Eastern
Suburbs Tigers Club History. |
1972 Grandfinal | 1978 Grandfinal | Diehards Lament
The Early Days
For the early years of the history of our club we have referred to the reference book "Gregory's Guide To Rugby League" first published in 1965 as well as an article from Football World, a local League Magazine, published in 1970.
Eastern Suburbs were originally known as Coorparoo but became Eastern Suburbs when District Football was introduced to Brisbane. The Brisbane Competition was formed in 1922 and, as Coorparoo, the club took out the A Grade Premiership in 1923.
Coorparoo Football Club A Senior 1929
Winners: Presidents Cups and Pike Ambulance Cup and Medals. Runners Up B.R.L. Premiership
The last Annual Meeting of Coorparoo was held in February 1933 and the first Annual Committee meeting of Eastern Suburbs was held on February 5, 1934 so Easts came into being in 1933. Former Publican, the late Tom Bird was the club's first president with George Shields first secretary.
In the first year of establishment, Easts club handled a total of 163 pounds 7 shillings and sixpence. Eddie "Babe" Collins learned his early football with Easts before Australian selection and other Internationals from the club included Nev Broadfoot, "Chum" Christie, Les Sellars and Arthur Henderson.
In 1946, the Club was successfully revived after suffering many defeats during the war years. A.G. (Taffy) Welch was re-elected President; M. Mullins, Secretary; and W.Robertson Treasurer. The Managent Committee were L. Davis, A.Donovan, N.Milne, J.Murray, L.Morley, J.F.McCartney, H.McInnes and N.Wright.
This committee really set to work to rebuild the club and stimulate interest in the code in the district.
In 1945, five teams were fielded. In 1946 no less than twelve were registered with the BRL (Brisbane Rugby League). Of these teams, ten were semi finalists and seven made the grand finals. The main object was to present to the public a really strong first grade team.
The next year, 1947, saw what would probably be the greatest side fielded by the club. Every trophy competed for in the BRL competition and Premiership were won.
All credit to Neville Ryrie who coached this side and Jack Ryrie who so ably led them. Eleven of the First Grade players represented Brisbane in the 1947 Bulimba Cup Matches. These were: J.Ryrie, Cliff Green, J.Jager, Tom Drysdale, Ron McLellan, P.Steinhueur, T.Callinan, H.Kissick, J.Schatz, Jack Atkins and R.Kille.
The second post war Premiership was in 1950 and the team (reproduced below) also won the Peter Hickey Cup and the Frank Fullarton Trophy that year. .
1950 Eastern Suburbs Rugby League
Front Row: J.Garrigan (Hon Sec); N.Feuerriegel ; J.Atkins (Coach); R.Kille (Capt); A.G.Welch (Pres); T.Drysdale (V. Capt); K.Brown; R.Stanton; W.Robertson (Treas.)
Second Row: H.McInnes; B.Milne; j.O'Malley; R.Christensen; E.Dempsey; S.Griffiths; R.Otway; J.Mitchell
Third Row: C.Kahler; A.Stanton; K.Busteed; J.Walker; F. Zahner; B.Baker; L.Guy; G. Halliday
Fourth Row: A.Anderson; C.Martin; J.McPhail; F.McKenzie; K.Schatz; J.Cornish(Sel.)
Back Row: F.Thomsen (sel.); M.Kent; L.Blaik; N.Rolley; A.Lawrence (Asst Sec & Sel.)
Again in 1951, Easts contested the Grand Final being beaten by Southern Suburbs, This meant that, since the revival of the club in 1946, they had played six finals in succession. Charlie Walsh (later to become Vice-President of the BRL) became President in 1952 and continued in this position for a number of years.
In 1952 also Easts appearances in Grand Finals was stopped as Brothers beat them in the third Semi-Final. They made the Grand Final again in 1953 playing Souths who they had defeated in the First Semi-Final but they were unable to repeat the feat in the Big One.
In 1954, they failed to make the top four so, for the first time in eight years they failed to compete in the semi-finals. Little was the club to know how long this drought was to continue! 1954 also saw the Easts Juniors club win their very first premiership.
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The Sixties
The 60's were not a happy time for the club on the field though several players were to make their mark. Jeff Denman a strong running winger from Ipswich was an outstanding player who was to represent Australia while other notable players included David Wakerley, "Shrimpy" Haines and Stan Neaves.
The club's home ground was, and still is at Langlands Park at Stones Corner - and through the sixties, Easts Cricket Club shared the tenancy during the summer season. When the club was formed, team members had the use of two ovals, but by this time the ground housed just one playing field.
The only real success the A grade team enjoyed in the early sixties was the winning of the Peter Scott Memorial Trophy in 1960 played between the two leading teams at the end of the second competition round. The 15 year premiership drought forced club officials to search for a top coach and in 1965 former international, Clive Churchill was engaged to try to mould the team into a premiership 13.
Eastern Suburbs RLFC 1965
Front Row: R.Webster; M.Henderson (V.Capt); F.McCartney (Pres.); B.Wall (Capt); L.Cross (Man.); J.Davies; G.Turner
Second Row: Greg Lawson; J.Denman; M.Thistlethwaite; Graham Lawson; N.East; G.English
Back Row: L.Crutchfield(Masseur); M.Verrenkamp; C.Churchill (Coach); B.McColl; C.Wallace (Cttee)
In 1965, the leaders were Fred Macartney (President) and Bill Munt (Secretary). Other top office bearers are: Ian Bertram (Treasurer); Wal Blackman (Asst Treasurer); Tom Drysdale (Asst Secretary). Arthur Sparkes, the club's delegate to the Brisbane Rugby League was the assistant manager on the 1964 trip to England and France by the Kangaroos.
1967 saw several events that were to start the revival of the Tigers in the Brisbane Competition. The experienced Prop, Les Geeves was recruited from Norths as Captain coach and brought with him the prolific points scoring fullback, Peter Lobegeiger. In the junior grades, an outstanding crop of juniors was being developed with the U/18 side boasting young hooker John Lang and Five-eighth "Butch" Pearse while the U/17's of that year contained Paul Khan and mercurial fullback Roger Kuhn. The club also recruited a young Lock Forward from the Ipswich Competition in Des Morris.
Many of these names were to become household names in Brisbane and Queensland football over the next decade as they were involved in making Easts the glamour side of the Seventies. The immediate effect was the club's appearance in the 1968 Grand Final against an awesome Past Brothers side containing the likes of Peter Gallagher, Dennis Manteit, Johnny Gleeson and Wayne Abdy. Easts were well beaten (21 - 4) and also suffered the ignominy of having fiery red headed Prop Danny Ryan sent from the field for an "incident" involving international Five-eighth Johnny Gleeson.
In 1969 the Club was successful in winning the Woolies $2000 - a pre-season competition.
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The Successful
Seventies
Under the astute leadership of Jack Aitkens and Tom Drysdale, the Tigers set about establishing their place in the competition. The Leagues Club had been formed and the club took another step forward with the appointment of Ted Verrankamp as A Grade coach. Ted had enjoyed a great playing career in England and had been involved in TV commentary before returning to "hands on" football with Easts.
1972 saw the Tigers win their first Grand Final in 22 years when Lock Forward Jeff Fyfe kicked "that field goal" in the dying seconds to defeat the Valley Diehards in a thriller.
The Ipswich connection was to become very prominent in the Seventies with Rod Morris joining his brother Des along with Terry "Stumbles" Creedy and Kev "Chicka" Stephens. Des Morris (pictured) was to take over as A Grade coach in 1975 and the stage was set for the Tigers to be the club of the second half of the decade.
TO BE CONTINUED....
The 1972 Grandfinal.
One of the greatest Grand Finals ever! We have two reports on this game - with a difference of opinion on how long to go when the final kick went over. For the record, we stick with the ten second story.
EASTERN SUBURBS TIGERS 16.
Tries: B.Crassini, D.Morris.
Goals: H.Fullarton 4.
Field Goals: L.Hutchinson, J.Fyfe.
Team: H.Fullarton, J.Denman, J.Eales, J.Atkin, A.Currie, R.Pearse, L.Hutchinson, J.Fyfe, B.Crassini, D.Morris (c), K.Stephens, J.Lang, P.Khan.
defeated FORTITUDE VALLEY DIEHARDS 15.
Tries: J.Gill, R.Hughes, P.Gayler.
Goals: J.Crilly 3.
Team: A.Mills, P.Gayler, G.Fitzpatrick, B.Rose, D.Abrahams, M.Scanlan (c), R.Threlfo, J.Gill, J.Canavan, J.McCabe, R.Hughes, H.O'Doherty, J.Crilly.
Venue: Lang Park.
Date: September 17 1972.
Referee: Henry Albert.
Crowd: 37 672.
Half-time: Easts 9-7.
Reserve Grade: Norths 45 defeated Fortitude Valley 3.
3rd Grade: Wynnum-Manly 9 defeated Norths 2.
Written by: Michael Higgison
The grand final of 1972, Easts first premiership since 1950, will no doubt be remembered as the most famous in Brisbane's history. Easts lock Jeff Fyfe kicked the first field goal of his life four minutes from full-time to get his side home 16-15 against Valleys, and will be remembered as creating the most dramatic finish ever. The game was level at 9-all soon after half-time and then 15-all with four minutes to go. Ironically Fyfe, a Rothmans Medal winner, was lucky to be on the field. He played with a sprained ankle and pain-killing injections following a mishap while giving Easts U/15 players a lecture on warming-up techniques.
From the kick-off, the capacity crowd was kept at fever-pitch and on its feet by full-blooded tackles and the fluctuating fortunes of both sides. While Easts only scored two tries to Valleys’ three, it should also be noted that the Tigers narrowly missed three more tries on corner-flag rulings. Not taking anything away from the defence of the gallant Diehards, however the better side won in the end. Coach Ted Verrenkamp had given Easts strict instructions at half-time that only three players - Lee Hutchinson, “Butch Pearse and Howard Fullarton were to kick the ball. The Diehards scored three tries to two, but four goals by Fullarton and field goals by Fyfe and Hutchinson made the difference. the match, Easts coach Ted Verrenkamp said the way the Tigers played with a strong breeze behind them that they would have beaten any other team comfortably, but that the Valleys players kept on coming back. He also said that the Diehards had tremendous spirit and that no one needs to be told that he was worried right to the end.
The outstanding attacking player on the field was Easts second-rower Des Morris. Morris won two man-of-the-match awards - a $60 transistor radio and a $100 George Symons suit from 4IP. Other outstanding performances for Easts were by Hutchinson, wingers Jeff Denman and Allan Currie, and forwards Kev Stephens, Boris Crassini, Johnny Lang and Paul Khan. For the Diehards, their best were prop Russell Hughes, halves Marty Scanlan and Ross Threlfo, and forwards John Crilly, John McCabe and Hugh O’Doherty. This day should also be remembered as the day the Seagulls made their first entry into B.R.L. history, winning their first senior premiership in third grade against the Devils.
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Top Tiger Out Early
This article by Harry Jeffries first appeared in the Telegraph on Monday 18th September 1972.
"It was business as usual this morning, although not quite his usual sprightly self for the Easts Tiger Skipper, Des Morris, 24, who led his side to the spectacular Brisbane Rugby League premiership against Valleys at Lang Park yesterday. A milkman in the heart of Tiger territory around Stones Corner, Des left on his rounds after 5 a.m.After the game, he and his wife Fay went to a celebration barbecue at Easts headquarters, Langlands Park.Fay, who has practically lost her voice from cheering in the grandstand with a host of supporters, got home around 11 p.m."Des arrived a wee bit later" she said.
With ten seconds to go and the estimated close to 38 000 crowd screaming their heads off, Easts lock, Jeff Fyfe landed a snap field goal from 25 yards out when the teams were locked at 15 - 15 and gave his team a wonderful victory.It was the Tigers first premiership win since 1950 when present Easts Secretary, Tom Drysdale, President, Jack Atkin and a selector Johnny Schatz played.Atkin's young son Johnny was an Easts centre yesterday. "It was a long wait between premierships," Mr Atkins said afterwards. "But, boy, it was worth waiting for.""And I'm glad to say there is nothing wrong with my heart.""I'm proud of Des Morris and his boys. They are a great bunch of lads on and off the field.""And I can't say enough about our coach, Ted Verrenkamp."Mr Drysdale and Mr Atkin sat together in the grandstand. "The years of planning and negotiating finally paid off,"
Mr Drysdale said.Morris played one of the finest games of his career. He was powerful in attack and defence, and scored a slashing try to put Easts ahead late in the second half. It was a match to remember.Easts running against a stiff breeze, led 9 - 7 at the break. But Valleys began the second half with a penalty by John Crilly. 9 - 9.About five minutes afterwards, Easts half back Lee Hutchison landed a field goal - Easts 10 . 9.The pace was on, the crowd roared and spectators encroached close to the sideline.Valleys stormed back with a great try by Forward Russell Hughes - Valleys 12 . 10.The Diehards were running true to tradition.
With about 20 minutes to go, Morris raced away 25 yards out and tore through a gap to touch down just inside the corner post.The crowd had got out of hand, and referee, Henry Albert, who had an excellent game , had to ask the linesman whether it was right as spectators nearly bowled him over.Easts led 13 - 12 and then a Howard Fullerton penalty put them further ahead 15 - 12.Back came the Diehards with winger Paul Gayler flying away for a try. Crilly missed the conversion as Albert had to force the spectators, mostly school boys back.It was 15 - 15.To make matters worse the time clock had stopped.Then came the dramatic end when Fyfe landed a field goal with 10 seconds to go"
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1978 Grand Final - That Try!
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| A jubilant Des Morris holds the Winfield Cup aloft after the presentation by the Governor, Sir James Ramsay.” |
Shades of '72 with the Tigers getting up in the final minutes against Valleys, this time through a try to five-eighth Greg Holben, (now Chairman of Selectors), when all seemed lost.
EASTERN SUBURBS TIGERS 14.
Tries: G. Holben, R.Morris.
Goals: J.McDonald (3), W.Lindenberg.
Team: R.Kuhn, B. Backer, M.Payne, S.Farquaher, J.Callus, G.Holben, W.Lindenberg, A.Currie, J.Abbot, D.Morris (c), B.McLeod, J.Lang, R.Morris.
defeated FORTITUDE VALLEY DIEHARDS 10.
Tries: M.Neill, V.Wieland
Goals: M.Niell, A.Mills.
Team: A.Mills, M.Neill, G.Fitzpatrick, V.Wieland, D.Abrahams, P.McWhirter,
R.Strudwick (c), W. Lewis, J.McLeod, T.Duggan, A. McInnes, T. Johnson, M. Zillman
Venue: Lang Park.
Date: September 17 1978.
Referee: Eddie Ward.
Crowd: 30 000 +
Half-time: Easts 5 - Valleys 5
The following article by reporter David Falkenmire, originally appeared in the Telegraph on Monday 18th September 1978.
"Easts won their second successive Brisbane rugby league premiership at Lang Park yesterday by defeating Valleys 14-10 with a dramatic try four minutes from the finish. It was the Tigers fifth premiership in the post World War II period. Valleys last won in 1974. It was 5-all at half-time and Valleys led 10-9 until Greg Holben scored that thrilling try in the dying minutes.
The remarkable Allan Currie, at 33 the oldest on the field, emerged as one of the heroes of Easts nail biting 14-10 win over Valleys at Lang Park yesterday in a superb rugby league grand final.
Lock Currie was one of the best players on the field with his crashing runs and powerful defence. Currie brought the crowd of more than 30,000 to its feet on several occasions as he literally launched himself into flying tackles.
Hot favourites Easts pulled the match out of the fire in the last five minutes when a sustained attacking burst resulted in five-eighth Greg Holben diving over in the corner.
Replacement winger Jeff McDonald kicked a mighty conversion form the sideline and Easts had plucked the match from Valleys grasp.
Valleys were on the verge of causing upset when they led 10-9 following a penalty goal in the 72nd minute by fullback Allan Mills.
And no one would have denied the underdogs victory - they had scored two tries at one stage and claimed it should have been three.
Valleys supporters felt young lock Wally Lewis should have been awarded a penalty try early in the second half after he short kicked and was involved in a mad scramble for the ball over the line.
Easts captain-coach Des Morris breathed a sigh of relief after the game and said "I thought we were gone. Valleys simply refused to give in.
"Half-back Wayne Lindenberg, who received 'flu injections before taking the field, quickly made his presence felt when he sliced through Valleys defence in a sizzling 60m burst.
He landed a penalty goal from wide out after six minutes, but winger Mick Neill equalised for Valleys in the 8th minute.
Lindenburg, Currie and Holben all figured prominently in a quick passing movement which ended with prop Rod Morris diving over for the first try of the match.
“ Easts Captain Coach Des Morris hemmed in but still able to get a one handed pass away. Valleys prop, Mark Zillman has hold of one arm and the other Diehards (from left) are hooker Trevor Johnson, prop Al McInnes and five-eighth Peter McWhirter.” |
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The conversion attempt by Lindenburg was astray and Easts led by 5-2.
Valleys showed their first real glimpse of attack in the 20th minute after a scrum win, with fullback Allan Mills making the extra man and centre Vic Wieland splitting the defence wide out to put winger Neill over.
Neill missed the conversion and then failed with an easy penalty goal attempt in the 25th minute.
Easts winger John Callus limped off with an ankle injury and was replaced by 19-year-old Jeff McDonald, whose goal kicking talents undoubtedly got him the nod ahead of more experienced Steve Stacey.
McDonald, who had played in the reserve grade grand final, missed with two penalty shots in quick succession.
It was 5-all at the break.Easts drew first blood in the second half when McDonald potted a simple penalty.
Valleys bounced back with a strong try by Wieland following a clean break by second-rower Tom Duggan, who threw a loose pass which was scooped up by Gerry Fitzpatrick.
Neill, having an unhappy day with the boot, failed to convert. Valleys led 8-7.
It was Duggan who put Lewis away soon after and the brilliant youngster was unlucky not to score after his skilful chip over the top.
Easts nosed ahead again in the 60th minute with a penalty goal by McDonald which made it 9-8.
They clung desperately to this lead until the 72nd minute when referee Ward awarded Valleys a penalty and twice advanced 10m for "back chat" and offside to make it an easy two points for the Diehards.
Neill, who had kicked only one goal from five attempts, was taken off and fullback Mills landed the goal which appeared to be the clincher.
But Easts retaliated with that match-winning burst of attack, in which prop Bruce McLeod unloaded the final pass to Holben. "
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| “A superb action shot of the Tigers Prop Rod Morris diving over for the first try in the Rugby League Grand Final at Lang Park yesterday. Favourites Easts were forced to pull out all stops to beat Valleys 14 – 10.” |
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The Diehard Lament
Not long after the '78 Grand Final, the following poem began to circulate around Brisbane. The author is unknown but the poem has entered Brisbane suburban folklore. With five minutes to go in the GF Valleys were leading by one point. Valleys Captain, Ross Strudwick, attempted a clearing kick which went straight to Easts winger Brad Backer. What happened next? Read on ....
When you walk into the clubhouse in the future years,
And you see Tom Dooley sitting there very close to tears
Just put your arms around him as the teardrops fall
And he'll tell you of the day that Struddy kicked the ball.
It was the Final Day for Rugby League in the year of Seventy - Eight,
The sky was blue, the grass was green, and the team was looking great.
Struddy led the Diehards out all dressed in royal blue,
There was Duggan, Fitzy, Wieland, Big Al - McWhirter too.
And when the Diehards took the field we were feeling ten foot tall,
But the "feeling good" is over now, 'cause Struddy kicked the ball.
About the Eastern Pussycats we were not at all concerned,
They tried to catch "the Rat" before and got their fingers burned.
The Fullback, he can't tackle, They've a useless sort of prop,
The hooker, he is getting old and the halfbacks not much chop.
They've got some reject Valley Boys, McLeod and Big John Abbott,
But we've beaten them so many times it's now become a habit.
Although the game was fast and free, the defence was like a wall,
A try apiece before halftime, the score was five points all.
A point in front and five to go, we led them overall
In scrums and kicks and tackles too, then Struddy kicked the ball.
The pill came down to Backer who could not believe his luck,
He looked around saw no defence, and ran straight through the ruck.
First Johnny Lang, then Roger Kuhn, they tossed the ball around,
Then Holben came through on the burst and placed it on the ground.
When Holben scored the try, he did perform most strange,
He bashed his fists upon the ground (that made a pleasant change).
"Offside!" I roared, "It's forward! He knocked it on, you fool!"
But Eddie Ward just stood there and never lost his cool.
And the Easts Supporters cheered and the Diehards sat there mute,
Big Des waved to all his fans and saluted Strudwick's boot.
But we'll be back again next year, to witness all the fun,
When Strudwick serves the dummy and then feeds Brian Dunne.
And if the teams a point in front and Struddy shapes to kick,
I'll race out with a ball of string and tie him up "real quick"
ANON