1887 - The first football competition in the North

1887 The first Football competition in Northern NSW

1887 NOT 1886

The History of Soccer in NSW, Vol 1, Newcastle and the Coalfields describes a five-team competition in 1886. 

However, this is clearly not correct. The description of the 1886 competition is self-contradictory. On page 77, under the heading 1886 Competition, is stated that no competition was played:

1886 arrived before any form of competition could be arranged. The isolation from Sydney was a bar against extensive competition travelling.

As a result, Minmi and Hamilton played friendlies against each other, and in the Sydney Cup competition. 

Yet, on page 80, there is a competition table for an 1886 competition involving Hamilton Athletic, Minmi Rangers, Greta Bluebells, Carrington Black Watch, and Greta Black Watch. Newspaper reports refer to Minmi and Hamilton in 1886 but not the other clubs. Minmi played Hamilton on Saturday 8 May 1886, on Turnbull's Paddock Hamilton in a 'friendly'. The result was a 2-2 draw. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Sat May1886, Page 8)

Newspaper references to Greta Bluebells and Carrington appear in 1887. There is no reference to Greta Black Watch in 1886 or in 1887. Glebe Black Watch was formed in 1887 and played their first game as a club against Carrington in June 1887. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 7 Jun 1887, page 5. FOOTBALL)

Therefore, a Newcastle and Coalfields football competition did not occur in 1886.

The competition started in 1887 with Minmi Rangers, Hamilton Athletic, Wallsend Rovers, Glebe Black Watch, Greta Bluebells, and Carrington Black Watch.

1887 - A Northern Competition

1887 was an important year for football in the north. Five important events occurred.

1. a home/away (badge) competition in Newcastle and the Coalfields.

2. a football cup in Newcastle and the Coalfields

3. Hamilton Athletic was the first Newcastle team to win the Gardiner Cup.

4. A representative game was played at Hamilton between Sydney and Newcastle/Coalfields.

5. Formation of the Northern British Football Association to organise football in Newcastle/Coalfields.

The Cup

Round 1

13 August 1887

Minmi Rangers v Geta Blue Bells - Minmi 3 - Greta 1

Wallsend Rovers v Glebe/Burwood Black Watch

Carrington Black Watch bye

(Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 12 Aug 1887, page 3, NORTHERN BRITISH ASSOCIATION)

FOOTBALL.

The Football Association recently formed here under British Association rules has decided to play for badges instead of cups in future. The present cup tie will be fought out, andthe Greta Bluebells are drawn against the Minmi Rangers for this afternoon, at Greta, their previous game having ended in a draw. The Walls-end Rangers are drawn against Burwood Black Watch, and the Carrington team have drawn, a bye

There will also be a match played on the Summerhill ground*, under the British Association Rules, between the Wallsend Rovers and the Glebe Black Watch. The following will represent the Wallsend Rovers :-G. Morehouse, S. Miller, A. Charlesworth, A. Manefield, W. Batty, J. Barker, J. Miller, J. Horn, G. Miller, B. Miller, and J. Reece. 

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 13 August 1887, page 6)

• The Summerhill ground was near the Co-operative Colliery at Plattsburg. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 3 September 1886, page 8) It was also known as the old racecourse. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 12 July 1886, page 8) The 'old' racecourse referred to the location of the first Wallsend racecourse, not the more commonly known second location of the course across Minmi Road from the Racecourse Hotel.

Round 2

Possible Games?

Minmi v Carrington - Wallsend bye

or

Wallsend v Carrington - Minmi bye

Cup Final

Minmi v Wallsend - 19 November 1887 at Hamilton

FOOTBALL THE WALLSEND ROVERS v MINMI RANGERS (Northern British F. B. Associa-tion.)--The above clubs will meet at Minmi on September 24th, to play the final cup tie match. Kick-off at 3 o'clock. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 16 September 1887, page 5)

Wallsend protested and the match was rescheduled to be replayed at Hamilton on 19 November, 1887. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Wednesday 9 November 1887, page 8)

FOOTBALL. NORTHERN BRITISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIA-TION.-A meeting of the above association was held at the Harbour View Hotel, New-castle, on Saturday last, Mr. McElroy in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The protest en-tered by the Wallsend Rovers against the Minmi Rangers was brought under considera-tion for the second time. Having been minutely discussed, the association arrived at the conclusion that the above-mentioned clubs will require to play the final cup tie match over again on neutral ground. Mr. Lambie, captain of the Hamilton Athletics, has kindly consented to give the use of the Hamilton football ground for the event. The date fixed for the match is first Pay Saturday, November 19th, this being the last date given by the Association to play off the final kick-off at 3 o'clock prompt. The referee engaged for this occasion is Mr. Peter Bowling, of the Greta Blubells. This very important match is causing much excitement among the footballers of the Northern Dis-trict. It cannot be expected that either club will be up to their best form; however some excellent play may be expected, as the winners will be presented with gold badges now on view at Mr. Potter's shop, Newcastle. We may state that a delegate meeting will be held immediately after the game is finished in Mr. Williams' Hotel, Hamilton. 

There is no result for the Cup Final in the History of Soccer in NSW, Vol 1.

Badge Competition - Home/Away

Results

Newspaper accounts are:

04.06.1887

Carrington 2 v Glebe Black Watch 1

NB - Glebe's first Game. Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 7 Jun 1887, page 5 FOOTBALL.

18.06.1887

Greta Blue Bell 2 v Glebe 3 

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 16 Jun 1887, page 8 

16.07.1887

Minmi 1 v Glebe 0 - Hamilton 6 v Wallsend 1 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 21 Jul 1887, page 5 

04.07.1887

Glebe 1 v Carrington 2

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 7 Jun 1887, page 5 

23.07.1887

Glebe 0 v Minmi 1

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 12 Jul 1887, page 7

02.07.1887

Minmi 3 v Greta Blue Bells 3

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 28 Jun 1887, page 8 

07.07.1887

Hamilton 14 v Carrington Black Watch2

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 7 Jul 1887, page 8 

16.07.1887

Greta Blue Bells 4 v Carrington 1

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 19 Jul 1887, page 5 

06.08.1887

Wallsend 0 v Minmi 4

 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 8 Aug 1887, page 8

13.08.1887

Greta Blue Bells 1 v Minmi 3

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 12 Aug 1887, page 3  and Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 18 Aug 1887, page 3

Newcastle (Northern) v Sydney

At Hamilton Cricket Ground 24 May 1887 (Queens Birthday)

The North played its first representative game against a represetative team from Sydney.

The Sydney team was: goal Reaper, A Stephen, backs, W Rillie (captain), T Burningham half-backs, R Walker, J. Pickin, R Hitchen forwards C P Stephen, J Greig, J S Beer, P Adams, L B West 4 J Davidson, and D Rae. (Sydney Morning Herald, 17 May 1887, page 5). The Sydney could have played in the Southern British Football Association's colours of a white shirt with a red sash, white shorts, red sock, and blue cap. 

The Northern team comprised of 6 players from Minmi Rangers and 5 from Hamilton Athletic.

Goal, T. Dixon (Hamilton Athletic), back, J. Wilson (Minmi Rangers), R. Jackson (Hamilton Athletic), h. backs, J. Robson (Minmi Rangers), D. Aitkin (Hamilton Athletic), W. McIlroy (Minmi Rangers); forwards: W. McCrory (Minmi Rangers), J. Stevenson (Hamilton Athletic), J. Gibson (Minmi Rangers), J. Laverty (Minmi Rangers), W. Lambie (Hamilton Athletic)

The Northern team played in black and white. (The Newcastle Sun, 2 Jun 1944, page 6, SATURDAY'S SOCCER)

Sydney won 2 -1

(Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate Saturday 28 May 1887, page 3)

FOOTBALL.

Southern British Association Rules.--A match was played between the combined teams of Sydney and the Northern District, at Hamilton, on Tuesday. The teams were represented as follows :-Sydney : Goal, A. Stephen; backs, W. Baillie, T. Barringham; h. backs, R. Walker, R. Hitchen, and J. Pickin; forwards, C. P. Stephen, J. Greig, J. S. Kerr, P. Adams, F. V. West. Northern: Goal, T. Dixon; back, J. Wilson, R. Jackson, h. backs, J. Robson, D. Aitkin, .T. McIroy; forwards: W. McCrory, J. Stevenson; J. Gibson, J. Lafferty, W. Lambie. W. Ballie captained the Sydney team and J. Wilson captained the Northern team. This was a very well contested game throughout, some good play being shown by both sides. There was nothing done the first half of the game, but in the second the Sydney tearm got two goals and the Northern one goal. Thus the play ended, after one of the best games in the Northern distrinct. Afterwards they retired to Mr. Williams' Hotel, where they did ample justice to the good things, and after spending a jolly evening, broke up at 8.30 by singing "Auld Lang Syne." 

STATE CUP 1887

The cup was called the 1885-1887 Rainsford Trophy (1885-1887) and then the Gardiner Cup (1888-1929)

First Round 

(Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Tuesday 7 June 1887, page 6)

Wanderers v. Caledonians, Granville v. Canterbury, Pvrmont Rangers v. Parkgrove, Hamilton Athletics (Newcastle) v. Rovers.

Round 2

Hamilton 5 v Pyrmont Rangers 2 - (Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Saturday 6 August 1887, page 39)

Final

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 25 August 1887, page 2 

Granville 1 v Hamilton 4 - Rainsford Cup

Saturday 27 August 1887

Agricultural Ground Sydney

Match Report - Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Tuesday 30 August 1887, page 6 

Hamilton Athletics v. Granville 

These two teams met on Saturday on the Agri-cultural Ground, to play the final match for the Southern British Association Cup. The attend-ance was not very large, owing no doubt to the

many counter attractions, the supporters of both clubs mustered in good force, and any good points of play during the game were heartily recognised by the spectators. The journey of the Hamilton team from Newcastle did not seem in any way to have impaired their play, for the game was played out with the greatest of spirit, and it is a compliment to the umpires and referee to say that no disputes took place during its progress. The ball was set in motion shortly after 3 o'clock; the Hamilton playing with a fairly strong wind in their favor. After about two minutes' play the Hamiltons made a com-bined rush and Currie secured their first goal for them by a good shot. As if the goddess Fortune had determined to favor the Hamiltons to any extent, the Granville lost the services of P. Adams, one of their best players, though an injury to his

leg, and his services were much missed during the remainder of the game. The Granvilles, however, rallied well up, their forwards, espe-cially Edgar and Sorlie, playing well together. The score was rendered equal by a pretty shot from Sorlie. After some even play the Hamil-tons secured a corner, but the Granville backs playing strongly, the ball was sent into mid-field. Another corner was shortly after-wards declared for the northerners which re-sulted in a short scrimmage in front of the Granville's goal, but the ball rising Baillie headed is out of danger. The ball was now kept well in the centre of the arena, but a foul against the Hamiltons changed the scene of operations to their goal line, when a corner was declared against them, but the forwards getting the ball well away the Granville's backs were put on their mettle, but could not avoid the Northeners again scoring. Immediately the ball was again in motion the Granvilles kept their foes in hot water at their goal, the play, however, resulting in a corner from which nothing was scored. The play from this point to half-time was in favor of the Hamiltons, who added another goal to their score, the ball being headed through by Lambie. After a short spell both sides got to work again and the Hamilton rushed the ball up the field close to the Granville's goal, but Baillie and Edgar by good dribbling and heading got it out of danger once more. Now came the Granville's turn. For some time they kept their opponents acting strictly on the defensive; they secured a corner kick, but the ball was returned into play. The scene of operations was now midfield, but Edgar and Dickenson having secured the ball ran well down, and a splendid shot from the former sent the ball just over the bar. A really good shot from the same player shortly afterwards resulted in the ball striking the bar and bounding along it fell behind. A clear shot for goal was missed by Sorlie, of the Granvilles, about 10 minutes before time, owing to his ankle giving way. The Granvilles now had some hot work In defence of their goal, R, Walker and Lusk playing splendidly. Time was called a few minutes later, but not before the Hamiltons had increased their score to 4 goals to the Granville's 1. Both teams were entertained at the Wynyard Hotel in the even-ing

Hamilton Athletic was the first club from the North to win the cup. The next club to win the cup was Minmi Rangers in 1892 and then West Wallsend in 1900 and 1901.

Northern British Football Association

Formation

The Northern British Football Association was formed at a meeting of clubs at the Criterion Hotel, Newcastle on Sunday 26 June 1887. 

The clubs which formed the association were Minmi Rangers (1886), Hamilton Athletic (1886), Greta Blue Bells (1887), Carrington Black Watch (1887), Wallsend Rovers (1887), Glebe Black Watch (1887 - Renamed Burwood United)

First Meeting

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Tue 28 Jun 1887 page 8 NORTHERN BRITISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.

NORTHERN BRITISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. 

A delegate meeting of footballers was held a few days ago in the Criterion Hotel, Newcastle, with a view of forming an association. A majority of the clubs playing under the British Association Rules were represented. It was moved, " That the name of this Asso-ciation be the Northern British Football Association." It was further moved by J. Smith, '' That the secretary of each club be instructed to prepare subscription sheets in aid of the Association." 'It was also moved; . '' that the general secretary, (J. Williamson) be authorised to communicate with Mr. James. Fletcher, M.L.A., asking him to allow himself to become president and Mr. Ellis, M.L.A., vice president of this association, and also to ask the three mem-bers for Northumberland, Messrs. Melville, Walker, and Creer to become patrons of the association." It was further moved by Mr. Laughton, "That the next delegate meeting be held on the 16th July, and that each club send two representatives to be present at the meeting." Some gentlemen, lovers of the football game, had kindly promised their support to the association to the amount of £10. Greta Blue Bell Club will play Minmi Rangers on July the 2nd, on the cricket ground, Minmi, when some splendid play may be looked for, as they are both in good practice and form, and hold a good record. And on the 16th July Minmi Rangers will try conclusions with the Black Watch at Burwood 

Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Saturday 2 July 1887, page 39

A NEW ASSOCIATION.

A meeting was held last week in Newcastle, when the clubs which play the dribbling gam formed themselves into an association to be called " The Northern British Aissociation." Substantial offers of support were promised; the sum of £10 being collected toward the new institution. I have no doubt that success will attend the efforts of the supporters of this kind or game, as they are not as heavily handicapped in getting a team together as their betters, who play the rugby and Australian rules. It is much easier to put eleven men a side in the field than fifteen or twenty required by the others. The playing ground required is also limited. For the Australian game a large ground is requisite to make it interesting. 

Special Meeting 10 September

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Saturday 10 September 1887, page 7 

A special meeting of the Northern British Football Association will be held at the Harbour View Hotel, this morning, at 10 o'clock. As the business to be transacted is of importance, a good attendance of members is requested. 

Meeting 9 November 

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Wednesday 9 November 1887, page 8 

FOOTBALL. 

NORTHERN BRITISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the above association was held at the Harbour View Hotel, New-castle, on Saturday last, Mr. McElroy in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The protest en-tered by the Wallsend Rovers against the Minmi Rangers was brought under considera-tion for the second time. Having been minutely discussed, the association arrived at the conclusion that the above-mentioned clubs will require to play the final cup tie match over again on neutral ground. Mr. Lambie, captain of the Hamilton Athletics, has kindly consented to give the use of the Hamilton football ground for the event. The date fixed for the match is first Pay Saturday, November 19th, this being the last date given by the Association to play off the final kick-off at 3 o'clock prompt. The referee engaged for this occasion is Mr. Peter Bowling, of the Greta Blubells. This very important match is causing much excitement among the footballers of the Northern Dis-trict. It cannot be expected that either club will be up to their best form; however some excellent play may be expected, as the winners will be presented with gold badges now on view at Mr. Potter's shop, Newcastle. We may state that a delegate meeting will be held immediately after the game is finished in Mr. Williams' Hotel, Hamilton. 

1948 - The year promotion and relegation was introduced in NSW

The headline in the Newcastle Sun in October 1947 announced, 'For the first time in Australian soccer history the system of relegation and promotion will operate this season.' The 1948 NSW premiership would be conducted in A and B Divisions in both the North (Newcastle and Coalfields) and the South (Sydney and Illawarra). At the end of the season the first placed team in B division would replace the last team in A division. Northern clubs were not in favour of the proposal and would prefer 'any scheme which favours district football'. Despite this opposition, NSW Soccer Directors pushed ahead with what was described as 'The British system of promotion and relegation' for the 1948 competition.

The eight Northern teams selected in A division North were, Adamstown, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Lysagths Orb, Wallsend, West Wallsend, Kurri Kurri last and Swansea Belmont. The eight Southern clubs in A Division were Canterbury Bankstown, Corrimal Rangers, Drummoyne, Granville, Leichhardt Annadale, Metters, North Chore, Woonona Bulli, Metters and North Shore. The North and South divisions would run a separate home and away season. At the end of the home and away season, the first two placed teams in the North and the first two teams in the south would play-off for the state championship. 

At the end of the 1948 season, Adamstown and Lake Macquarie were the top 2 teams in the North Division and Leichhardt Annandale and Granville were the top 2 teams in the Southern Division. Eventually, Adamstown defeated Leichhardt 5 - 2 in the final to be crowned state premiers for the first time since 1935.

Promotional and relegation was short lived. The competition format from 1948 was scrapped in favour of an Intercity competition and with it, promotion and relegation. The northern and southern clubs were combined into one home and away program with a top four finals series. The clubs selected from the north were, Adamstown, Cessnock, Lysagths, Swansea Belmont, Wallsend and West Wallsend. Second placed Lake Macquarie were omitted. The southern clubs were Metters, Canterbury, Corrimal Rangers, Drummoyne, Granville, Leichhardt Annandale and Woonona Bulli 

Relegation, Promotion Operates In Soccer

By 'CELTIC'

For the first time in Australian soccer history the system of relegation and promotion will operate this season.

The 1948 premierships will be conducted in A and B divisions in both the North and South. At the end of the season, the leading team in the B division will replace the lowest team in the A division. In the North last season's premiers, Lake Macquarie, will meet Wailsend, at Wailsend to morrow. The locals have McKenna and Humphreys from New Lambton., while . the former Colliery Rangers left winger, B. Davies, has secured the flank position. J. Lonergan, who broke an ankle last season, is fit again. Lake Macquarie will be with out representative player, C. Merrion, but J. Atkinson has been promoted to fill the va vancy. A. H.eaney has been appoint ed coach to the club. Marshall Selected A former Scottisn half-back, Marshall, has been selected as right half for Lysaghts-Orb against West Wailsend at May field. Kurri has included C. Mowatt at inside-left, against Adams town at Adamstown. Cessnock has five young for wards, Stevenson, Peters. Al mond, Lennard and Slade — all ander 21 years — for its home match against SwanseaBel mont. Former Kurn goaiseeper, L. Falk. is in Cessnock's defence.

Newcastle Sun 16 October 1947, page 15

All Northern Soccer clubs likely to reject plans of directors.

By 'CELTIC'

As the suggested scheme for future reorganisation, which has been put forward by the Directors of the N.S.W. Soccer Association, cuts right through the principles of district football it is sure to be rejected by the 10 northern clubs. Northern clubs generally speaking will support any scheme which favors district football.

One northern Soccer official said that the scheme as announced by the State officials has 'a totally southerly bias.' Again the dropping of senior clubs by legislative act is a bad thing for the game and has driven more men out of the code in the past than anything else.

The playing of inter-district matches between four areas in the past has never been a revenue~producer. To compare such a scheme with the Currie Cup in South Africa is wide of the mark. The Currie Cud is a tournament between the different geographical colonies of the South African Union. There is room, ? however, in the south for the formation of a second division, if. promotion and relegation are -incorporated. But in the north, it is another matter. If the district system is adopted by northern clubs then these second division clubs would require a separate district. This would mean 16 districts in the Newcastle and Maitland areas.

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 13 October 1947, page 10

NEW SYSTEM

FOR SOCCER

-«

The British system of promo-tion and relegation will be intro-duced in next season's Soccer competitions.

The decision was made by N.S.W. Soccer directors at the week-end. Two teams of the northern and southern competitions will be omit-ted from next season's first-grade premiership. They will be included in new se-cond divisions of eight teams in each area.

At the end of next season, leading teams in the second divisions will re-place the bottom teams of the major leagues. The scheme will shorten the season by at least two months.

The directors also decided to conduct the State Cup competition earlier.

The 16 second division clubs will play a qualifying round, the eight surviving teams joining the 16 major teams in the first round.

Truth (Sydney, NSW : 1894 - 1954), Sunday 20 February 1949, page 24

SOCCER IN REVERSAL

Decision of the N.S.W. Soccer Association to conduct this season's competition on an inter-city basis is a complete reversal of earlier decisions. It had previously been decided to conduct the competition in two separate divisions,

teams irom me ©ouwi ana 12 from the North. It is clear that the northern clubs are endeavoring to profit from the big gates being drawn by the south. Sydney teams travelling to Newcastle have never been able to pay expenses, and the present arrangement will not satisfy them. Under the new set-up it is possible that only two games will be played in Sydney each week. Retrograde Move This is a retrograde move, as the only money coming into the game is from the Sydney matches. It appears as if, on this occasion, the Northern directors have ? made a strategic gain, but whether it will be successful or nnt, is annfVior

story. The following teams will comprise' the competition: — South: Leichhardt, Metters, Woonona, Drummoyne, Corrimal and Granville. North: ' Wallsend, Cessnock, Swansea, Adamstown, West Walsend, Lysaght's. -AB Division League in the South will be conducted, comprising teams from North Sydney, Auburn, Concord, Pyrmont, St. George, Gladesville, ExImperials, N.S.W. Police, Bankstown, and Lithgow. It is obvious 'from the above teams chosen that the promotion and relegation system has been scrapped.

1948

North

Adamstown, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Lysagths Orb, Wallsend, West Wallsend - Kurri Kurri last and Swansea Belmont second last

South

Canterbury Bankstown, Corrimal Rangers, Drummoyne, Granville, Leichhardt Annadale, Metters, North Chore, Woonona Bulli - Metters 2 last - North Shore last

1949

Intercity

Adamstown

Cessnock

Lysagths

Swansea Belmont

Wallsend

West Wallsend

Metters Canterbury Corrimal Rangers Drummoyne Granville Leichhardt Annandale Woonona Bulli 

Adamstown

Cessnock

Lysaghts Orb Swansea Belmont Wallsend

West Wallsend