1946 Marrawah v Richmond Cubs

Extract from ‘The Circular Head Chronicle in 1946.

Circular Head is centred around Smithton in north west Tasmania and to the west is Marrawah (pronounced Marra war by the locals)

Was this the beginning of a pattern for the Tigers?

Football

For some reason or another, all reporters to this paper have neglected one of the most important sporting occurrences to take place in Circular Head in recent years. I refer to the defeat at Marrawah of the hitherto unbeaten Richmond “Cubs” who have never before lost a match on their many Tasmanian tours. Travelling to Marrawah from Smithton, the visitors forgot their gear, and some excuse for their defeat may be found in their playing in ordinary clothing; added to this they had not apparently been warned of the Marrawah air, which no less an authority than Bernard Cronin has referred to as “intoxicating”; and some allowance must certainly be made for footballers called upon to play after a lunch provided with the culinary genius for which the Marrawah ladies are justly famed. But what ever causes for their defeat may be advanced, the fact remains that Marrawah beat the “Cubs” 12.4 to 9.10, and played very well in doing so. The match was of twenty minute quarters, and was umpired by Mr J. Moore. The local team secured an early lead and was never overtaken. Within 5 minutes of the first bell Marrawah displayed their best play of the season with some first class handball, and continued with systematic football that surprised the visitors, and later caused them to congratulate the local players on the high standard of football in so remote a centre.

The Richmond players arrived at Marrawah at 11.30 a.m. and were entertained to lunch in the hall by local ladies. In responding to the welcome extended by the Marrawah Club President, Mr K. Jackson, the “Cubs” manager, Mr J. Joyce, said that the team was very glad of the opportunity of visiting Marrawah, and thanked the local club sincerely for its invitation. He made special reference to the luncheon, which was “the best of the tour.” The “Cubs” would certainly return again to Circular Head, which had given them a magnificent reception. He said that he was positive that the players were anxious that Marawah would be included in the itinerary of the “Cubs” next Tasmanian tour.

Foot Note: Peter Nicholls who played in the game and still lives in Marrawah remembers that only one Richmond player was not wearing proper gear. He said there was one player in the forward pocket in ordinary clothes with his trousers rolled up.

How would a contemporary coach go in the post match interview?

‘A few things went against us to day. The air was intoxicating, they got us after a big lunch and we forgot our away strip’.

Comments

  1. John Butler says

    Phantom, a few players over the years would appear to know a bit about intoxicated air.

  2. Alovesupreme says

    As an umpire of some un-distinction over many years, I am impressed by the deference implicit in the allusion to “Mr.” J. Moore serving as whistle-blower.

  3. #2,

    well spotted. I would suggest that in contemporary footy speak the term Mr, when used in reference to a whistle blower, is an anagram for Maggot ratbag.

    I also noted that the bell rather than the siren was used. Quaint.

  4. The game was played In Jack Moores paddock,the Marrawah home ground at the time and only half a mile from the hall

  5. #4,

    ah, what a conspiracy.

    Intoxicated, big Sunday lunch, plain clothes and a pitch that favoured the locals.

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