Almanac Footy: Catholic College Footy

 

 

 

It’s the ground – more so than whoever is playing on it – which is these days the talking point.

 

I can recall when it was devoid of grass, mostly ‘boasting’ patches and foreign matter.

 

But that was then, the 50s, 60s and 70s. Today, many rate the surface equal, if not better, than the prized Queen Elizabeth Oval in the CBD of Bendigo, one of Australia’s most historical cities.

 

The main oval at Catherine McAuley College, Junortoun, is picture perfect. – to the eyes and the feet.

 

Late on Wednesday morning and early in the afternoon, the first XV111 from CMC and St.Joseph’s College, Echuca, clashed in an early round of the Herald Sun Shield for schoolboys.

 

CMC were runners-up to Parade College, Bundoora, (who completed a hat-trick of flags) at Port Melbourne Oval last year – and by the way they warmed up (especially with their tongues), had eyes only set on going one better.

 

But the lads from Echuca, one of Australia’s busiest tourism centres, were having none of it. They may have been giving away height and weight, but often more than these two commodities are required to conquer.

 

 

Joeys jumped their more fancied and home-based rivals, leading 6.7 to 2.3 at the main break.

 

CMC headed for state of the art changerooms, the Joeys stayed under the shade of the coolabah tree.

 

The skies were clear, but a storm was brewing. Word was there were plenty of words in the CMC camp. They came out and booted three quick ones and it was game on, and possibly over.

 

Both sides wanted to make their point in the last stanza. Both made many – on the scoreboard. Joeys held on to win by a couple of points, 7.13 to 7.11.

 

I walked away with just one query.

 

The main oval is named after Father Thomas Finn, who was the last principal of St. Vincent’s College, which the college was originally known as.

 

Fr Finn was a ripper fella, but was more of a rugby man. I think the oval should have been named after Fr. John O’Keefe, who was a five-year principal and coached the first XV111 and the under-17s, the best junior football side in Bendigo, for years. (A nearby oval bears his name).

 

 

Peter Sweeney was a student at St. Vincent’s College (1955-1977) Bendigo between 1967 and 1971. For all its life, the school was only for boys and for the majority of years was only for boarders. These days, it is a co-educational college and after numerous name changes, is known as Catherine McAuley College (Coolock campus).

 

All images used with permission of Catherine McAuley College

 

Read more from Peter Sweeney HERE.

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – click HERE.