Eugowra have a unique record in country rugby league, boasting one of the greatest premiership runs ever enjoyed in the bush.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The ‘golden years’ of rugby league in Eugowra commenced with the 1963 Eugowra All Blacks winning the Group 11 1st Division Premiership – the first of the five year consecutive premiership wins.
It was a record set in the 60s and which remains today.
Many of the players are names well remembered by Parkes residents.
Eugowra played their arch rivals Forbes in that grand final- winning the encounter 13-0.
Ken Smith scored a try which was converted by Frank Glover who also kicked four penalty goals.
Sports writers of the day gave full credit to the young Eugowra side under the leadership of their legendary coach John Hobby.
Following Ian Walsh’s departure to St George, John took over the captain/coach role in 1962.
He was credited with being a coach the players looked up to and admired and he led by example.
The writer reported ‘Eugowra won because of their good team spirit and combination, superior forward play, good goal kicking by Frank Glover and the main reason, captain John Hobby not only had all the answers to Forbes match tactics, but also his team in wonderful match condition’.
The team which took the field was: David Greenhalgh (FB) Ian McClintock and Ted Porch (wingers) Maurice McClintock and Frank Glover (centres) Ken Smith (five/eighth) Lionel Bloomfield (halfback) John Hobby (lock) ‘Bruiser’ Turner and Noel Pengilly (second row) Barry Beath and Ray Pengilly (props) and Vince Toohey (hooker).
Players from that ’63 side and members of the premiership teams from ‘64 to 1967, gathered at Eat Your Greens recently for their 50 year reunion.
MC for the occasion was David Glasson who welcomed everyone and raised a toast to those gone to the great footy field beyond – John Hobby, Frank Glover, Ray Pengilly, Ian McClintock, Kevin Norris, Bill Adams, John Taylor, Maurie Cummins and Mick Rawsthorne.
Vince Toohey said Grace before everyone enjoyed their delicious meal.
Gina Roddy, daughter of Jenny and the late John Hobby had arranged a power point presentation (on rather short notice) and this was very well received by all present.
There is a great deal of camaraderie amongst this group of the older ‘All Blacks’ with Dennis Madden, Vince Toohey, Maurie McClintock, John Porch, Colin Pritchard, Barry Beath, David Greenhalgh, Daryl Jones and Ken Smith all telling stories of happenings during their playing days in Eugowra.
It was good to see Dennis Madden from Wingen, Barry Turner from Tumbarumba, Maurie McClintock from Mt Annan, Barry Beath from Tumut, and Col Pritchard from Kotara travel back to join with their old football mates from the local area in a day of friendship and reminiscing.
The ‘63 to ‘67 ‘All Blacks’ plan to hold a similar get together in May for the next four years at least.