“Never in Doubt Chaps!”

“Never in Doubt Chaps, Never in Doubt!”

“Never in doubt, chaps, never in doubt” 
Fred Hess, Club President inspired
His club, the mighty Smithton Magpies,
To give their best – a win desired!

Way back in ‘Sixty-Four, long ago,
I joined the Smithton Magpie team,
Led by Tony Fletcher whose coaching
Skills were best described as ‘supreme’.

I was twenty, taught at the school,
A ruckman, I was made welcome
In the team and for four great years
Smithton Football Club was ‘home’.

Forest-Stanley, Irishtown and Scotchtown
Made up a four-team competition,
Worthy opponents as we each strived
To help achieve Old Fred’s prediction.

Robson, Murphy, Burgess, Astell, Joyce,
Wainright, Porteous, to name a few,
Three Edwards, some members of the team,
Yes, I can remember each of you.

Won the premiership in sixty-four,
Alas, I could not participate
As in the second semi-final,
My left elbow I did dislocate!

I remember my Magpie years fondly,
The concerts, the balls, that closeknit team,
Nell and Strawb at rehearsals, long ago,
Memory is fading, Was it just a dream?

Bill Edmunds
August 2024
billedmunds.com

Thank you, Smithton, for welcoming me to your town.