Image: mafphotography
Image: mafphotography

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

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

BRILLIANT BLUEBAGS BACKS SECURE STATE CUP SEMI-FINALS BERTH

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

During rugby league’s early years, knockout cup competitions were a regular feature of the footy season. On 22 July 1945, Western Suburbs played Newtown at Lidcombe Oval in the quarter finals of the NSWRFL State Cup. Clubs from all over NSW entered the tournament. Other quarter finalists that day included Kurri Kurri and Western Suburbs (Newcastle). 

Before a crowd of 7600, Newtown led 7-0 at half time. Despite losing most of the scrums, a ferocious tackling display from the Bluebags meant the Magpies could not convert their opportunities into points. In a setback for Wests, their fullback, R Martin suffered a cheek injury in the first half but with no interchange allowed, he had to play on.

In the second half, Wests scored two quick tries after the break to go up 10-7. From there it was all Newtown. A Tom Kirk penalty brought the Jets within a point. Sid Goodwin then went over for Newtown’s second try, which Kirk converted to give the Bluebags a 14-10 lead. Newtown scored one further converted try before a consolation goal from Wests saw the final score end up 19-12 to the mighty Bluebags. Newtown went on to win the State Cup in 1945, its second to go with the 1941 title. 

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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.

Newtown Jets left-edge backrower Kyle Pickering (in possession) about to score at Henson Park on Saturday, 22nd July 2023. Jets fullback Manaia Waitere salutes the crowd after playing a clever role in setting up the try. (Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography)

Newtown RLFC 2023 Presentation Dinner Details

July 22, 2023 - Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia, Kyle Pickering of the Newtown Jets scores his second try of the game during Round 21 of the NSWRL Knock On Effect NSW Cup at Henson Park in Marrickville, New South Wales. (Mario Facchini/mafphotography)

Newtown RLFC 2023 Presentation Night Details

Sunday Sun 603

The Other Premiers of 1943

Brad Fearnley takes the ball up.

Jets cruise past Knights in season finale

Tom Melville in his playing days for Newtown.

Tom Melville RIP

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Newcastle Knights Sun 27th August 2023

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

Invisi-Gard
Jersey Minor

John Singleton Group
Sleeve

Schofield King Lawyers
Sleeve

Coverforce
Front of Shorts

The Henson
Back of Shorts

Sydney Park Hotel
Back of Shorts

Sports Medicine Institute
Medical Services & Rehabilitation

Label Plus
Major Sponsor

Arista Technologies
Technology Partner

Newtown Jets respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the Land and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on and that the land area encompassing Henson Park traditionally belonged to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.