1964 SEASON

Western Suburbs DRLFC First Grade 1964

After a run of Grand Final appearances Wests failed to make the semi-finals. The losses of Kel O’Shea and Arthur Summons were big blows, but John Armstrong and Roy Ferguson made very strong debuts and Ken Owens (ex-Randwick RU) was also a good buy.

The story of the season was injuries, however. A large number of First-Graders were injured in the Trials and Don Parish tore knee ligaments in the first match. There were also major injuries to Bill Carson and Kevin Smyth during the season.

Ken Bray was the top points-scorer with 131, and Peter Dimond the top try-scorer with nine. Jim Cody arrived as a significant and influential player, winning the club ‘Best and Fairest’ Award.

Representative players included:

Noel Kelly – Sydney Firsts, NSW, Australia v France (2nd and 3rd Tests)
Peter Dimond – Sydney Seconds
John Hayes – Sydney Firsts, NSW
John Armstrong – NSW Colts
John Mowbray – Sydney Seconds

A number of members who had given outstanding service to the club passed away, including Life Members, Herb Moxham, Wal Barclay and ‘Ranji’ Joass and ex-players Don Graham and Charlie Cornwall. Wal Barclay and ‘Ranji’ Joass were significant contributors to the establishment and continuation of the club.