, who from a nice kick lodged it in front of goal where an easy mark was missed by Kuschert, who nevertheless secured his kick and scored Berrigan’s third behind.
Shortly after the ball was bounced within two feet of the goal posts, owing to a scrimmage, and Harding from a snap-shot was instrumental in raising two flags. Immediately after the bounce, Berrigan returned but their effort was marked in goal
by Richardson, but a behind however, soon followed. Tocumwal now took a hand and Blowes, who was marking and passing splendidly, worked the leather well forward to Hutson, but a free kick being awarded to Berrigan, it was returned, and just before the ringing of the bell, a scrimmage took place between the goal and behind posts, and the ball was forced through, resulting in a behind.
During this quarter Berrigan's handball was very fine, but Tocumwal were better in the air, Blowes, Menhenuit, L,. & J. Grant, Reynoldson and Cope showing out conspicuously in this respect.
The scores for the quarter were
Berrigan 1 goal 5 bhds.
Tocumwal nil.
After the usual interval, play was resumed, with, however, very little wind to favor either side. From the bounce it was forced to the Berrigan end but by the combined
efforts-of Menhennit, A. Worrall, and Boyle it was quickly returned, and Buncle being awarded a free kick passed to L. Grant who raised one flag. For the next ten minutes give and take play was the order of the day, the advantage, if any, being in favor of Toke. H. Hearn on the centre line passed to Rowe to J. Grant, who secured a behind, From the kick off it was taken, principally by hand-ball and short runs, to the opposite end where a free kick was awarded Baikie, but his kick was secured by R. Hutson, who passed to Blowes, the mark being by far the best taken during the game, and complimentary remarks on its excellence were heard, not only from our own supporters, but also from supporters of the opposing team. Within three minutes of the hell Reynoldson scored Toke's third behind. This quarter proved to be the hardest fought, and as the scores indicate, Berrigan failed to score,
Tocumwal 3 bhds.
Berrigan nil.
With a difference of nine points in the scores, in favor of Toe, the final term was entered upon. Toke supporters were jubilant and confident of winning, but Berrigan had implicit confidence in their men, remembering how on the previous Saturday they had entered on the last term with thirteen points to overlap, which they succeeded in
doing, and felt sure they were capable of repeating the performance. The visitors, however, took possession from the bounce, but Kuschert returned and Bruce with a fine run carried the leather well along the wing, passed to Quade but they were unable to beat Toke's defence which was very strong, the ball was again returned when J.O'Connor raised two (lags. After the bounce a free kick was awarded to
Baikie. which was marked by Blowes who played to Richardson, but Baikie was awarded another free kick, and played to Kenny a behind resulting, Berrigan attacked again and again; but Toke's defence was impregnable, Menhennit, Richardson,
Cantlon, Grant, and Hearn defending splendidly. After a deal of wing play a free kick was awarded Buncle and shortly after J. O'Connor raised one flag. Grant also bad a
shot but his effort was marked in goal. The visitors had by far the best of the play in this term, and what was expected to be an exciting quarter was the least interesting
of the four. Tocumwal played with more system in this quarter, which stood them in good stead. The scores for the quarter were:-
Tocumwal 1 goal 1 bhd.
Berrigan 1 bhd.
Total
Tocumwal 3 goals 10 bhds-28
points.
Berrigan 1 goal 6 bhds-12 points.
We were unable to learn the names of some of the Berrigan players who worked hard to avert defeat,but the following grafted well: Baikie, Kuschert, Quades (3), Egan,
O'Dwyer, Dentnead, M'Farlaine Kenny and Bruce.
Every Tocumwal player shone out conspicuously, there being absolutely no tail.
The gate takings exceeded 18 pounds, which constituted a record.
So, in 1911. Tocumwal secured their 3rd premiership. The premiership team consisted of:
C.Boyle© Cantlon J.O’Connor M.McConnaughty
G.Grant L.Grant Blowes Menhennitt Bobby,Hutson Buncle A. Worrall S. Boyle
H.Hearn Reynoldson Cope Snowy Rowe
J.Grant Richardson Tuck Bill Cottle
As a result of this long-awaited premiership, and the fact that the club could not field a side 3yrs beforehand, the town was in delirium. Both a poem & song were penned, in honour of all players & officials, which were duly printed in the local newspaper.
It was also decreed that a Grand Ball & Supper, to celebrate the premiership, would be held at Hillston’s Hall on 16 August, with music provided the Cobram Orchestra! The gold medal for the 1911 best & fairest would also be announced & awarded.
Unfortunately no record of this event, or who won the B&F was reported.
