Kiama’s 3-0 win over Jamberoo

In 1946 Kiama defeated Jamberoo three to nil in the final played at Gerringong on 21st September.

By all reports the game was a dour one with most of the play kept tight amongst the forwards with the ball rarely going wide.

The teams for the day were.

Kiama; C. Hardy, J. Blanch, H. George, A. McAdam, R. Stead, H. Tuohy, A. Pepper, F. King, F. Hardy, J. Gannon, A. Miller, A. Hall and K. O’Neill. Jamberoo; N. Hamilton, E. Ingold, K. Robson, R. Swan, T. Graham, W. Richardson, G. Whalan, R. Ingold, K. Walsh, J. Irvine, D. Mitchell, G. Warby and J Simpson.

The first half was mostly all Kiama. Though only leading three to nil at half time they had attacked continually until R. Stead took the ball from a drop-out and gave it to ‘Butch’ Hall. ‘Butch’ got the ball near halfway and charged straight down the middle, fending, bumping and barging opponent after opponent until he seemed likely to go clean through the defence.

Like bullets, some of the Jamberoo players ricocheted of him. Finally when he had paved the way ‘Butch’ threw the ball infield to Ted Hardy who went a few yards and shot it to Kevin O’Neill, who took it and went over for the try.

Definitely a splendid piece of work and probably the best try for Kiama for the year. Another solo burst from ‘Butch’ nearly brought another try but in this instance the corner flag went with him and he just missed scoring.

Kevin O’Neill again shone out. This fellow is most likely the best forward in the South Coast League on recent performances. Jimmy Gannon was in it all the way as was Ted Hardy, Allan Millar and of course Frankie King whose cover defence was brilliant. Time after time he covered and stopped the Jamberoo movements.

Of Artie Pepper there is little to say. He is worth his weight in gold to Kiama. ‘Googs’ Tuohy was not brilliant but was solid in defence and handled reliably.

Harold George had more pace than anyone on the field but had few chances to use it. Jackie Blanch did most things correctly and displayed football brains that will carry him further in game. Charlie Hardy handled and kicked faultlessly, except that he tried about three drop kicks at goal and missed by miles.

This article is taken from a story by ‘the man on street’ Kiama Independent September 25 1946.

As we do not have a photo of the 1946 premiership team this photo is a late 1940’s period photo.

If anyone has any available photos could you please let us know as the 1947 and the 1948 photos are also unavailable.