Throw Back Thursday – Brilliant Bluebags Backs Secure State Cup Semi-Finals Berth

Each week, thanks to CRYO, we take a look back at a magicalmoment in our club’s history. Today, we look at a big Newtown victory at Lidcombe Oval, the venuefor Sunday's match.

BRILLIANTBLUEBAGS BACKS SECURE STATE CUP SEMI-FINALS BERTH

This Sunday, Western Suburbs Magpies host Newtown at Lidcombe Oval. The venue was theMagpies home ground from 1967 to 1986 but its association with top grade rugbyleague goes back a lot further. 

During rugby league's early years, knockout cup competitionswere a regular feature of the footy season. On 22 July 1945, Western Suburbsplayed Newtownat Lidcombe Oval in the quarter finals of the NSWRFL State Cup. Clubs from allover NSW entered the tournament. Other quarter finalists that day includedKurri Kurri and Western Suburbs (Newcastle). 

Before a crowd of 7600, Newtownled 7-0 at half time. Despite losing most of the scrums, a ferocious tacklingdisplay from the Bluebags meant the Magpies could not convert theiropportunities into points. In a setback for Wests, their fullback, R Martinsuffered a cheek injury in the first half but with no interchange allowed, hehad to play on.

In the second half, Wests scored two quick tries after the breakto go up 10-7. From there it was all Newtown.A Tom Kirk penalty brought the Jets within a point. Sid Goodwin then went overfor Newtown'ssecond try, which Kirk converted to give the Bluebags a 14-10 lead. Newtown scored onefurther converted try before a consolation goal from Wests saw the final scoreend up 19-12 to the mighty Bluebags. Newtownwent on to win the State Cup in 1945, its second to go with the 1941title. 

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Below: A clipping from the programme for the 1945 State Cup quarter final between Western Suburbs and Newtown at Lidcombe Oval.