West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Monday 10 June 1946, page 4


TWO RESIGNATIONS. COACH AND CAPTAIN. South Fremantle Decisions. Both N. Lewington, the South Fremantle non-playing coach, and ,J. Reilly, the captain, have resigned from those positions. After the game on Saturday Reilly stated that he would not carry on as captain and yesterday Lewington announced his resignation. J. Ditchburn, one of the selectors, will act as tem porary coach until the club com mittee comes to a decision regard ing another appointment and an other captain will be elected by the players before the next match. Mr. F. Harrison, secretary of the club, said last night that there hadi been no suggestion of a request to Lewington to resign. He had acted voluntarily and the matter had been dealt with at the committee meet Sing yesterday in a surprisingly cordial atmosphere. Apparently Lewington made this decision in view of difficulties he had experienced in performing his duties as coach and thought that it would be in the best interests of the team if he resigned. Reilly said on Sat urday that probably he would be able to play better if he were not captain. On Saturday there was some un certainty regarding the composi tion of South Fremantle's team. Owing to a misunderstanding, Marsh, the Speedy rover, was not

chosen an Thursday, it being thought that he was in Kalgoorlie. Marsh, however, was at Armadale and after communicating with an official he arrived at the ground prepared to play. He did not, how ever, appear in the side. Reilly then said that he wished to resign the captaincy but was persuaded to lead the side in the match. It was apparent in the rooms after the match that the situation was un-satisfactory and that there must be further developments. Lewington was formerly an out standing player on South Fre-mantle's centre line and gave the club great service. Last year he was coach and the team reached the grand final.