Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, SA : 1929 - 1931), Saturday 8 June 1929, page 38


TWO GAME STARS OF OTHER DAYS

Cricketer-Footballers SONG ABOUT GIFFEN

(BY GAWLER)

No city in Australia has produced so many champions at both cricket and football as Adelaide. Whereas other capitals have had an occasional

dual star, the city on the Torrens seems to have an unending supply. ' The name of George Giffen comes first to mind in a review of past champions. He was one of the stalwarts of Norwood in the '80's, and a capital kick; indeed, the old football club song included a couple of lines setting out his prowess. - A clubmate was Harry Blinman, who also made his mark as a batsman and mid-off fieldsman. Giffen Giffen played cricket for Norwood for many years; but following a misunder standing over a run-out decision - with W. J. Honth, transferred to Adelaide. Later we come to the one and only Joe Travers. A left-foot kick, he was one of a particularly staunch back line for the red-legs, and even now is remembered for his slow bowling. WORE CRICKET HAT AT FOOTBALL Joe Darling was another Norwood defender in the early '90's— and usually wore a cricket hat. He and Clem Hill were associated in many fine doings in cricket, but were rivals at football, and Clem and Frank were a nippy pair for South, and the cricketing comrades often had spirited tussles. Incidentally, Clem and Frank were largely responsible for what is regarded as the greatest- win Prince's ever gained over Saint's in the college match.

Saint's led 5— 1 at the last change, and for part of the final term seemed to have a lien on the game. However, Prince's found a new line of attack, and with the Hill brothers in every moment of it, produced a run that was irresistible. They added five goals in the last 15 minutes— an unprecedented swing in those days — and gained a wonderful victory. South Adelaide also possessed a fine dual pair in J. C. Reedman and E. Jones. Reedman was one of the most astute leaders in football, while his all round form entitled him to a trip home, which he never secured. Jones was a dashing back with South, and the fastest bowler ever known, as well as an alert fieldsman. Wicketkeeper Jack McKerizie came from the Port, and was as well known for his peculiar leg flick when batting as for the keenness of his 'keeping. And couldn't he kick, a football! One of the very old brigade deserving of mention is Alf ('Topsy') Waldron— leader of the Norwoods in their heyday, and a useful cricketer, who died yester day. He came from Melbourne. Albert Green (author of the famous telegram to 'Ranji') and Percy Stuart were, another fine pair to represent the State at both games, and others to come to mind are Ernie Peters, P. M. Newland and H. P. ('Mother') Kirkwood. Newland was one of the fleetest of footballers, and one who was never done; he also went home as second wicket keeper with an Australian eleven.

FOOTBALLER, BATSMAN, BOWLER Kirkwood could kick goals in great style; -was an able batsman, and a good leg-break bowler. Transfer to the country prevented his full development. J. R. (Roy) and Solly Hill, younger members of the illustrious family, were another pair who did well and take us to the present generation in which the average has been well maintained, with Vic. Richardson an outstanding example. A. J. Roberts may be regarded as the greatest of footballer -tennis players, while A. J.' (Charcoal) Grayson and J. H. Gosse have dual representation in football and rowing. Grayson was one of the finest full backs Adelaide has ever produced. He was with Norwood, for which club Gosse followed tirelessly.