1950 SEASON

1950 was definitely a two-part season. At the half-way mark Wests had only won four and drawn one game and then lost the first two matches of the Second Round. However, under the guidance of Coach Jeff Smith and Captain Frank Stanmore, who took over from the retiring Jack “Duck” Walsh, they rattled home, winning six and drawing one of their last seven matches, making the four.

Wests fired under the captaincy of Frank Stanmore, pictured at training, most probably SCG No.2

They then steamrolled Balmain in the semi-final 28-10, one of the features being a Bill Keato penalty goal from way past half-way. They lost the Final 21-15 to the eventual Premiers South Sydney. In a rugged match, Clive Churchill was the difference, although he was lucky to stay on the field after knocking out Keith Holman with an elbow as Holman was about to score. Many good judges thought it should have been a penalty try.

In a good overall season, Wests came second to Balmain in the Club Championship, the Seconds (under Wal “Duke” Taylor) and the Thirds (Under Jack Caffery) both finishing second on the table.

Frank Stanmore and Keith Holman both played three Tests against England and Keith Holman also won the Herald “Best and Fairest” Competition. Bob Dimond (NSW v England), Peter McLean and Alan Hornery (Possibles v Probables) also won representative honours.

Western Suburbs Team that played Berry RL at Berry 21 May 1950

Back: V Williams, D Beger, E Hooper, D Worne, D Stait, Smith, R McKelvey, K Fewtrell
Front: P Long, W Hilliard, W Randall, J Rawlinson, L Trevena, K Deacon, G Bain