As an unofficial spokesperson on behalf of those players and supporters of Narrabri Rugby Union in the 1960s, I felt it was fitting to jot down a few notes about the recent weekend (June 22-23, 2024) celebrating the 60th anniversary of the club.
I was nominated for this role, though I don’t know who put my name forward.
It’s fortunate that old records are practically nonexistent, for if the organisers had known I was a 17-year-old mediocre player, they would have likely chosen a more renowned and brilliant player from that era.
This realisation made me feel even more humbled to represent so many excellent players from the 1960s, such as Wally Coleman (RIP – Rural Bank), Malcolm Gett, Jimmy Prendergast, and Sammy Greenland.
Returning to a local game after many years, I was thrilled to see our first grade team emerge victorious over the formidable Moree side on Saturday.
I also extend my congratulations to the girls’ team.
In 1964, the idea of a girls’ rugby union team in Narrabri would have been unimaginable.
Back in the 60s, Tamworth Pirates were our fiercest competitors, and it was rare for players to finish a match unscathed.
We fondly remembered playing at Moree, especially enjoying the hot artesian bore baths to soothe our aches and pains.
The snowy match against Walcha remains a standout memory. Interestingly, I didn’t see the old ‘blood bucket and sponge’ or the halftime plate of oranges during the recent game against the Moree Bulls.
Fitness wasn’t a primary focus in 1964.
We supplied our own gear, often leftover from school.
There were no strappers, physiotherapists, gyms, structured training, or even many coaches.
Most of us learned the game as we played.
We often played in front of tiny crowds, sometimes as few as ten people, using a football borrowed from the local Rugby League club.
Line judges were usually volunteers from the spectators.
Besides the notorious pre-season game against Boolaroo (near Newcastle), we also played against an unknown Queensland rugby team at Texas (113 kilometers southeast of Goondiwindi) in 1965.
I travelled with Graham Light in his speedy Volkswagen Beetle.
Alcohol was banned at the ground, but that didn’t stop the locals from producing a unique three-gallon wooden keg on the back of a ute.
When the local police arrived, they promptly confiscated it.
After the game and showers, we found the same officers at the Stockman Hotel, finishing off the keg. Nice!
There were many other notable pre-season games that resonate in the minds of many but sadly not documented anywhere.
They need to be recorded for posterity.
Jimmy Prendergast only knew one song – Long Tall Texan (released in 1963 by Murray Kellum).
He sang it with gusto win lose or draw and we all loved it and joined in because we had no war cry back then.
On one trip to Tamworth I was with Ronny Ison and his immaculate ute which had two speeds – stop and 100 miles an hour!
Grande Olde Boars modelling the latest swimwear. Michael Barry and Donny Cuell.
We went airborne at Tommy Swamp (about seven kilometres west of the village of Carroll) – in recent years the dip has all but vanished because the road has been raised to avoid constant flooding.
Then we had Ron Price who always forgot to book his accommodation at away games.
There was a rumour that league officials were paying players a dollar each to attend training, attempting to stem the tide of members switching to rugby union.
However, the camaraderie, social aspects, delicious food prepared by wonderful ladies at the rear of the Tourist Hotel, and the presence of many female admirers were the real attractions.
My brother Michael and his wife Margaret travelled from Camden to join the celebrations.
We believe Michael, aged 84, is the oldest Narrabri Blue Boar still with us, and he received a standing ovation at the long lunch.
Michael and I had the pleasure of catching up with some 1964 originals at the ground – Terry ‘Doc’ Orman, David Westman, Ron Ison, Bill Pownall and Phil Eather.
Apologies if I’ve missed anyone from 1964 at the fabulous long lunch.
Sadly, several inaugural players from the Rural Bank of NSW — John Lisle, Don Cuell, Jeff Doyle and Michael Wheeler – were unable to attend.
The organisation of the weekend was impressive.
Original Narrabri Blue Boars jumper with names of those who attended the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2014.
Having organised many family and army reunions, cruises and gatherings over the years, I understand the essential behind-the-scenes work required.
It’s marvellous to see what this amateur sporting body in a small country town has achieved, along with the exciting plans for future expansions.
A big hoorah to everyone involved.
The long lunch on Sunday was fabulous, with outstanding attention to detail.
During the dining process, four ex-players (myself, Peter McDonnell, Cameron Williams and Todd Farrer) were called to the front by the very capable and experienced Benjamin ‘Fridge’ Watson.
Representing different eras of the club’s history, we were asked to answer questions without notice, such as who was the worst/best coach, worst/best player, and so on.
Unlike me, the other three ‘contestants’ had played a combined ‘thousand’ games and participated in ‘hundreds’ of grand finals.
I was a novice.
Reflecting on my off-the-cuff responses a few days later, I admonished myself for not doing better.
In the clubhouse, Phil Eather asked me to remind him to ask the gathering to reflect on those who are no longer with us. Very fitting.
A self appointed, self opinionated and unofficial panel unanimously selected young ‘Amazen-Grace’ as Miss Narrabri Rugby for 2024.
The selection process was exhaustive and despite extensive efforts they failed to locate Miss Narrabri Rugby 1964 to join in the 60th celebrations.
My rugby playing days at Narrabri ended abruptly in 1967 when I was conscripted for National Service in South Vietnam.
My dream of becoming a Wallaby, fostered since playing in the under 13F’s at boarding school, was abruptly quashed.
That’s the way it was!
In 1963, the rumour mill in town was buzzing in pubs and knitting circles.
The old men of league laughed off the idea that Narrabri could start playing rugby union, considering league had been entrenched for about 100 years.
The inaugural group was a motley crew of ardent league players, boarding school kids, tradesmen, bank employees, and farmers.
Old-timers said it wouldn’t last, so I dip my lid to those who forged ahead, overcoming all adversities to achieve what we have today.
Narrabri and district should rightly feel proud.
Here’s to the 70th anniversary in 2034.
Richard Barry OAM,
Narrabri
