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:: Lindfield Rugby History 90 Years, 1920-2009

World War I and a group of Local Lindfield lads are engaged in the heat of battle on the fields of France. Such are the horrific circumstances of this engagement, these soldiers decide that if they are ever able to return home, they will create a sporting club, so that their children and descendants can enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Some did indeed return, and approached the local Ku-ring-gai council who granted permission to set aside a parcel of land from a public reserve on Tryon Road in East Lindfield, which had been dedicated in 1904. With voluntary labour and the assistance of council, Lindfield Oval as we know it today was carved from a rocky sandstone ridge. Befitting the memory of their fallen comrades, the Gates of Remembrance were constructed at the entry to the Oval with the names of these comrades inscribed thereon. The Garden of Remembrance, with English and Australian Flora surrounding the gates, is a beautiful setting to ensure a wonderful environment for a sporting club. The original sandstone can be seen forming a retaining wall in the southern side of the ground. The physical setting of the venue is the same today as it was then.

The Lindfield Rugby Club first appears in Rugby Records in 1920. Although little is known about the club during this time, it is known that the club ground was Lindfield Oval, the original Club colours that still remain to this day, were Sky
Blue and White and that a team was entered in a 3rd Grade Metropolitan Junior Rugby Union competition.

In 1922, the 88 hectare public reserve was renamed Soldiers Memorial Park.

In 1923, residents of the Local Lindfield District decided to create a cricket club and cricket has been played on the oval every summer since, despite the intervention of The Great Depression and WWII. Since the new Rugby Club formed in the early 1940's, the two sporting associations have maintained an excellent rapport.

In 1946, Metropolitan Sub District Rugby Union resumed its comp, having been absent from the field since 1941 due to WWII and in 1947, Lindfield Rugby Club re-entered competition, with a membership of 25. Two teams were entered (1st and 2nd grade juniors). The same year also saw the first of the inaugural Lindfield Rugby Club balls. 136 people attended the first Club dance, held at the Lindfield Masonic Club.

1948 saw the first Sub-District side for Lindfield being entered in the first year of the Burke Cup competition. The team, coached by J Baker, won the minor premiership, but lost in the Semi Final to Strathfield (6-0)

In 1954, work began on raising funds for and building the clubhouse at Soldiers Memorial Oval. The top wooden portion of the club was the original East Roseville YMCA building and was relocated by the council and placed on top of the newly constructed showers and dressing rooms. The clubhouse was completed in 1960 and in 1999, as a result of an agreement with the Rugby Club and the Lindfield District Cricket Club, the social areas within the clubhouse were extensively renovated with the assistance of a NSW Government sports grant.

In 1968, the second playing oval was completed, and the club fielded a record 27 teams in competition.

The club had the honour of its first Wallaby selection in 1969, when Bruce Taafe was selected to tour South Africa. Other Australian representatives who have Lindfield origins include Stirling Mortlock, Andrew Blades and Cameron Blades.

One of the Club's most successful years was in 1987, following one of the Clubs worst years, in 1986 when we were relegated for the first time to 2nd division Sub Districts. In fine Lindfield spirit, the club bounced back to have the 1987 Club Championship all tied up with 3 rounds still to play. The Club achieved the distinction of being the first Sub District Club to turn around and return to 1st division within just one season.

The Sub District Competition was reduced from an 18-team competition to 10 teams in 1993 and many critics saw Lindfield as a club sure to be relegated. However, a club record of 359 points in the season saw Lindfield finish 5th in first division and therefore escape relegation. In the same year, the Kentwell Cup side (1st Grade) broke the 50 point barrier for the first time in the Club's history, beating Penrith 55-12, setting Soldiers Memorial Oval alight with a 41-5 point display in the second half.

Sadly, the mid nineties saw a slump at Lindfield, and in 1995, the year Rugby Union became professional, Lindfield failed to win a grand final despite having a record number of players. Unfortunately, the following year in 1996, the Club
celebrated 50 years of continuous Rugby by finishing bottom of the Club Championship and being relegated once again to 2nd division.

However, true to the spirit and commitment always present at Lindfield, the club rallied in 1997, winning 2 premierships (2nd and 4th grade) and seeing 1st Grade make a semi-final appearance, losing to Newport.

Although Lindfield hasn't yet been able to repeat the performance of 1987, by being promoted back to 1st division, results have been on the improve. A new committee was formed in season 2003 and the result has seen
improvements both on the field and off. Our Colts team (Under 21) won their third successive minor premiership in 2003, and with many of those boys now playing in grade, the future looks bright

The years have seen many great names and fine men and women contribute in various ways to the clubs success. Memories of overseas tours such as the 1977 tour to Manila and Bangkok and the 1982 two week tour of the Philippines, when the airline ran out of beer within 2 hours of departure are treasured by all who took part. After a wait of many years, another overseas tour is planned for 2004.

Lindfield Juniors is and has for many years been one of the strongest Junior Clubs in the Sydney competition. The Club also boasts a fine 'Golden Oldies' team in the Funnelwebs,
fielding a team of men who have contributed in many ways to the achievements of the club over many years, showing that the Club is one that can be enjoyed by its members for as long as they wish to play, and usually well after they should have stopped playing!

 

Contact Details

T: + 61 2 9922 1370
F: + 61 2 9922 5270
E: info@lindfieldrugbyclub.com

Soldiers Memorial Park, Tryon Road
Lindfield NSW Australia




 
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