6 Local News Thursday July 28, 2016
Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals
40 year soccer grand final reunion to share fond memories A REUNION for the game that stopped the Tweed Valley in 1976, between rival soccer clubs Murwillumbah Saints and Murwillumbah United, will take place on Saturday, August 20, at the Murwillumbah Golf Club. It was the largest crowd ever to surround Queens Park in 1976 to witness United’s historic win over the undefeated Saints exactly 40 years ago. Reunion organiser David Devine said the reunion was about these two teams and the players, supporters, volunteers and the officials involved coming back together to relive the “good old days”. “However, it is also a celebration of soccer on the Tweed from the 50s to the 70s,” Mr Devine said. “Anyone who was involved in any manner with Tweed Soccer during that period is welcome to attend the reunion.” The Weekly caught up with four explayers who included Paddy Dwyer and Geoff Smith (Murwillumbah United) and Bill Nolan (goalkeeper) and Rob Kaehler both from Murwillumbah Saints. All four played in the 1976 Grand Final. (L-R) David Devine, Paddy Dwyer (United), Bill Nolan (Saints), Rob Kaehler (Saints) and Geoff Smith (United) will relive some of the good old days and one of the biggest sporting events in Murwillumbah’s history.
The players re-enacted the winning goal for the Weekly (bottom left picture). The game was the talk of the town and local radio station, 2MW (now Radio 97) had a sports reporter providing a live cross. The Saints took an early lead though a Denis Vlismas strike but that lead didn’t last when 16-year-old Ray Mudge equalised with a header for United. It was 18-year-old Ross Conlon who scored the winning goal for United with a penalty. Ross Conlon went on to play Rugby League in Sydney for Western Suburbs, Canterbury Bankstown and Balmain, whilst also making the NSW State of Origin and Australian teams. The half-time score was 2-1 to United, and is how the game finished with no goals scored in the second half. It should also be noted that the first Murwillumbah based team to win was Saints in 1975 after the Tweed District Soccer Association was formed in 1959 The cost is $35 per person including dinner and entertainment. Please RSVP to David Devine on 0448 883 845 or email djdevine88@gmail.com by August 6.
Image below: back row (L-R) Tony McDonald, Geoff Smith, Richard Morgan, Brian Breckenridge, Ray Mudge, Ross Conlon, Michael Border Front Row (L-R): Karl Woldt, Billy Dormer, Paddy Dwyer, Michael Morris (mascot), Tony Morris, Brian Thatcher, Kevin Marchant
71963
SPECIALITIES:
Est. 1938
Wedding Gowns, Suedes & Leathers, Curtains, Bedspreads, Blankets, Cushion Covers, Floor Rugs, Car Seat Covers, Zips,
DRY CLEANING & LAUNDRY
Alterations & Repairs.
*
Curtain Features:
CLOTHING
• Expertly Cleaned
ALTERATIONS
• Assured Length • Attractive Folds
& REPAIRS
• Relined & Repaired
5536 6708 5536 8688
5513 1307
BRISBANE ST
6672 1441
MURWILLUMBAH ST
NS
Wrights Dry Cleaning
EE
COOLANGATTA TWEED HEADS TWEED HEADS MURWILLUMBAH 90 Griffith St, 2/71-73 Wharf St Main Street, SOUTH Palm Plaza Cnr Warner St Opp Tweed Centro Blundell Boulevard
T
A SPECIALITY QU
• Take-Down and Re-Hang Service
WH
AR
FS
T
Local media including this photo from the Daily News covering the lifting of Tony Morris after the United 2-1 win. Expect another lift during the reunion as Mr Morris and the United side come back together next month.