It was 1951 when a small group of young men who enjoyed the game of "Rugby League" decided to form a club in their own district, North Beach. Most of these men were at the time playing the game with other clubs throughout the metropolitan area. A meeting was called and was to be held at the North Beach Surf Club Rooms (now our clubrooms), however, due to a misunderstanding somewhere along the line, no key could be found. As it happened, the only venue available at the time was the Church of England Hall in James St., North Beach, which has since been demolished. The men who attended the meeting were Messrs. V Landwher. W Stein, J J Smith, J W Smith, R Utting, N Buck, M Buck, T Smith, M Snow, J Bell, T Rigoll, J Richardson, M Millman and T Garmony. From this meeting a committee was formed and the first President of the club was Mr J J Smith with Mr J W Smith Vice President and Mr V Landwher Secretary. It was decided to enter a side in the "A" Reserve Grade, Metropolitan Competition. Colours of the new club were to be Green and Gold and the first set of jerseys purchased were plain windcheaters which were dyed green and with a gold V sewn on the front. Mrs Amy Rigoll made the first jumpers. As there were no football grounds of any sort in the district, the club was granted the use of Abbett Park, Scarborough, as its home ground. Back in '51 cars were hard to come by so a training venue convenient to all had to be made. The first training run of the new club, under the supervision of coach Roger Utting was held on, of all places, West Coast Highway, directly in front of the North Beach S.L.S.C. Members of the first team to represent North Beach Rugby Club were as follows:- J Richardson, W Stein, J Smith, R Baker, C Smith, K Rogers, V Landwher, T Garmony, M Buck, M Snow, L Millman, L Duncan and B Snow. After the first two games, interest within the district became so high that it was decided to enter a 3rd grade team in the same competition. In 1952 the club had a severe setback when it lost the use of Abbett Park and consequently went through the season without playing a home game. The following year the club obtained the use of Langley Park as a permanent training venue and home ground and were to stay there until 1964. In 1956 the club combined with the Northern Suburbs R.L.F.C. to form the Norths R.L.F.C. That year saw the club win their first ever premiership, that being the third grade competition under coach Jack Gage. The following year they repeated this performance. In 1958 they had even greater success when they became both Premiers and Minor Premiers of the 'A' Reserve Competition. Due to their performances that year the club was put into the 'A' grade Competition in 1959. |
NORTHS RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB - 1958 RESERVE GRADE PREMIERS |
Back Row [left to right]: P Spencer, F Edwards, T Engledow, B Bond, W Greene, R S Spencer (Vice-Captain), R Bell. Front Row [left to right]: H Rayner, K Clough, E Bennett (Captain), W Stein (President), J Wallace (Coach), R Brough, V Landwher (Secretary), D Bell. Inset: D Hagan, R G Lemmon. |
Their first year in open competition met with only limited success, however, the greatest honour to come to any West Australian player, "The Brice Trophy" was won by Harry Rayner who at 17 years of age also became the first player from the club to gain State Selection. It was in this year that Mr Vern Landwehr became the first Life Member of the club. Around this period the club continued to use Langley Park as their training venue, however most home games were transferred to Riley Oval, North Beach. In 1964 the senior club went to Wellington Square as a training venue only. The following year saw the club have their first real success when under coach Peter Smith the first grade team went into the first semi final only to go down narrowly to Victoria Park. In 1966 the first grade team went through to the final of their competition, however were defeated by Fremantle. Mr Wally Stein was made a Life Member of the club this year. It was not until 1967 that the club decided to use Riley Oval as both a training venue and home ground. Also in that year the First Grade made the grand final for the first time, but were defeated by Applecross. Third Grade won the Premiership and the club won the first of many Club Championships. Harry Rayner played his 150th First Grade game and Richard White set a club record that stands to this day, of 34 tries in a season of the First Grade Competition. In 1968, long serving player, Harry Rayner became the club's third Life Member. In 1969 the club successfully negotiated with the Shire of Perth for the lease of the North Beach S.L.S.C. premises as its clubrooms. It was in that year that the club achieved recognition Australia wide in that 8 teams fielded by the Senior and Junior club all played off in Grand Finals of their respective divisions resulting in four Premierships. The club took out its second Club Championship and sharp shooter Bob McAlister, set a club record of 88 goals in a season. In 1971, the club's 21st year, under coach Arthur Miers the club had its greatest success by winning the 'A' Grade Premiership for the first time by defeating Applecross 8-5. Pat Begley and Brian De mamiel were presented with Life Membership.. Reserve Grade won their second Premiership in 1972, the club its fourth Club Championship and Ross White played his 150th First Grade game. Prolific points scorer Stewie James, set a club record of 219 points for the 1973 season and First Grade were defeated 16-5 by South Perth in the Grand Final, under coach Phil Robertson. In 1974 the First Grade received a severe setback through the loss of coach Phil Robertson midway through the season. The appointment of Noel Williams as captain/Coach regenerated enthusiasm within the club and it is now history that we came from 5th position to win our second First grade Premiership. The 25th Anniversary of the club was celebrated in 1975. In that year North Beach had four players selected to tour Papua New Guinea and to represent the state against England. Geoff Kent was presented with Life Membership for distinguished service on and off the field. Reserve Grade were unlucky to be defeated by Victoria Park-Canning in the Grand final losing in extra time, this being the first of a frustrating string of events. r four years in succession, Reserve grade was to make the Grand Final only to be defeated on each occasion. It was not until their next Grand Final appearance in 1984, under coach Eddie Campbell and manager Glenn Buck that the hoodoo was broken. In 1976 Richard White played his 150th First Grade game for the club and brother Ross received Life Membership. Fourth Grade (U18) won the Premiership. In 1977, club stalwart Wally Stein, received Life Membership of the W.A.R.L. for his outstanding contribution as a referee and advisor. In 1978 Richard White represented the State for a record fourteenth time. All senior grades made the 1979 finals, with the Under 18's defeating Fremantle 10-6 in the Grand Final. The successful coach was Harry Rayner. 1979 was the year in which Cam Coutts Snr. commenced discussions with Mr Jim Clarko (MLA) and Mr George Strickland (City of Stirling) re the construction of a new club facility on Charles Riley Reserve. North Beach met Mosman Cottesloe in the 1980 First Grade Grand Final. An 18 all draw after extra time forced a replay the following week. Coach Noel Williams claimed his second First Grade Premiership with North Beach worthy 19-10 winners. Coach Jeff Brimble led Third Grade to a Premiership and the club won another 'Club Championship'. One of the club's most successful years culminated with Len 'Pop' Standen winning the League's highest award, The Brice Trophy, and Cam Coutts Snr.becoming only the second North Beach official to receive Life Membership of the WARL. 1981 heralded a new era for the club. A wake was organized by Glenn Buck to bid farewell to the old clubrooms on the beach and members of the North Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and North Beach Rugby League Club said 'goodbye' in fine style. The opening of the new premises and enclosed grounds at Charles Riley Reserve was celebrated equally as well! The club received wonderful support from the City of Stirling, Mr Jim Clarko (MLA), Mr George Strickland (Councillor), Mr Pat Begley (Builder-Advisor), Mr Reg Bowers (Designer), Mr Rod Gundry (Supervisor), Mr Cam Coutts Snr. (Organizer) and the many players and supporters involved in the construction. The resultant facilities, which set a standard that other clubs were to attempt to emulate, came from many years of planning and hard work and are a fitting tribute to all concerned. Highly respected ex-player and coach Fred Griffiths joined the club as 1981 First Grade coach after extensive experience with U.K. club Wigan and North Sydney. George Taylor set the remarkable feat of playing 100 consecutive First Grade games and won the First Grade Fairest and Best Award for a record 5th time. 1982 saw long serving club and league official, Cam Coutts (Snr) become our eighth Life Member for outstanding service. Evergreen Eddie Campbell played his record 216th First Grade game for North Beach. Canberra Raiders forward, Richard Cooke returned to the club in 1983 as Captain/Coach and led First Grade to the Grand Final, only to be defeated 12-10 by South Perth. 1984 brought another First Grade Premiership, once more under the leadership of Richard Cooke. North Beach defeated Willagee 17-8 to claim our fourth First Grade Premiership and sixth 'Club Championship.' Reserve Grade, coached by Eddie Campbell, regained the Premiership that had eluded the club for 12 years. Captain/Coach William Hutton led Third Grade to a Premiership against Mosman-Cottesloe in 1985. The score was 12-0. Under 19's coached by Jeff Brimble were Grand Finalists. 1986 saw club stalwart Eddie Campbell awarded with Life Membership for outstanding service as a player and coach. Reserve Grade won the 1987 Grand Final after a remarkable fight back. Down 16-0 at half time, the team rallied and defeated Fremantle 18-16. They were coached by Miles Wilson. Jeff Brimble coached Under 19's to a 14-0 victory over South Perth and Third Grade went down gallantly to Applecross 16-2. Richard White, former President and outstanding player and coach was awarded Life Membership in 1988 and Mrs Yvonne Coutts became the third North Beach member to be honoured with Life Membership of the W.A.R.L. 1989 saw the amalgamation of the Junior and Senior Clubs. For many years the North Beach Junior Club has been a dominant force in Western Australian Rugby League. The contributions of our Junior Life Members - Merv Buck, Mrs Kit Ray, Cam and Yvonne Coutts and Mrs Heather McWilliam, has been a major reason for this continued success. This year also saw Laurie Ord awarded the Ron Hudson Medal for his contribution to Rugby League for the season. Jeff Brimble and Eddie Campbell, along with the assistance of players, members and supporters, contributed to the completion of the new Members' Bar. North Beach won their third 'Club Championship' for the decade with all Junior and Senior teams represented in the finals. Brad Hopes was the First Grade coach. 1990 saw Ian Howcroft appointed as coach of First Grade. Ian and Bob Boyce were selected to represent the State and Greg Rafferty was part of the initial training squad. Another 3rd Grade Premiership was won under astute coach William Hutton. 1991 was a bleak season in the higher grades but the Under 21 side was successful in winning a Premiership under coach Jeff Brimble. Brad Hopes returned to the First Grade coaching position in 1992 with mixed results. Miles Wilson successfully guided the Under 20 side to a Premiership and Herman David and Dean Williams coached the Metro Cup team to a Premiership. 1993 was a very successful year with Premierships being won by Reserve Grade, Metro Cup, and Under 21's. Successful coaches respectively, were Miles Wilson, Jack Thompson and Jim Ritchie. The Juniors were successful winning flags in 18's, 16's and 14's. Long serving player and coach George Taylor was appointed as the club's 11th Life Member. Colin Clarke was the First Grade coach during this year. First Grade made the Grand Final in 1994 under coach Colin Clarke, the first time since 1984. Unfortunately, this gallant side was defeated by Canning. However, the Colts side was coached to a Premiership by Wayne Holz and the 17's, 15's and 12's teams were Premiers in the Junior divisions. Laurie Ord and Jason Coutts became the 12th and 13th Life Members of the club. 1995 saw First Grade in the semi finals and Reserve Grade won the Premiership under coach Miles Wilson. Andrew Peake coached the under 19's to a Premiership and the successful Junior sides were the 17's and 15's coached by George Taylor and Jeff Brimble respectively. Francis Brimble became the 14th Life mMember for her outstanding work with both Juniors and Seniors. Wayne Holz was appointed coach in 1996. Although a very lean year for Senior grades, the 15's and 11's won Premierships. A women's team entered a competition for the first time. 1997 again saw Wayne Holz as First Grade coach. The team performed well throughout the season, losing a contentious semi-final to South Perth. Jeff Brimble was a successful coach once more, leading the Under 21 side to a further Premiership. Lee Luxford coached the Womens' team to a Premiership for the first time and Jason Coutts was able to get the Resrves team to the Grand Final but unfortunately they were not successful. Jeff Brimble was awarded Life Membership, the club's 15th, for his services as a player, coach and committee person. 1998 became the year of our 5th First Grade Premiership . Coached by former Newcastle and Western Reds player Jeff Doyle, the team won an absolute nail-biter against Canning. Russell Ord, a former club junior, kicked an amazing field goal right on the siren to clinch the flag for the club. Reserve Grade were Premiers once more, the successful coach being Jason Coutts. Mick Smith scored a rare double, coaching both the Under 20's and Under 18's to Premierships. In the Junior division, the Under 13's were valiant winners of a Premiership. Local junior, Jason Coutts, was appointed as coach of First Grade in 1999, having coached Reserve Grade to two successive Grand Finals. First grade narrowly missed out on back to back Premierships. First time coach Simon Aiesi successfully guided Reserve Grade to another Premiership and 3rd Grade won a Premiership, coached by Jim Abbott. Unfortunately, after years of success, the Under 19-21 competition folded. Jason Coutts was reappointed as First Grade coach in 2000. Both First Grade and Reserve Grade were eliminated in the preliminary finals this year but the Under 17's, coached by Steve Body, were Premiers. ...to be continued: |
