R.I.P TWO CHAMPIONS
Neale Daniher’s passing was followed a few days later by the death of Peter Ryan following a really tough health battle. Peter and his brother Shane came from a small Brunswick Hotel (the Caledonian) to Assumption in the 1960’s. Both played First XI and XVIII. Peter was a brilliant cricketer who dominated the A.G.S.V for six years. He made the First XI whilst in year 7, was captain in year 10 and led the college to successive premierships. Along the way he broke many records and twice hit 500 runs and took 50 wickets in a season. In one game he made a century and took all ten wickets against Essendon Grammer (PEGS). Straight from college and aged 18 Peter went to England and scored several centuries in county cricket during his two seasons abroad.
On return to Australia, he was signed by Queensland and almost straight away shared in a 200 runs stand versus West Indies. The scribes of the time tipped him to pay for Australia but in a following game against Victoria at the Gabba he was hit on the temple by Vic express Alan Thomson which resulted in blurred vision and ended his first-class career at age 21. Peter returned to Melbourne and for some years still managed to play for Fitzroy and Marcellin Old Collegians. He married Cathy Englefield, a nurse from Robinvale whose dad Leo had attended Assumption. The couple had three children, a son Daniel and daughters Naomi and Virginia. His farewell requiem mass at St Kevins Templestowe was packed and many of his former school pals were among the crowd. Like Neale, Peter inspired his teammates and fellow collegians. Sympathy is extended to Cathy and family.
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VARIA
Assumption First XVIII lost by 4 goals to Peninsula (9.6 to 13.6) in a setback to finals hopes but is likely to bounce back in the next few rounds. A poor second term cost the Blues dearly and though they got close in the final term the home side slammed on late goals to seal the win. Games coming up are against Yarra Valley, Ivanhoe and Marcellin with the latter clash and Bulleen on June 26 a crucial one.
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Really hard to pick an AFL premier at the halfway stage of the season. Most consistent side to date has been Fremantle. Brisbane, Sydney, Geelong have each suffered shock losses. Carlton fans have finally had something to cheer about and the club must be keen to entice Josh Fraser to accept the full-time coaching role. The former Magpies star seemed to have the players right behind him in their wins after he took over from Michael Voss.
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England plays New Zealand in the upcoming test series in England. It should be a good contest as the Kiwis always punch above their weight. Next summer New Zealand tours Australia for four tests; then next March it’s the 150 years “special” between Australia and England at the MCG. In 1877 the first ever meeting Australia won by 45 runs. Then a hundred years on, in 1977 the Aussies won again by the same 45 runs margin. That was a superb game, watched by 275,000 people. Big crowds will attend the 150th clash but very many cricket fans are unhappy that it is to be a pink ball day-night test. There is enough evidence to suggest the pink ball spoils the game. But of course money counts above all else these days, to hell with tradition.
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Just a note of well wishes to Broadford’s Marion Cook, a former hard working lady for a long time in Assumptions maintenance department. Marion is waging a tough health battle. She and husband Leo.
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Good to catch up the other day with a proud Kilmore indigenous family. Neville Jinette, wife Raelene, daughter Narelle and son Mark are folk I got to know well whilst I was at ACK. Neville helped the First XVIII for years as a trainer and “odd jobs” man. He did the same for Kilmore Football Club. Mark is following in dad’s footsteps and helping out at the town club. Narelle is back home again helping out her mum and dad.
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Longtime local Brad Ryan is still going well. He has worked in maintenance at Assumption for many years and is high in praise for present principal Paul Finneran. Brad is well known around town. A really bad accident in his late teen years left him in a coma for months which cut short a highly promising footy and cricket career.
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The faded sepia print shows Neale Daniher’s 1978 champions team in action against Essendon Grammar at a packed Main Oval.
On that distant day Assumption won well with its best players named as Neale, Michael O’Sullivan, John Tossol and a year nine boy, Ray Power, who in his final year kicked 210 goals in AGSV and Herald-Sun Shield games. Neale, Michael and John all played in the “big league”. Assumptions home games for many years were played on Friday or Saturday afternoons and big crowds of local and district people would flock to the games.
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