GPS Rugby Season, 1906

Sydney High School's first GPS Rugby season, in the absence of a school magazine in the period before 1909, has been reconstructed from contemporary newspaper reports.

In the Great Public Schools Competition this year St. Joseph's College, Sydney, Grammar School, The King's School, Sydney C.E.G.S., Newington College, and the High School will compete, each school meeting the others twice. [Referee, 25 April 1906, p 10]

The Kings School

Wednesday 2 May 1906

Lost 0-7

The Sydney High School, the newest entry in the ranks of Great Public School football, signalised its first appearance by playing the oldest school—King's—at Parramatta yesterday. The High School went down with high expectations of at least putting up a good game, but when it came to file on the ground, and the physique of the two teams was seen, it was at once realised that the High School were much too light for their opponents, who looked veritable young giants. From the kick off the Parramatta lads ran rings around the City boys, and put up a wearying succession of tries and goals. The High School could not get a look in, and at half-time the scores were: King's School, 40 points; High School, nil.

After the breather the King's School team went at the work of slaughtering the innocents with even more vigour, and finished up a rollicking game with 87 points against their opponents' nil. Champion, the King's School "champion" goal-kick, added 17 goals to his already long list. The tries were secured by Kendall (4), Ayres (1), Iring (3), Cruickshank (1), Champion (3), Britten (4), and Fenner (1).

In the Second Grade match the performance was repeated, and King's School sailed home against the High Sohool to the tune of 39 points to nil. D. Pearce, Scholefuld and Egan scored twice, and Lloyd, Biddulph, Reynolds, Buddock and Shelley one each. Goals were converted by Shelley (2) and Reynolds (1). [The Australian Star, 3 May 1906, p 2]

The first match in Parramatta in the Great Public Schools Premiership competition was played on The King's School Oval, Parramatta, on Wednesday, in the presence of a large number of interested spectators. The match was interesting in one particular, at least, as it was the first appearance of the High School lads in the Rugby struggles in the Great Public Schools sphere.

The teams were: T.K.S — Fenner; Britten, Kendall, Cruickshank, Ayres; Irving (captain), Champion; Hewitt, Wharton, Milson, Doyle, Allingham, Glasson, Hicks, Godson. High School—Wenholz (captain); Moore, Pike, Todd, Herlihy; Mottershead, Perry; Byrne, Bull, Ross, Jennings, Kidston, O'Neill, Elder, Brown.

Mr. F. Boss was referee. Five minutes after the kick-off, the Blue-and-whites pressed to the northern end of the ground; and a pass coming to Irving, he dodged forward, and then, a few feet from the line, he passed to Kendall, who crossed. Champion converted. 5—0. Then Ayres scored a try brilliantly, following up his own good kick from the extreme wing. 8—0. Three minutes later Kendall scored his second try. 11—0. A weak kick by one of the High School lads; and Milson marked. Champion kicked a magnificent goal. 14—0. Then Irving kicked from centre to the eastern wing; and the High School back lost the ball; and Irving, following up, went across, and scored between the posts. Champion converted. 19—0. The K.S. captain passed to Cruickshank, who crossed, and Champion converted. 24—0. Irving got a handy pass, and went over easily. 27—0. Champion scored in the far corner. 30—0. After a little spell of quiet work, Allingham and Irving made an opening; and Kendall scored. Champion put the ball over. 35—0. Milson to Champion, to Irving, to Cruickshank, to Kendall, to Britten,—a flash of the old orthodox Blue-and-white machine-passing. A really good bit of passing work, in which four or five of the back men on the King's School side took part, gave Britten a really nice show, and he gained a pretty try. Champion converted. The score was 40 to nil at half-time. Two minutes after the kick-off, Britten crossed near the posts, and Champion made the score 45. Fenner, the K.S. full-back, was allowed to get the next try; Irving's work leading up to the score. K.S. 48; H.S. 0. Champion passed to Irving, after a good advance, in which the initial opening was made by Ayres. Another try. 51—0. Champion crossed a minute or so later. 54—0. Britten scored a try, and Champion put the ball over. 59—0. Then Britten picked up and scored. 62—0. Kendall got another try; and Irving converted. 67—0. Champion got a try and made the score 70. Glasson struggled through at the line, and made the score 73. Kendall did a run-away, and crossed. 76 to nil. Hicks went across next. 79—0. Irving ran through pluckily; and Cruickshank got the try from a pass from him. 82—0. Godson carried the ball forward, and Hewitt got a try. Britton converted. At the no-side the score was 87 to nil. [The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 5 May 1906, p 5]

See also: Sydney Morning Herald 3 May 1906, p 10.

Sydney Grammar School

Wednesday 9 May 1906

Lost 0-38

Sydney Grammar School met Sydney High School at Wentworth Park, and a fairly good game resulted. The Grammar School fifteen were all through too strong for the High School, who however made a very plucky effort, and will in the future meet with better success. The First Grade match was won by Grammar School by 38 points to nil. Fisher secured three tries, Barton two, Greenwell two, and Robinson one, Marich converted two goals and Fisher and Hill one each. Marich kicked two goals from marks. The Second Grade scores were 34 to 3 in favour of Grammar School, and the Third 52 points to nil. [The Australian Star, 10 May 1906, p 8]

Sydney High School were badly beaten again on Wednesday, Sydney Grammar School winning by 38 points to nil. It is a pity that this school did not play in the Second Grade of the Great Public Schools competition, for they are clearly outclassed in the First Grade. [The Sunday Sun, 13 May 1906, p 1]

St Joseph’s College

Wednesday 16 May 1906

Lost 0-81

St. Joseph's College and Sydney High School met at Hunters Hill last Wednesday in contest for premiership honours, when St. Joseph's put up the extraordinary score of 81 to nil. They scored 19 tries, 12 of which were converted by Sheil. Birch, who was well supported, ran splendidly, and scored 9 tries; Malone got 3, O'Callaghan 3, Beigley, Brown, Dalton and Byers one each. [The Catholic Press, 24 May 1906, p 9]

Sydney High School went up to Hunter's Hill and tried conclusions with St. Joseph's with disastrous results. The final score in the First Grade match was 81 points to nil, and in the Second Grade match 55 points to nil. St. Joseph's College Third Grade fifteen met and defeated Scots' College. [The Australian Star, 17 May 1906, p 2]

Newington College

Wednesday 23 May 1906

Lost 0 - 45

Newington College played Sydney High School yesterday at Stanmore, and although the game was all on one side, still the High School have evidenced that they have already steadily improved, and will before the season is over provide a good, fast game. Mr. Johnson, the well-known University forward has taken them in hand, and he confidently hopes to lick a little shape into them. The material is there, and only wants polishing. The difference in the scores rattled up against them should be a guide as to their improvement—80 points in the St. Joseph match and 45 points yesterday. The High School should be distinctly encouraged. [The Australian Star, 24 May 1906, p 8]

Although the match was a run-over for Newington, there is matter for congratulation in the marked improvement shown by the High School boys. They showed that there was plenty of good material in the team that was being absolutely wasted through crude organisation. The captain did not seem to know his players—or at least their capacity. The finest thing about the team was the fact that they did not "peek" when the points against them were going up without intermission, but played solidly on till the whistle went. This is the spirit wanted, and now that N. R. Johnston, the 'Varsity captain, is behind them, they are likely to develop into a combination that will be more worthy of G.P.S. steel. For Newington, Newman shone conspicuously good at the beginning of the season. He has improved out of sight, and is now one of the best halves Newington has turned out, and they have had a few on the good side. Lawson, Northcott, Cuthbertson, and Paull were the pick of the forwards, while Hill was usually where he was wanted. [The Daily Telegraph, 30 May 1906, p 12]

Sydney Church of England Grammar School

Wednesday 30 May 1906

Lost 0-44

Sydney Church of England Grammar School had a day out against Sydney High School at Wentworth Park, and knocked up the respectable total of 44 points to High School's nil. The game, as will be imagined, was wholly one-sided, and North Sydney were not slow to take the opportunity to add to their competition points. In the Second Grade match the scores were 18 to 8 against High School. [The Australian Star, 31 May 1906, p 2]

ROUND ONE OVERVIEW

Great Public Schools Football.

FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP TABLE.

Club | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Scores For | Scores Against | Points

St. Joseph's Col. .. | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 114 | 13 | 8

The King's School | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 126 | 16 | 7

Newington College | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 89 | 33 | 7

Syd. Gram. School | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 79 | 21 | 6

Syd. Ch. of E.G.S. | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 50 | 86 | 2

Syd. High School .. | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 298 | 0

…

The first round of matches in connection with the Great Public Schools competition has been completed, and, as will be seen from the foregoing table, there is not much to choose between the first four schools; that is, of course, on points. St. Joseph's, the premiers of last season, have retained their lead by winning four out of the five matches played. The game in which they were vanquished was against King's School, and the losers may be said to have then not obtained their football legs. Since, however, they have shown their superiority in no uncertain manner. King's School suffered their first defeat yesterday, when they fell to Sydney Grammar School, a rather unexpected conclusion, considering the reputation King's School have gathered to themselves. The large number of game points scored by King's has been swelled by 87 to nil compiled against Sydney High School. Newington College have so far tied with King's for 7 points, a very fair comparison, for the two teams, when they met, could not decide who were best, and retired with honours even. Sydney Grammar School have won three matches and lost two—Newington College and St. Joseph's having each lowered their colours, but they retaliated yesterday by showing the way to the redoubtable King's in a very workmanlike style. The North Shore lads are a capital lot, but they could not get going, and only drew their first blood yesterday afternoon against the High School, a result which may put a little heart into them. As for Sydney High School, their first essay into Great Public School ranks has cost something, and their position does not look very inspiring. They have lost every match, and have not even scored a try, whilst their opponents have rattled up just two off three centuries. Perseverance will tell in the future, and now that they have been taken systematically in hand rapid strides should be made. [The Australian Star, 31 May 1906, p 2]

Newington College

Wednesday 1 August 1906

Lost 0 - 42

Fifteens representing Newington College, and Sydney High School were pitted against each other on Wentworth Park yesterday. Mr. G. Boss acted as referee. The teams were:—Newington College: Powntey, Hoeder, Leigh, M'Donald, Wesley, Hill, Newman, Chapman, Winter, Phelps, Shaw, Bate, Cuthbertson, Northcote, Paul. Sydney High School: Hobden, Henderson, Pike, Todd, Herley, Furber, Perry, Brown, M'Kenzie, O'Neil, Ross, Jennings, Moore, Bull, and Radford.

-

Newington kicked off from the southern goal, and play was at once carried into the High School's 25. From a throw-in the College boys dribbled over the line, but High School forced. From the kick-out Newington College attacked strongly, and M'Donald secured from a passing rush, and ran straight for the goal posts, but he was intercepted by Hobden. Shortly afterwards a scrum took place near the School's line, and Hill secured, and scored. The extra points were added by Cuthbertson. Newington College, 5; High School, nil. The College boys now forced matters, and carried the leather, to the Newington 25, and on several occasions nearly scored. Here they were awarded a free kick, which, however, was resultless. The Newington forwards headed by Cuthbertson, transferred play to High School's 25, where Moore being off-side his team was penalised. The kick at goal failed. The ball was now returned to half-way, where some very fine play took place, the best work being done by Cuthbertson. Soon afterwards Wesley secured from a scrum near the High School line, and scored, Cuthbertson added the extra points. The score now stood: Newington, 10; High School, nil. Play hovered, for a time in neutral territory, when Newington broke through the School's defence, but the ball was kicked out of touch. High School again attacked, and play was left in Newington's territory. From the throw-in near the School's corner Chapman secured, and fell over the line. Cuthbertson converted. Newington College, 15; High School, nil. When half-time was called no further score had been registered.

The second half proved a runaway victory for Newington. Shortly after the kick-off Winter (Newington College) secured the ball from a series of passing rushes, and scored just near the School's goal-post. The extra points were again added by Cuthbertson. A little later Newington College were awarded a free kick near their opponents' goal-line. The kick was entrusted to Cuthbertson, who was successful. The score now stood: Newington, 23; High School, nil. The High School now attacked strongly, and kept the leather in their opponents' 25. From a scrum Leigh secured, and had a straight run, but when nearing the line he was forced out. Newington College were again awarded a free kick for off-side play. Cuthbertson was successful in the attempt. Shortly afterwards Newman (Newington College) scored a try. The kick at goal failed. The score was now 29 to nil. The game was now very exciting, the ball being kept in the High School's 25. Later on M'Donald got hold of the ball from a passing rush, and fell over the line. The kick at goal again failed. On resuming Newington College forced matters, and Leigh scored a try. The kick at goal was not successful. A little later Holder obtained another try, and Cuthbertson added the extra points. When full-time was called the score was Newington College, 42; High School, nil.

* * * * *

The early match on the Wentworth Park Oval was between the same schools second fifteens. After a very interesting game Newington College won by 3 to nil. Teams: Sydney High School: Wenholz, Heuston, Baine, Southee, Threthewey, Brown, Sinclair, Lane, Bonnefin, M'Roberts, Audsley, Simmonds, Fraser. Newington College: Knight, Norman, Pauley, Morris, Pearson, Jekyll, Brown, Whitley, Nosworthy, Winter, Hall, Barlow, Cullen, Holloway.

Nosworthy scored a try for the winners; the kick at goal failed. Mr. Lappin acted as referee. [The Australian Star, 2 August 1906, p 7 ]

Newington easily accounted for the High School, but the latter played a much better game than they did last half, and appeared to be better organised, particularly among the forwards. They played harder, and kicked better, but the back division is still wanting in combination. The College got in some fine passing rushes that baffled their opponents, and all the back division scored except the full-back. The second fifteens of both schools met, and as the High School were only beaten by three points it adds point to the contention that had they taken a lower place they would soon have been bidden to step up higher. [The Daily Telegraph, 8 August 1906 p 11]

Sydney Grammar School

Wednesday 8 August 1906

Lost 0 - 35

Notwithstanding the rain of yesterday morning, the field at the Sports Ground was in comparatively good order when the Sydney Grammar School met the Sydney High School at football. The weather conditions, contary to expectations, were nice and warm, and the wind was gentle.

In the First Grade match the teams were:—

Sydney Grammar School.—Full-back, A. D. Hill; three-quarters, H. Mackintosh, C. Gale, Marich and O. Barton; five-eighths, W. Convery and E. Fisher; forwards, F. Benjamin, S. Marden, C. Wallach, N. Broughton, F. Ritchie, A. Hookham, J. Hooten (capt.), A. Lloyd.

Sydney High School.—Full-back, F. Wenholz; three-quarters, L. O'Neill, Henderson, J. Pryke, and J. Healihy; five-eighths, Furber and Perry; forwards, Brown, M'Kenzie, Jennings, M'Roberts, Bull, Moore, Ross and Blumer.

G. M'Elhone was referee.

The Grammar School kicked off, and it was not long before they were awarded a free kick, just off the half-way line, in the High School's territory. Marich attempted the kick, but just missed, although it was beautifully elevated. From a passing rush Barton (S.G.S.) secured, and made a splendid run from the 25 yards’ line. He ran straight for the goal, and bowling over all who stood in his way, fell over the line right under the goal. Gale converted. S.G.S., 6; S.H.S., nil. From the kick-off fairly even play ensued, till the High School came down the field with a rush. They were just over the line when the whistle went for a knock-on, just spoiling their chance. Grammar School now turned the tables, and getting hold from the scrum, went right down the field with a passing rush, where Mackintosh eventually scored. Marich converted, S.G.S., 10; S.H.S., nil. From a liner-out Barton again secured, and running from half-way passed all his opponents, and scored his second try for the Grammar School. Fisher was successful in converting. S.G.S., 16; S.H.S., nil. Setting the ball in motion again, play was mostly confined to the High School territory. Breaking away from a scrum Marich got over the line, but the attempt failed. S.G.S., 18; S.H.S., nil. It was not long after the kick-off when Marich again got over the line in about the same place. The attempt failed. This try was immediately succeeded by another by Broughton, which Gale converted. S.G.S., 26; S.H.S., nil. The whistle then sounded for half-time.

* * * * * *

Getting on the go for the second half play immediately went to the High School's territory, where Barton was just pulled back off the line in time to save a try. For a short time play went back to half-way, but the Grammar School were not content to stay there, and soon had the ball in their former 25 again. Convery (S.G.S.), securing from a ruck, ran across the field and fell over the line; the attempt failed. S.G.S., 29; S.H.S., nil. Ritchie (S.G.S.) soon after followed suit, and brought their score to 32 to nil, the attempt, having failed. Play now roamed all over the field, and the High School failed at three free kicks. They certainly livened up' and had the play at the Grammar School end instead of their own, and went very near scoring two or three times. After the game had been all over the field Barton (S.G.S.) scored another try, thus bringing their score to 35 to nil. When the whistle sounded for full, time the scores remained at S.G.S., 35 points, to S.H.S.'s nil.

* * * * * *

In the Second Grade match the teams were:—S.G.S.: Full-back, Strahorn; three-quarters, Asmuss, Carr, Trebeck, Connah; five-eights, Bray, Grieve; forwards, Douglas, MLeod, Elliott, M'Ewan, Butler, Arnold (captain), Bull, Cowdery. S.H.S.: Full-back, H. Wenholz; three-quarters, Byrne, Trethewy, Brown, Southee; five-eights, Sinclair, Heuston; forwards, Symmonds, Audsley, Bourne, Fraser, Lane, Readford, Kidston, Ross. The play was lively, and the lads in good form. At the call for half-time the score was 8 to nil in favour of the Grammar School, and at full-time 16 to 3 in favour of the Grammar School. Those who scored were Grieve, M'Ewan converted, G. Butler, Trebeck converted, G. Butler, and Asmuss.; while Kidston scored for the High School. [The Australian Star, 9 August 1906, p 2]

St Joseph’s College

Wednesday 15 August 1906

Lost 0-42

St. Joseph's College ran up 42 to nil against The High School at Wentworth Park, with Mr. W. F. Matthews, the University half-back, referee. The victors were superior alike in physique and ability, and simply outclassed the High School, whose record is now a most remarkable one, viz., 409 points to nil against them. In the second fifteens' match St. Joseph's beat The High School, 69 to nil. Quite clear that the High School boys are physically out of their class in Great Public Schools' football. [Sunday Times 19 August 1906, p 7]

Sydney Church of England Grammar School

Wednesday 22 August 1906

Lost 0 - 11

Teams representing Sydney High School and North Sydney Church of England Grammar School were pitted against each other on the North Sydney Oval yesterday after noon. The teams were:—

Church of England Grammar School.— Hosking, Radford, Rockley, Haydon, Temple, Blaxland, Kater, Roberts, Longworth, Lehmaire, M'Kellar, and Edwards.

Sydney High School.—Wenholz, Pike, Moore, Henderson, Hurley, Furber, Perry, Brown, M'Kenzie, Jennings, M'Roberts, Bull, Kidston, Ross and Readford.

Mr. Clayton acted as referee.

The game was very evenly contested throughout. In the first half the Grammar School boys were leading by 6 to nil. Radford scored a try and Edwards kicked a penalty goal. The second half was very exciting. Shortly after the game commenced Radford scored another try and Blaxland added the extra points. The High School forwards played a splendid game. When full time was called the score was: Church of England Grammar School, 11 points; High School, nil.

* * * * * *

On the North Sydney Oval yesterday afternoon the local Church of England Grammar School B team defeated Sydney High School B team by 44 points to nil. Mr. Lane acted as referee. The teams were:—

Church of England Grammar School.—Hall, Nickle, Warden, Hay, Rich, Taylor, Hagen, Tucker, Snell, Penefather, J. Hall, Pockley, Richardson, Edwards.

Sydney High School.—Wenholz, Ryan, Southey, Borne, Trethewey, Simmonds, Brown, Henston, Audsley, Blumer, Kidston, E. Ross, Fraser, Ross.

The scorers were Richardson, Hall, Penefather, Warden, Tucker, Capel, Hagen, Rich, and Pockley. [The Australian Star, 23 Aug 1906, p 2 ]

The Grammar School did not show their usual form, and there was a good deal of faulty play on both sides. The High School forwards played well in the first half, but appeared to tire, and they received very little assistance from the back division, except in the case of the full-back. [The Daily Telegraph, 23 August 1906, p 10]

The High School barometer has gone up considerably, since they were beaten by North Shore by the comparatively narrow margin of 11 to nil. This is the lowest score put up against them, and although North Shore is only a step higher on the list than the High School, it is some slight salve to feel that they are within comparing distance even of the weakest team in the competition [The Daily Telegraph, 29 August 1906, p 6]

The King’s School

Wednesday 29 August 1906

Lost 0 - 16

The K.S. v. T.H.S. match was a foregone conclusion as well, which was rather a pity, considering that three teams were scratching for second place on the list. [The Daily Telegraph, 5 September 1906, p 6]

SEASON OVERVIEW

GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMPETITION

Premiership Table.

Club. | Matches. | Won. | Lost. | Drawn. | For | Against | Points.

St. Joseph's ………. 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 204—16 | 18

The King's School .. 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 163—27 | 13

Syd. Gram. School .. 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 139—31 | 13

Newington College . 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 151—67 | 12

S. C. of E. G. S. .... 10 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 67—142 | 4

The High School .... 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0—443 | 0

[The Australian Star 30 August 1906, p 2]

When the High School started there were 15 individual teams in the field—every boy "went on his dead own," and the consequence was the same as when British valor was opposed to Roman discipline. As the season progressed, however, the benefits of combination were strikingly presented to them, and they learned to keep their head down in the scrum, instead of looking up to see where the ball was. It seems a paradox in view of the big scores put up against them, but the strength of the High School lay in their tackling. But the trouble was the man tackled passed, and by the time the man in possession was located the opportunity for attack was gone. There was no anticipation. However, it was no small achievement to stave North Shore off as well as they did, and it is quite safe to say that next year there will not be the same need for sympathy. Whatever the class of their football may have been the High School boys deserve all sorts of credit for their grit. [The Daily Telegraph, 12 September 1906, p 11]