Weekend marks historic victory for Balgownie

Balgownie resident and then skipper George Barlow with a photo of Balgownie Rangers’ 1957 Sydney Cup-winning side. Pic is called Weekend

THE PAST weekend marked the 50th anniversary of Balgownie Rangers Sydney Cup victory.

In the days before the A-League, State Premier League and semi-professional local associations, teams from Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle and other areas faced off in the Sydney premiership and Sydney Cup for soccer supremacy in NSW.

Balgownie’s 1957 Sydney Cup win, 1-nil over Granville at Lambert Park, Leichhardt was one of the highlights of Balgownie’s 125-year history, according to then skipper George Barlow.

“It was a great moment – I am fond of the Sydney Cup-winning team,” he said.

On that day, September 29, 1957, Balgownie Rangers centre-forward (striker in today’s currency) Tom McWatters scored the only goal.

The team included Australian representatives Harry Murdoch and Micky Duff, John Everington, Terry Beencke, Bill McKinnon, Tom McWatters, Alec Fraser, Alec Robinson, Neville Ryan, Ron Young and George Barlow.

The victory was one of three-month unbeaten streak, which was only broken with Balgownie’s 2-1 loss to Wallsend in the State Premiership semi-finals.

Five Balgownie players (Stan Richardson, Murdoch, Fraser, McWatters and Barlow) were selected to represent NSW against English outfit Blackpool at Wollongong Showground.

They were coached by Jim Frame, who Barlow said was a ‘great coach’.

“He brought the team together and got the best out of us,” Barlow said.

“The team fought for each other – they were a family, as were the supporters and the committee.”

The Sydney Cup was Balgownie’s first major trophy for 30 years, Barlow said.

Balgownie’s side and a pack of supporters and officials then headed to the old Mt Pleasant Social Club and celebrated their success.

“We filled the cup up a few times,” Barlow said, mischievously recalling the evening’s frivolity.

A few of the players from the 1957 team gathered at Balgownie’s recent 125th anniversary celebrations but many have died or slipped out of contact, Barlow said.

“I was excited when I saw a few of the team at the anniversary – I couldn’t remember the last time we were together like that,” he said.

Barlow’s memories of the 1957 season are unlikely to fade, as the Balgownie resident has an extensive file of news clippings about the team’s exploits.

Poor health has hampered his ability to follow the club’s fortunes since his 1961 retirement due to an injury.