1970
In 1970 the University Cup Rugby Football League was formed. The competition comprised of nine teams with Macquarie entering two sides. Both teams played in the same division, with Balaclava being the Firsts and Culloden the Seconds. This policy was pursued with the aim of winning the Minor Premiership, which proved successful. The first University Cup game was played on 4th April, 1970. Culloden defeated Newcastle University 17-2. Balaclava had its first match the following week and they also defeated Newcastle 45-2. Balaclava suffered only two defeats in the competition. They would have been the smallest side in the competition but they had a very fast team and their defensive record was by far the best. They won their first semi-final 14-8 but lost the Grand Final 8-12 to Sydney University.
During 1971, the Club had 47 players participating in the two teams. Although the Club did not enjoy the same success as in the previous year, they were far from disgraced. Balaclava finished equal fourth and in a play-off for the finals they won one match but lost against the third team in the fourth placed tie and were eliminated. Culloden finished eighth in the competition. Three players were selected in the Combined University Cup Team which played Combined High Schools. Kevin Liggett, Derment Seymour and Peter MacTameney, along with coach Ron Wilson were all selected.
1971
1972 was a fairly successful season. The only disappointing feature of the season was in losing the Grand Final. The Culloden side won only a few games but acquitted themselves well. This was the last year of the one division competition. First Grade coach Ron Wilson was also the coach of the representative side. Pat Rowe, Mark Lucas, Brian Savage, Kevin Liggett and Warren Boland were all selected in the team, with Warren being voted Representative Player of the Season.
1972
1973 was another season of mixed results for the Club. The First Grade Team fared exceptionally well during the season but was unable to finish off in the finals and ended up third to Alexander Mackie College and CCES. Rod Harding did a great job as coach. Second Grade were unable to reach the finals and finished fifth. The Club's greatest success was in the Arnold Stehr Seven-a-Side Competition which we won from Sydney University in the fifth game of a full day of football. 1974 was a very good year for the Club, both socially and financially. whilst on the football field First Grade were narrowly defeated finalists. The Club successfully defended the Arnold Stehr knockout competition. The year started well with a greater number of players training than in previous years. The Club put forward its first Blues Nominations for John Pinkerton and Kevin Liggett, with both being successful. At Inter-Varsity the Club fielded virtually a pick up side which inevitably was not really competitive.
TITLES WON: PRE-SEASON COMPETITION (1973, 1974)
1973 - 1974
The Club continued to provide administrative assistance to the University Cup Rugby Football League through Ken Coleman (League Treasurer), and Rod Harding (Club Coach) was again selected Coach for the Combined Team which played against Newcastle University and a Gosford District Team. Kevin Liggett and John Pinkerton were selected in this team along with Pat Rowe and Paul Cooney. The First Division Team lost to the Catholic College of Education in the semi finals, while in the Second Division the Macquarie team finished sixth.
1975
The Club fielded two teams in the 1976 University Cup Competition. The First Grade were Grand Finalists, but were defeated 5-3 in a torrid encounter with the Catholic College of Education. Although the Second Grade side had a disappointing result for the year, they provided excellent reserve strength for the senior team's effort. Five Macquarie players gained selection in the Representative University Cup side during the year - Graham hope, Kevin Liggett, Tim O'Brien, Paul Cooney, John Pinkerton and coach Rod Harding. Two former Committee men and players, John Rodwell and Neal Chapple were made Life Members of the Club in 1976 - the first to receive this honour. Two current playing members, Brian Savage and Kevin Liggett, played their 100th games during the year. They were subsequently honoured by the University Cup Rugby League as the first players to achieve 100 games in the competition.
1976
During 1977, The Club's First Grade Team, under the guidance of the new coach, Theo Burgess, were Grand Finalists, but again failed to grasp the elusive University Cup Premiership. Some very fine new players turned out for the Club in 1977, along with the more established hard heads who remained loyal. The University Cup Rugby League Competition had now grown to include twenty-nine teams. Seven of Macquarie's players represented the Combined Universities Cup Team in 1977. The Club also staged the University Cup Grand Final at the University Oval, drawing favourable comment from the various Rugby League dignitaries present on the manner in which the proceedings were organised and the splendour of the sporting facilities at the University. The Club also participated in the 1977 Inter-Varsity Competition hosted by Newcastle University in May. Warwick Bolton gained selection in the 1977 combined Australian Universities Team which played an exhibition match against a combined Newcastle Team.
1977
The Club had a most successful and eventful year in 1978. Several local business houses sponsored the Club through best player awards from Truscott's Toyota Five Dock and Advocate Courier Northside Newspaper; $500 football scholarship from Watson-Victoria Laboratories (won by Warwick Bolton); free tickets from Skyline Drive-Ins, supply of bread and pies from Buttercup Bakeries, and a Grace Bros encouragement award. During 1978, Macquarie hosted the University Cup Finals for the second time, the international matches between the touring British Amateur Rugby League Team and the Combined University Cup Team and the Australian Universities Team. The Club also hosted the 1978 Inter-Varsity Competition. The Reserve Grade Team played in their first Grand Final but the premiership again proved as elusive as it had for the First Grade, who had lost four previous Grand Finals. Greg Bright was awarded a 'Half Blue', joining John Pinkerton and Kevin Liggett as Blues within the Club. Greg and Nick Calabria played in the combined Australian Universities Team.
1978
1979 was a milestone for the Club. Not only was it our tenth year in the University Cup Competition, but also Macquarie became Club Champions for the first time. This achievement underlined the tremendous growth of the Club since 1969 when we had two teams and were 'poor cousins' to the other two university clubs in Sydney. The spirit and calibre of our players had improved by leaps and bounds to the extent that we now overshadowed our more established rivals. A premiership however remained elusive, but the foundations for many premierships in the years to come now existed. Our sponsors in 1979 deserve special mention for assisting us in promoting rugby league on campus and in our district. Truscotts Toyota of Five Dock, Hornsby Advocate Courier Newspaper and Buttercup Bakeries were generous with their support. Macquarie stalwarts, Brian Savage and Kevin Liggett, retired from playing in 1978; Brian coached the Second Division side into the Grand Final, and Kevin embarked on a refereeing career in the University Cup. Steve Tamone captained the Combined University Cup Team, which contained four other Macquarie players - Ross Pinkerton, Max Crawford, Ken Dillon and Mal Sharp.
TITLES WON: PRE-SEASON COMPETITION, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1979
1980
Macquarie Club officials and supporters breathed a sigh of relief when the club won the University Cup Division 2 by beating NSW Institute of Technology 22-9. Macquarie was more than eager to shake off the 'bridesmaid' tag it had earned by failing to win a grand final for 10 years. But before celebrations could start, those connected with the Club had to wait through the nail-biting extra time after the scores were locked at 9-9.
With the last 10 years at the front of players' minds, the Macquarie Team was taking no chances and in extra time the team ran in three tries to ensure it was the 'bride' on this occasion. The win capped Macquarie's most successful year ever for the Club's 70 playing members and 200 non-playing members. During the year the Club took out the Bill Buckley Memorial Trophy for the Division 2 Premiership, the Paul Webb Trophy for the overall University Cup Club Championship and the Arnold Stehr Shield for victory in the pre-season competition. Other achievements included being Grand Finalists in Division 3, Finalists in Division 1 and Minor Premiers in Division 2 and 3. Another aspect of the season was the Club's organisation of the Denis Bendall Appeal to raise funds for spinal research at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Over $3,000 was raised. The Club has a dedicated band of officials who have worked to make Rugby League the No.1 sport on the campus.
TITLES WON: SECOND DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, PRE-SEASON COMPETITION, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (SECOND GRADE) - BRIAN SAVAGE
PREMIERSHIP WINNING CAPTAIN (SECOND GRADE) - TONY CARR
GRAND FINAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH - BILL JOHNSON
1981 was a vintage year for Macquarie, although the final results were not the clean sweep of all grades we had hoped for. The all-conquering Third Division Team, masterminded by Terry Gum and led fearlessly by Jeff 'Faulty' Towers, powered through the finals to win our first ever 'John Pollard Trophy'. Teamwork and fitness were the lynchpins of the Third's success, and although there were many fine players, there were no 'stars'. Consequently, no individual shone out sufficiently to figure in the competition 'Best and Fairest'. Unsettled by injuries to key players and deserted by lady luck, the First Division Minor Premiers lost their scintillating form in the semis, although 'moral' victors over the eventual champs Mount St, Marys. Second Division played consistently well all year but, again injuries affected their final form and another potential premiership went begging. Congratulations are most deserved by the two coaches, Brian Savage and 'Tus', and also the University Cup 'Player of the Year' Mick Alldis (Div 1) and Geoff Regent (Div 2). Fourth Grade showed enormous guts and dedication to reach the finals of Division 3. They were the only team to test the Third Grade champions, with a drawn result in the second round. Tyro Fourths coach, Ian Geddes, was an inspiration to the team. Third Grade's record of 18 games without loss is unmatched. The team scored 88 tries during the season, and did not concede more than eight points in any game.
TITLES WON: THIRD DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (THIRD GRADE) - TERRY GUM
PREMIERSHIP WINNING CAPTAIN (THIRD GRADE) - JEFF TOWERS
GRAND FINAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH - DARYL HODES
1981
Macquarie held high hopes for the 1982 season. Once again three out of the four teams made the semi-finals. This was due to the determination and spirit of all players and coaches to do well this season. However, all three teams fell victim to the desertion of 'lady luck'. The First Grade side went down in the minor semi-final to a vastly improved University of NSW team, which Macquarie had previously defeated twice in the competition rounds. The Second Grade side made it to the finals, once again only to be beaten in a torrid match by SRA. The all conquering Third Grade side were only a shadow of the team that went through the 1981 season undefeated. They reached the semi-finals with a nightmare run, winning in a play-off game in extra time on Wednesday night. Playing again on Saturday proved too much for the injury-ridden side. The Fourth Grade played well throughout the season, losing a number of games by just a few points and on many occasions were unlucky not to grasp victory. The Club Championship was possibly a consolation prize for not winning a Premiership. Once again it showed the Club's spirit and determination in their efforts throughout the season. It was Macquarie's fourth consecutive Club Championship. Congratulations went to Nick Alldis, Adraian Murray, Tony Carr, Chris McCrae and Chris Steinmetz in gaining representative honours in the University Cup side that season. Also Brian Savage for coaching the representative side in all the important clash against Queensland at Lang Park, Brisbane.
TITLES WON: CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1982
1983 was a year of achievement and also disappointment for Macquarie. On the bright side, Macquarie won the Club Championship for the fifth successive year. Macquarie also made the finals in three divisions. First Grade played well all year to end on top of the competition. They defeated CCE convincingly in the final and looked a very good thing in the Grand Final. However, on the day CCE proved too good and once again relegated Macquarie to runners up. Second Grade, after a disastrous start to season, won 9 games straight to make the semi-finals but were beaten in the final series by RAAF. Third Grade were minor premiers and had a very impressive for and against for the season, however they were easily defeated in their two matches in the final series. The teams performed very well throughout the season but once again we fell short of a premiership. Phil Keady was selected for the Australian Universities tour of Papua New Guinea. Phil was also awarded a University Blue.
TITLES WON: CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
1983
1984 was one of Macquarie's most successful and memorable years. The season was highlighted by our win in the First Division Grand Final, giving Macquarie the University Cup for the first time. Second and Third Grade finished second in their respective divisions. We became the first Club in the history of the competition to field all three sides in the major semi-finals. Once again we proved that we are the strongest club in the competition by winning the Club Championship for the sixth successive year. The Club was also involved in three other competitions. We were strongly represented in the successful University Cup Representative Team which defeated Queensland. We sent a team to Inter-Varsity hosted by UNE in Armidale and although we did not win, the team played well. A side was also entered in the Aristocrat Club, a knock-out competition of high standard involving 'A' grade teams. The experienced gained was well worth the venture. Macquarie hosted the 1984 Grand Finals with great success. It was the most professional run finals day that the University Cup has had. Its success can be attributed to the ability of our Club administrators and the enthusiasm of our supporters.
GRAND FINAL DAY
For the second successive year Macquarie were playing in the Grand Final against Catholic College. In 1983 Macquarie had been soundly beaten by CCE 22-8. Macquarie Firsts had won the minor premiership and had beaten Sydney University 22-6 in the major semi-final. Catholic College opened the game strongly scoring two quick tries and leading 8-2. About 8 minutes before half time Mark Heaton and Bill Johnson combined in a perfectly executed scissors move for Bill Johnson to score between the posts. Soon after half time with the score 8-all Macquarie's captain Steve Tamone scored between the posts from a Bill Johnson 'Gary Owen'. Minutes later with Macquarie leading 14-8 and attacking strongly, Catholic College scored from an intercept and converted to level the scores at 14 all. Macquarie supporters sat through a tense 20 minutes as we held on to win 17-14. Billy Johnston added the extra points from a field goal and penalty goal. Our best players were Nipper Alldis, Warwick Brown, Bill Johnson and Colin Sherry. Celebrations continued late into the night as all players, officials and supporters toasted our first ever First Grade Premiership.
TITLES WON: FIRST DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (FIRST GRADE) - BRIAN SAVAGE
PREMIERSHIP WINNING CAPTAIN (FIRST GRADE) - STEVE TAMONE
GRAND FINAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH - MICK ALLDIS
1984
The 1985 season was a disappointing one for the Club, following the great success of 1984. The Club began the season with three new coaches and the determination to continue the momentum of the previous year. The success ended with Macquarie missing out on a trophy in the competition for the first time in eight years. Closer examination of the results shows the Club did not miss out by much. First Grade was the only side to make the finals series but were eliminated in the last minutes of the semi-final after holding the lead. Second and Third Grade finished fifth in their divisions, but with more consistency should easily have made the finals. Macquarie ran second in the Club Championship by only a few points to newcomers Wollongong University. Macquarie entered Inter-Varsity, hosted by Sydney University, and performed quite creditably. As a result, we were strongly represented in the NSW University side which played Queensland at Lang Park. Socially, the year was much better. Our Annual Dinner and Presentation Night were very successful. The Club was assisted with sponsorships from Pacific Resources Ltd and the El Rancho Hotel. We were grateful for their invaluable support. 1985 can be seen more as a year of consolidation than one of forward progress, but still it was an enjoyable year.
1985
1987
1987 was a brilliant year for the Macquarie University Rugby League Club. Both on and off the field, the year was a huge success. For the second year in a row, all three teams made the Grand Finals and the Club clinched its 8th Club Championship in 9 years. Glenn Marsh, in his first year, was the successful coach of the Third Grade, our only premiership winning team, defeating Nepean CAE 7-3 in a thrilling contest. Glenn became the first person at the Club to win a premiership both as a player and a coach. Second Grade lost only one game during the season but did not perform to expectations on Grand Final Day, going down 16-10 to State Railway Authority. The team was coached by Terry Murray. First Grade played very well all year and went into the Grand Final as underdogs. After a magnificent effort to lead 18-8 just after half time, Macquarie were beaten 36-22 by Minor Premiers, Catholic College. Kevin McGarrity did an excellent job as coach.
TITLES WON: THIRD DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (THIRD GRADE) - GLENN MARSH
PREMIERSHIP WINNING CAPTAIN (THIRD GRADE) - DAVID GOSS
GRAND FINAL PLAYER OF THE MATCH - ALAN BOYLE
Choose your year
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY J RODWELL, TREASURER M BOLAND, FIRST GRADE COACH R HARDING
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR B SAVAGE, BEST PLAYER AWARD K LIGGETT, CLUB COLOUR B SAVAGE, UNIVERSITY BLUE J PINKERTON, LIFE MEMBER N CHAPPLE
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY M BOLAND, TREASURER K LIGGETT, FIRST GRADE COACH R HARDING
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR R HARDING, BEST PLAYER AWARD G HOPE, CLUB COLOUR D GORMAN, UNIVERSITY BLUE K LIGGETT, LIFE MEMBER J RODWELL
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY G BROWN, TREASURER K LIGGETT, FIRST GRADE COACH T BURGESS
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR T BURGESS, BEST PLAYER AWARD P COONEY, CLUB COLOUR P SAMANY, UNIVERSITY BLUE G BRIGHT, LIFE MEMBER B SAVAGE
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY I GEDDES, TREASURER J WILLIAMS, FIRST GRADE COACH T BURGESS
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR M LUCAS, BEST PLAYER AWARD G TUMMINELLO, CLUB COLOUR M PETTIT UNIVERSITY BLUE W BOLTON, LIFE MEMBER K LIGGETT
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY B CRAWFORD, TREASURER R DADGE, FIRST GRADE COACH G GREEN
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR J PINKERTON, BEST PLAYER AWARD S TAMONE, UNIVERSITY BLUE P KEADY, LIFE MEMBER M LUCAS
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY T GUM, TREASURER I GEDDES, FIRST GRADE COACH G GREEN
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR J WILLIAMS, BEST PLAYER AWARD C BULLER, LIFE MEMBER D GORMAN
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR I GEDDES, BEST PLAYER AWARD M ALLDIS, LIFE MEMBER J PINKERTON
PRESIDENT J PINKERTON, SECRETARY T GUM, TREASURER M PETTIT, FIRST GRADE COACH B SAVAGE
PRESIDENT J WILLIAMS, SECRETARY S BAYLISS, TREASURER M PETTIT, FIRST GRADE COACH B SAVAGE
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR S BAYLISS, BEST PLAYER AWARD T COLLINS, LIFE MEMBER S BAYLISS
PRESIDENT P SAMANY, SECRETARY M PETTIT, TREASURER N CALABRIA, FIRST GRADE COACH B SAVAGE
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR M PETTIT, BEST PLAYER AWARD A MURRAY, LIFE MEMBER S DENNING
PRESIDENT T GUM, SECRETARY S DENNING, TREASURER D GORMAN, FIRST GRADE COACH B SAVAGE
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR P SAMANY, BEST PLAYER AWARD S TAMONE, LIFE MEMBER P SAMANY
PRESIDENT T GUM, SECRETARY M PETTIT, TREASURER D GORMAN, FIRST GRADE COACH J McEVOY
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR M PETTIT BEST PLAYER AWARD D McELROY, LIFE MEMBER J WILLIAMS
PRESIDENT B SAVAGE, SECRETARY M PETTIT, TREASURER P KEADY, FIRST GRADE COACH K McGARRITY
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR B JOHNSTON, BEST PLAYER AWARD D McELROY, CLUB COLOUR T GUM, LIFE MEMBER I GEDDES
PRESIDENT N CHAPPLE, SECRETARY A RICHARDSON, TREASURER K LIGGETT, FIRST GRADE COACH R WILSON
PRESIDENT R KILBY, SECRETARY K LIGGETT, TREASURER N CHAPPLE, FIRST GRADE COACH S KENNY
PRESIDENT K LIGGETT, SECRETARY K COLEMAN, TREASURER R KILBY, FIRST GRADE COACH R WILSON
PRESIDENT COLEMAN / PINKERTON, SECRETARY J RODWELL, TREASURER BOLAND / LOUND, FIRST GRADE COACH R HARDING
PRESIDENT B SAVAGE, SECRETARY M PETTIT, TREASURER P WOOD FIRST GRADE COACH J McEVOY
1986
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR P WOOD, BEST PLAYER AWARD D McELROY, LIFE MEMBER T MURRAY
TITLES WON: SECOND DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (SECOND GRADE) - KEVIN McGARRITY
1988
PRESIDENT B SAVAGE, SECRETARY M PETTIT, TREASURER C FAMELI FIRST GRADE COACH K McGARRITY
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR C FAMELI, BEST PLAYER AWARD B JOHNSON, CLUB COLOUR T MURRAY, LIFE MEMBER T GUM
TITLES WON: FIRST DIVISION PREMIERSHIP, SECOND DIVISION PREMIERSHIP
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (FIRST GRADE) - KEVIN McGARRITY
PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACH (SECOND GRADE) - TERRY MURRAY
Got any stats from the 1986 season? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch.
Got any stats from the 1986 season? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch.
Got any stats from the 1988 season? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to get in touch.