Throw Back Thursday – Newtown’s Ten Try Match of the Day Massacre
Each week, thanks to Cryo, we take a lookback at a significant moment in our rich history. Given that this Sunday'sMatch of the Day is against the Sea Eagles, we're bringing you the story of aNewtown v Manly Match of the Day from more than 60 years ago.
NEWTOWN'STEN TRY MATCH OF THE DAY MASSACRE
It was one of the standout memories ofNewtown’s halcyon days of the mid-50s.
On June 13 1955, the Queen's BirthdayHoliday, the Bluebags took on Manly in the traditional Match of the Day at theSydney Cricket Ground. Most of the 14,508 spectators in attendance arrived atHeadquarters expecting a fairly even contest considering that the two clubs satsecond and third on the premiership table respectively.
However, Newtown hammered the maroon andwhites 50-6 in what was the fifth-highest winning margin in the club’s 86-yearhistory in the top flight and the biggest win they ever chalked up over theboys from the Northern Beaches.
Funnily enough, though, it was Manly whoscored first, when Rees Duncan crossed in the opening minutes. However, fromthat point on it was all Newtown, with the Blues scoring four unanswered triesto lead 22-3 at the half-time break.
Manly managed another try early in thesecond term, but normal service soon resumed with Newtown scoring an additionalsix tries to round out the game. Star of the day for Newtown that afternoon waswinger Ray Preston - who bagged a hat-trick and was nearly scored a fourthtowards the end of the match. Three other Newtown players, Bobby Whitton, BrianClay and Kevin Considine crossed the line twice, while goal-kicking fullbackGordon Clifford nailed 10 goals from 12 attempts. The margin was all the moreremarkable because Newtown lost the scrums 13-10, a vital statistic in that eraof rugby league.
Newtown 50 (R Preston 3, R Whitton 2, BClay 2, K Considine 2, R Kelly tries; G Clifford 10 goals from 12 attempts)defeated Manly-Warringah 6 (R Duncan, G Hugo tries) at the Sydney Cricket Ground.Referee: D Lawler.
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