One of the originals
Ken played on Saturday, April 12th 1947. While he played only one year with Eastwood it was its founding year in 1947. Before that in1946 he was a First Grade rep for the Western District Junior Rugby Union team and also played in the Burke Cup. Unfortunately his employment meant time away in rural NSW then in 1948 this saw him leave Sydney.
His family remember that Ken always missed the enjoyment he had from playing with the team. Throughout his life he counted it among his best memories as a young man. In his papers are three treasured original copies of The Rugby News from this time. When he returned to Sydney in 1966, his sons carried on the game (but with St Ives Rugby Club).
His family have fond memories of many hours at T.G Millner Field. On occasion Ken would tell stories, most uncomplimentary of one Rex Mossop. When it was televised on TV, He would always watch supporting Eastwood. Their premier wins gave him immense satisfaction.
Our records are sadly incomplete but it seems Ken played at least 5 games that season in 1st grade and scored 1 try and possibly kicked a couple of goals.
Ken with his wife Betty at an Eastwood Rugby function in 1949
Eastwood rugby's rich heritage, a good innings at 95 and there at the beginning in 1947, with Joe Newsome, prewar with Croydon Halequins, first on the honour board, first captain and to 100 first grade games but passed in 1984. My uncle, who along with Ken nurtured the Millner home ownership dream that is the core of seven decades of Woods rich rugby and local history.🇦🇺👍