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As a very young school boy I used to follow the happenings of the St Kilda
Cricket Club. In 1927 my aunt (Miss Ella Govett) offered to pay for a
membership for me and I was accepted as a Junior member. I was eleven years of
age at the time and the youngest member ever of the club. The cost of the
ticket was £1 and it provided for a badge and one lady’s ticket. My badge was
No. 612. I could have paid £1.5.0d for full membership and received two lady’s
tickets but it was not to be. An offer of Life membership for £10 was made but
my aunt could not afford that sum.
Bill Ponsford was the treasurer at the time and I mentioned this incident to
him last January (in 1987). The following year the subscription was paid again
and I received badge No. 582 (which I still have). The following year
(depression) I could not afford another membership but for some reason I
became a member in 1941. The membership enabled me to practice cricket in the
nets two nights per week and I had full use of all facilities. As I was only
eleven years of age it was a great thrill to meet some of the famous names of
the Club – Bill Ponsford, Don Blackie, Bert Ironmonger, Bill Pearson, Monteith,
Guthrie, Reg Ellis, Tom Lahiff – all the older people were always prepared to
speak to me and other younger players.
At practice the procedure was that players changed in the dressing room
beneath the grandstand and went to the nets at the Junction end of the ground.
A groundsman named Jack James recorded your name and you waited a call to
“put-on-the-pads” and when called go to bat in the nets. In the meantime you
could bowl in any net bar that for the senior players. Jack would call “last
two” and then the batsmen changed over for a ten minute hit. The system worked
well. Upon return to the change room a shower was available and after placing
boots and clothing in your locker one would go home. To own a car was rare, so
most walked to the trams.
I often walked home with Bill Pearson who lived near my home in Balaclava.
Incidentally, I was allocated a locker next to Bill Pearson for about 1/- for
the season. I well remember Mr Inskip, the Secretary, allotting Pearson his
locker – Bill’s dad, whom I knew as bank manager of the SSB, Balaclava, was
present at the time. Pearson was new to St Kilda at the time and heading for a
career of long-standing. He, of course, played for Victoria for several
seasons and was a prominent Australian Rules footballer in the amateur code.
MEMBERSHIP TICKETS
Membership entitled entry to the ground for all events. I used to attend as
often as I could no matter who was playing. I think membership allowed
admission to any ground where the Firsts were playing and on an occasion I
recall being admitted to the MCG outer when St Kilda were playing. (I have now
been a member of the MCG for 54 years – December 1987). When attending
Australian Rules football games during the winter months it was the practice
to enter through a members’ gate and produce your badge – the number was then
called and marked off to prevent misuse. I would always attend very early so
that I could watch the baseball games played from 1.15pm. A special ticket
known as the Interstate Pass was issued to members and allowed for admission
to the outer section of the MCG for inter-state games. My memory reveals it
was a small white ticket about 3 x 2 ins. with number around the edge – these
were clipped upon entry to the MCG. I think the cost of entry to MCG: outer
was 9d for interstate games and 2/- for Test matches.
The cost of admission to cricket matches (at St Kilda) was 6d for adults and
3d for children. I was always proud to show my badge. Jack James was usually
employed on the gate each week and he knew me quite well. (I think) entry to
finals was slightly higher in cost. Prior to the building of he brick fence
and ticket boxes, tickets would be sold through “pigeon holes” cut in the
fence pickets. Men would wave their hands through the holes to attract
attention to patrons.
I recall members being very proud of the construction of the grandstand (name,
if any unknown to me) near the Fitzroy Street end. This provided for good
seating and a gymnasium and change room for both cricket and football teams.
Hot and cold showers were a feature, and, as mentioned, lockers for players.
There was a series of photographs on the wall. A tunnel was provided for
players to enter and leave the oval and two wire fences suspended on overhead
rails were closed to “protect” players as they moved on to the field. It was
considered very ultra at the time. The famous old grandstand, purchased from
Elsternwick racecourse, was the only other stand provided at the time, apart
from an open structure (which still exists) near the scoreboard. Each Saturday
a “little old lady” used to sit in the stand and watch the cricket. I do not
know her association with any member or player but she was always present. I
do recall that when she entered the ground, Jack James would greet her and
“raise his hat”.
TENNIS
I notice the name of H Wallace on the Honour Board at the clubrooms. I
remember this man quite well – he was a quiet man and a schoolteacher at
Melbourne Grammar School (where I attended). Pennant games were played on a
Saturday afternoon and Hec Wallace would acknowledge that I was watching him
on occasions. He was chosen to play for Victoria against NSW during 1927 and
was given quite a send off at school. Hec was still alive as of January 1987 –
I visited him at a retirement home. It may be of interest to record that on
one occasion when St Kilda played Fitzroy (at cricket) the latter team had a
player named Dummett who was a forceful batsman and hit many sixes. On the
occasion I mentioned he hit three sixes which landed in the tennis courts,
causing concern.
SCHOOL SPORTS
As a very little boy I attended Fairlight Girls Gramma School (situated in
Alma Road near Westbury Street – closed during the 1920’s) with my older
sister. The school held their Annual Sports Day on the St Kilda oval and on
two occasions I ran in junior races. One feature firm in my memory was a
three-piece orchestra – engaged by the school – which played in the old stand.
The orchestra consisted of a harp, violin and another instrument. Amazing how
such an event should remain so firmly in my mind. Other sports events held on
the oval were the Combined Public School Sports (if he MCG was not available)
and on an occasion a professional foot running event was held (about 1933) and
a prominent St Kilda footballer – Jones – competed. The main thing I remember
about this was the number of illegal bookmakers betting in the crowd.
SCOREBOARD
St Kilda ground has always had a good scoreboard. The one preceding the
present structure was quite large and was worked from the front. Large
lettering “St Kilda Visitors” was prominent. The board brought a favourable
comment from an item in the old Argus newspaper of the day which stated (words
to this effect) – “The scoreboard at St Kilda is the best in the metropolitan
area, it is large, clear and worked by two enthusiastic boys. A process score
was maintained at all times and the two batmen’s scores were progressively
indicated. Three bowlers on the fielding side were always shown (with progress
scores). The names of all batsmen out was displayed with runs scored.” Today’s
board certainly shows a similar record but is worked from behind with rollers
carrying the figures. The point made is that no other ground carried a
scoreboard showing players names and giving a progress score – just a total.
When baseball was played as a curtain raiser to football games, the board
showed the number of innings and runs and also three signs – strikes, balls,
out, and the scorer kept right up with the play. It was excellent and the
crowd appreciated it. In front of the old press box, where the Moreton stand
is situated, a small board was constructed and the scorers would lean over and
record the total at the end of each over.
CYCLE TRACK
For many years there was a cycle track around the oval. I did not see any
racing, but my dad (born 1896) told me he rode around the oval in his ay as a
cyclist.
R.L. MORTON STAND
I recall the building of this stand about 1930 I believe, the construction was
carried out by builders Eilenbergh – one of the builders’ sons (with whom I
went to school) very proudly told me of this (at the ground).
BASEBALL
Games were played as curtain raisers to football and always commenced at
1.15pm. I would arrive early at the ground to watch as I was interested and
hoped that one day I would play for St Kilda. It was not to be and I actually
played for North Melbourne. Several players I remember well were Baster,
Ponsford, McMahon, Takahashi and Bannister. St Kilda always had good teams and
on one occasion won both first and second grade premierships. One Saturday a
very close game was played (V Collingwood?), when some “rough” decisions were
given by the umpire and St Kilda protested on the field. The umpire called off
the game on the grounds that St Kilda refused to play – there was much hooting
from spectators and the players left the field and something must have been
said as the umpire was walking through the gate, for he suddenly broke away
and punched a spectator, naturally police intervened. An intestate game
Victoria v South Australia was played on the oval about 1930. As no electric
PA system operated in those days, a man with a large megaphone kept the crowd
informed. When the seconds (baseball) played at home I was always allowed to
sit with the scorer and meet the players. Scorer was a lady.
CRICKET
Of course I have many memories of games played on the Oval, but one stands out
– the 1926/27 grand final between St Kilda and Collingwood. My dad and I
attended the game and regrettably were a little late in arriving (with Thermos
and sandwiches in our bag), the game having started. On arrival we sat in the
grandstand and there was quite a large attendance. The score was 3/16 against
St Kilda with Cohen, Ponsford and another out – I was disgusted that Ponny was
out as he was my idol. I asked the man alongside me “how did Ponsford get
out?” and he replied firmly “a very doubtful LBW decision”. I always remember
that.
The game moved on and settled down. Collingwood were elated at the position.
Jack Ryder was the Collingwood captain. During the afternoon Guthrie and Eaton
batted slowly and took control and eventually each passed the 100 mark, much
to the joy of local supporters. At stumps they were still at the wicket but I
do not remember the overnight score. Collingwood tried their best to break the
partnership, but to no avail, and about 20 minutes before stumps were drawn
three magpies flew on to the ground, much to everyone’s amusement. There were
calls of “you’re too late – should have been here hours ago”. Collingwood
certainly needed the extra “men”. The game continued next day (we arrived on
time for the start) but Keaton was out soon for 160 and Guthrie continued for
178.
The other incident I vividly recall (apart from victory for St Kilda, which is
history) was a young player Montieth (playing his first game?). Monty made 12
and was very keen in the field. A very big hit by a Collingwood player saw the
ball soar into the sky (on the western side of the oval) and Monty got under
it for a catch, but the ball went for a six – the crowd gasped.
PENNANT GAMES AT WEEKENDS
These were played over two Saturday – same as now – and the team batting on
the first day very often played one over on the second day in an effort to
gain about 15 minutes – don’t know if that is still the practice.
My own playing days as a very junior cricketer were with the Metropolitan
eleven. We played on matting on a ground outside the main oval – I think it is
the Ross Gregory Memorial ground now. A groundsman would set up the mats on a
Saturday morning and then players collected the rest of the gear from a shed
at the ground. This was on a small truck (similar to a luggage truck on a
railway station) and we would wheel the same to the ground. It was necessary
to mark the boundary with small white flags, and this was done by the players.
At the end of the game players would roll up the matting and place all gear on
the truck and push it back to the shed – it was all part of the day’s fun. A
Mr AC Boothman was in charge of the Metro Eleven at the time I played.
An interstate game Victoria v NSW was played at St Kilda (must have been post
war) and I attended one afternoon – the main thing I remember is that fairly
heavy rain fell all the afternoon but the game continued – drinks were
declined – I assume one team was trying for a result. Ian Craig was NSW
captain.
In the early 1930’s (and before) Bert Ironmonger was a very prominent bowler
and was always selected to play for Victoria. Of course with two-day pennant
games he could only play on one Saturday and this posed a problem in one
particular game (against Prahran at Toorak Oval). It was necessary for the
captains to exchange a list of players to one another before they tossed
(teams could not be altered) so St Kilda included Bert and hoped they would
win the toss and sent Prahran in to bat. The coin fell in favour of the Saints
so Prahran batted and Bert played his part with good bowling. The locals were
dismissed just before stumps and Bert opened the innings and made four – don’t
know if he was out – but was not available on the following Saturday which did
not matter – he was away with the Shield team.
On another occasion (Prahran again), St Kilda was “holding-on” in their
innings and Bert (always No. 11) was batting. On the last ball of the over the
batsmen ran three, which meant that Bert would not be on strike next over. A
player (Dave) kicked the ball into the fence to record a boundary (thus
leaving Bert to take strike) but the umpire ruled – three runs plus four
overthrows (total of seven) and Bert did not take strike next over. I well
remember this incident being reported in the newspapers.
PROMINENT PLAYERS
As a very young schoolboy it was great to be with the big names of the day –
Ponsford, Blackie, Ironmonger, Pearson, Bert Cohen and others. A point I
recall is that they always had time to speak to the young ones and give
encouragement. Tom Lahiff was quite a character and on one occasion there was
fun and games in the dressing room – Tom and others climbed up on a wall
surround the showers and turned off the hot water or some such devilment – it
was amusing at the time. Stuart King always said “hello” and I played a social
game with him on the MCG one Wednesday. Ross Gregory occasionally played a
social game on a Sunday and I enjoyed some games with him. His non-inclusion
in a touring team and tragic death in the RAAF were very sad.
Mr George Inskip was secretary at the time I was a junior member and was
always very polite and kindly – he must have been a remarkable man when I read
he never missed a committee meeting in 36 years. He was a great friend of Bert
Ironmonger and visited him every Saturday night, so Pat O’Toole (Bert’s
daughter) tells me.
AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL
When I was a member I attended football games and followed St Kilda. At this
time the club never reached the final four but there were interesting games –
one in particular: it must have been 1928 and the second last round of the
competition. St Kilda played Melbourne. The home team had to win this and the
last round to be in the “four” so it was a keen game and a big crowd on hand.
I was sitting in a small stand at the City end of the ground and them game was
nearing the finish with Melbourne just leading – with only a minute to go a St
Kilda player kicked a goal and the Saints took the lead- the crowd went made –
however when the ball was taken back to the centre of the ground for kick off
there was confusion and the game was all over.
What had happened was this – the timekeepers used a bell to call “time” and
they were sitting in a box near the players entrance. When full time occurred
the bell was sounded. However it was not heard over the roar of the crowd at
the City end of the ground where play was taking place. The goal umpire (man
with flags) and some players had already left the field whilst the game
continued and St Kilda went ahead. Melbourne protested at the result but St
Kilda were awarded the game and went on to the finals but lost to Carlton.
A new bell was installed afterwards and later a big fire bell was installed in
the press box. The above game would have been one of the last games of
Australian Rules I have seen – nearly sixty years ago.
Strange how things will stay in one’s memory – I have no documents at all on
hand but I seem to recall players numbers for St Kilda:
No. 1 Hart, No. 2 JA Shelton, No. 5 Smedley, No. 6 Flops Phillips(?), No. 8
Cubbins, NO. 11 Mason, No. 12 Bence, No. 14 Gametta (?), No. 15 J Shelton and
No. 29 Tiny Mills (a 6’ 6” man).
I also have a memory of the St Kilda team like this:
Hepburn, Cubbins, Sannerman, Mathews, Gambetta, Loveless, Keddie, Carr,
Roberts, Outrim, Mason, J Shelton, Phillips, Smedley, unknown, Hart, JA
Shelton, Bence. There was a younger play named Morden – a Vic Rlys man and
also W Mohr from Wagga.
A friend told me that a seasons’ ticket for 18 games cost 4/3d. During the
depression years a game was played between the unemployed and the police.
Admission was 6d so I guess the takings were made available to the unemployed.
(Five years later I was unemployed for two years so I know how the men must
have felt.) Also during the depression days men would stand outside the ground
selling apples and organs just to try and raise a few pennies. It was all very
sad.
On several occasions two men would suddenly appear in the grandstand (during
the cricket) and sing, asking for pennies. It became embarrassing and one day
someone gave them 1/- and asked them to leave – this event remains very firmly
in my mind.
CLUB COLOURS
I think it is fairly well known amongst older St Kilda supports that the
club’s colours were red, white and black – when the first World War broke out,
the club adopted the Belgian red, yellow and back and have retained same ever
since. Germany’s colours then were red, white and black. Reading a Melbourne
paper at the time of the outbreak of the Second World War, St Kilda had made
the final four and were to play in a semi-final – suggestions were made that
St Kilda borrow South Melbourne’s red and white jumpers (Poland’s colours) but
it did not come to bear.
During the depression days, when many tried so hard to earn a few pennies,
some enterprising young men would try their luck with those patrons who
happened to own a motor car (very few owned a car) and became “unofficial”
parking attendants. This occurred in Princes Street which was near the Ritz
Hotel and ran into Fitzroy Street near the ground. The men would
enthusiastically wave drivers into spaces and assist in backing cars into
position alongside the kerb. If a driver gave a coin to the men a chalk mark
was made in front of the car to indicate same and, I assume, the men would
“look after” the car in an unofficial manner. Most drivers were patrons of the
cricket. My dad and I would walk to the ground from Balaclava and always
noticed the above incident – frankly we did not have any spare cash for fares.
As a final comment about my days with the St Kilda ground – one afternoon
about 1924 my aunt (who paid my membership) took me and a young school friend
to see my first ever football game. St Kilda was playing Fitzroy and I was
quite excited at the prospect. We went to St Kilda but a tram conductor told
us the game was at Fitzroy. I was disappointed but my aunt did not let me and
my friend down. We travelled to the city on a cable tram and then along
Flinders Street to the MCG and saw Melbourne play Footscray after half-time –
it was the first Australian Rules game I ever saw – and the last was only five
years later. Time marches on!
I trust the above memories are of interest.
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