The Dragons
This history was composed for Country Club’s 20-year reunion. If you have later history please let us know.
In 1986 Country Club merged with foundation club United creating the new identity of Country Club United.
Country Club Colts Touch Football Club | Facebook
Contents
- The Dragons
- The Beginning (1976)
- Sponsorships
- Social
- Merchandise
- Representative Players
- VIPs
- Clubbers (players)
- Growth
- Management
- Club Uniforms
- Home Venues
- Achievements
- Club History – 1970s
- Club History – 1980s
The Beginning (1976)
Country Club Touch Football Club was formed in 1976 and competed in the Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Association’s winter fixtures. Several of the foundation members used to play a game of touch football each Sunday morning on the oval at St Flannan’s Zillmere after the 8.30am mass had finished. The original touch players were Michael Moore, Paul and Mark Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Paul and David Stewart, Peter Fagan, Ian Issacs, Peter Gregg and Tim Mansfield. After some time, Rick Donovan, who originally played for Dairy Cows started playing these social games and he suggested that we enter a team in the Metropolitan Touch competition.
In 2006 Country Club United played in the SEQ Touch League Grand Final against Dodgers – Chalkees. Dodgers – Chalkees claimed their maiden premiership title with a thrilling 8-7 defeat of a gallant Country Club United in the Men’s Open decider.
1979 John Mallory Comp Trophy
1981 MTFA 1st Division Premiers
1982 MTFA 1st Division Premiers
Country Club Mens Over 30 Years Division
1985 Foster’s National Club Team Champions 1988 QTA Club Champions
Sponsorships
Country Club Hotel
The Clubs original sponsor was the Country Club Hotel (now the Four Mile Creek Hotel) at Strathpine. It was our unofficial ‘clubhouse’ – a place where on Tuesday nights we sold raffle tickets, celebrated victories and commiserated losses. Risk Donovan was the cellar-man there and had arranged for the Club to be able to sell six meat trays raffles there on Tuesday nights in the public bar. A hand full of players mainly Rick, Butch, Hank, Mark, Dunny, Spargo and Greggo used to arrive at the Country Club Hotel by 5.00pm and try to sell tickets. In a lot of cases these tickets were brought by the sellers and a large number of these trays were known to go home with a Clubber.
One Melbourne Cup Day Hank got a bit of a surprise when selling tickets in the beer garden. One young lady who had obviously celebrated the running of the Melbourne Cup remarked to Hank about … You will need to ask Hank for clarification on what happen with the rest of this story.
If you weren’t selling tickets you were usually having a beer or trying your luck on the Galaga arcade game, saving the world from the aliens.
Kelly’s Wrecking
When Billy Holmes joined Country Club, he suggested that his mate Bob Kelly from Kelly Wrecking might be willing to throw a few dollars our way in the form of sponsorship of the Club. We were on a high having won a few competitions and Bill suggested that if we put Kelly Wrecking on the back of our jerseys, we would be able to obtain some sponsorship from Bob.
Bob came through and sponsored Country Club for a number of years thanks to the good work put in by Billy Holmes.
Mike Young Auto World
Our pitch to Mick Young was as follows:
Country Club is seeking sponsors to help defray some of the costs of running the Club. What can we offer a sponsor in return for their assistance
Jersey advertising – which as previously shown may be seen intrastate and interstate exposure.
1. Billboard and leaflet advertising at our home and away games.
2. The opportunity to join a WINNING COMBINATION.
Our Club has staged the 1982 and 1983 Grand Finals and expects to again stage the seasons premier event – a Grand Final to a sponsor’s product.
Social
The Club Song
We’re Country Club
We’re true blue
We are piss pots through
We are bastards so they say
We should have gone to heaven
But we went the other way
Sing’in down, down, down, down
Down, down, down Yeah – Country Club
—————————————————–
In the early years we were always thinking of fund-raising activities and socials that could be held to raise much needed funding for the Club and have some fun together as club members.
One of the ideas that we started were our famous “Back to” nights. Over the years we had three of these and they were always held on the Tuesday night before the Exhibition Wednesday Show holiday. This gave us a full day to recover from what ever happened and a chance to clean up the venue used.
I can only remember some of the details of what happened, and I have provided some of the stories associated with these events below.
Back to Nudgee Beach Night
Our first effort was a back to Nudgee Beach Night. A trailer load of sand was borrowed from the beach at Brighton, a tennis umpires stand from St Pat’s (for the Life Savers tower) and these items were arranged on the floor of the Northern Suburbs Hockey Club to make it look like Nudgee Beach. Surf Life Saving flags were erected and life guards were on patrol as this fun night started and went on until the early hours of Wednesday morning. There were surf and fishing reports provided on the hour (Spargo had some trouble understanding what Church Hill bream were) and a whole lot of fun was had by all.
Back to Rugby Night
Our second “Back to” social was our Back to Rugby Night. This time a football field was marked out on the dance floor with goal posts erected at either end. A passing competition was held, (do you remember the ball girl), a kicking competition (did I mention the ball girl) and another great night was had by all who attended. Special songs were played, such as:
And he’ll tease you, he’ll unease you
All the better just to please you
He’s precocious, and he knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
He’s got Arthur Beason’s standoff thighs,
He’s got Mal Meninga’s eyes
Back to School Night
The third night we had was our Back to School night for which members and guests tried to fit into their old school uniforms. I know of one young lady who was able to wear a grade 7 uniform to the night?
After one of these nights (not to sure which one) we had left the Club after 1.00am and Terry Postans was left in-charge to lock up. When Lal came over to the Club in the morning everything was open, the lights were still on and Terry was nowhere to be seen.
Trophy Nights
The Clubs first Trophy Night was held at Barry Dunn’s house (brother of Dunny) at the Grange. In the early days when we only had one team it was easy to hold the Trophy night like this. Trophy night was always held on the evening of Grand Final day and it was hoped that most players would have made it out of the sheds and into the Club proper by the time the Trophy Night started. In later years the Trophy night was held either at Northern Suburbs Hockey Club or Valleys Hockey Club depending on which venue we were using as our home base.
In the earlier days not to many serious trophies were given out, mainly ones that celebrated what someone had done for the Club or a small error of judgement that may have occurred during the playing year. Jean Shipperley and Jossie Dunn always received the OMO Award, because they washed all the Club jerseys each week.
DO YOU REMEMBER ….
What a fine bunch of Clubbers (from left to right)
Back-row: Allan Dunn, Jeff James, Ian Millage, Terry Hutchinson, Paul Shipperley. Front Row: Michael Moore, Terry Postans, Paul Andrew, Mark Shipperley.
During the John Mallory Memorial Knockout competition at Toowong High School Michael Moore (Butch) and Terry Jacks (from Eagles) wrestling in the sand pit during one of the fiercely contested moments in the game.
The infamous commentary of the 1981 Grand Final played at Toowong High School between Country Club and Eagles. Commentators were Michael Moore (Butch), Rick Donovan (Refidex Rick) and Peter Thompson (The Whale) who called the game in a professional, unbiased manner. RIGHT! If you ever get a chance to see it, it’s worth the admission fee.
Bear being stripped and pushed out onto the balcony at Karen and Rick Donovan’s unit. The two gay guys in the unit opposite weren’t even interested in Bear as he hid behind a pot plant. On re-gaining entry to Rick’s unit someone slammed Bear’s hand in the glass door and the throbbing pain didn’t start till much later in the night when Bear presented himself at the ER Unit at RBH. What happened? he was asked, to which Bear replied: “I’m a milk-man and I got my hand jammed between two crates!”
Peter Gregg (Greggo) chasing a player from the field and around behind the spectators as he tried to thump him in no uncertain terms!
Tim Mansfield (Bear) climbing over the fence at Nundah from the Shipperley’s household to try and chat up a young lady who battered for the other side. Bear could not compete after he was told “She’s mine!” by a scantly glad lass.
Terry Postans (Possie) and his famous “#uck it up, #uck it up” call.
The Country Club fund-raiser at Terry Postans (Possie) house when Butch tried to eat a rubbish bin loaded with prawns on ice by himself.
Trying to get a cab from Possie’s house located in Somme St, Ashgrove.
The day we all went over to Paul Andrews (Head) house to watch the Commonwealth Games and Head’s mother came up with the following one-liners:
- Talking about the Labrador dog – “Don’t worry love he’ll only lick you off!”
- Talking about the weight lifting – “He’s a good jerker!”
- Talking about Head – “Are you alright Tup-pence!”
- Talking about Wally Lewis – “That Lewie Wallace is a great player!”
The Sunday at Shaw Park playing fields during the 1st Division game between Country Club and Eagles (score locked at 1 – 1) when Kevin Cronin (Fruity) chipped kicked over the Eagles defensive line, caught the ball and proceeded to score only to be sent from the field. Country Club played on with one player less and lost the game 3 – 1.
The day Ray Shipperley got the water bucket caught between his legs and went a cropper onto the cement. Poor Ray, he had skin missing from arms, knees and other places that should not be mentioned here.
Terry Postans (Possie) being told to get off the dog track (repletely) by officials at Owen Park, Southport as we celebrated a great Clubbers win at the Inaugural “Johnson Wax” National Championships.
The tale about Ray Shipperley and the “pie” he brought in Toowoomba when returning home from the Thriller in Chinchilla. “This bloody pies cold, I’m going back in to ask them to warm it up”. Warm it up they did. Ray’s description of a hot pie unfortunately cannot be repeated in this publication, but I’m sure Ray never complained about a cold pie again.
Col Railton and the legend of the “Rail Trail”. After Col’s legendary leak on the Pacific Highway major works were required and the government decided to re-build it completely.
The day Kevin Cronin (yes – Fruity again) told the Mullet story about how he put a net across the Pine River and caught that many Mullet that the back of his ute was overflowing. There were that many fish that he had to turn his wipers on as he drove his ute to the Country Club Hotel where he made a “killing” selling the Mullet to the patrons.
The ladies from the bus trip ducking in behind the trees at Condon Sugar Mill only to be seen going about their business by all the vehicles travelling along the highway.
The day Allan Dunn (Dunny) took us for a training run from Dorrington Park at Ashgrove up and around Government House and back to Dorrington Park. Not to mention running up the hill beside Government House a few times (holding hands so no one got behind) just for good measure.
The player who said “We were too BIG, too FAST and too STRONG!
Mad Mondays
After our Trophy Nights which usually went pretty late into the night it was expected that you would turn up for Mad Monday. Starting time was 10.00am at the Prince of Wales (POW) Hotel at Nundah at the public bar. For every 10 minutes you were late you had to scull a pot or a spirit. It certainly was an incentive to be there on time. Of course, several people had a distinct advantage as they lived within walking distance of the pub. We would have a few “heart-starters” and then grab a bit to eat before heading back to the club.
At Valleys Norm Ludwig would open the bar for us and we would sing our Club songs and tell a few stories, and a few more stories until we could drink no more. One of the best stories of these days was when Ray Shipperley asked Ted (Mike Edwards) if he won’t mind giving him a lift from the POW to Valleys, a total trip of approximately 2 kilometres. Ted said “I’d love to Ray”. Thirty seconds later as Ray alighted from Ted’s Falcon he was heard to mutter – “Ted you’re a **cking idiot”. Another special moment was when Chicka Down Down was standing on the bar in his holy jocks, singing a bawdy ballad for Butch, as several of the A Graders wife’s walked in. What the ****? There are a lot of other stories relating to Mad Mondays that cannot be accounted for in this history of the Club but will stay with only with those who present.
Bus Trips
1981 Chinchilla Touch Football Knockout
The Thrilller in Chinchilla
Whilst not technically a bus tour the Chinchilla Touch Football Knockout competition has to go down in the Clubbers history books as one of the best. A four-hour car trip from Brisbane, encounters with police, bore water showers, the Kempsey boys (Sorry brother, no feeling in shoes), television cameras, flies and very, very, very hot pies. And did I mention the four hour drive back home after a very tiring week end of touch.
Clubbers ended up being Runners-Up going down to Cavaliers 2 – 1 in extra time, but still managed to pick up $1,500 in prize money. Dunny looked resplendent in his sunglasses as he went over to score our only try in the final. The whole game was televised and called over a PA system at the ground. It was shown next week on the local television station $XX.
On the way home four weary Clubbers stopped at Toowoomba to grab something to eat. Ray Shipperley ordered a pie and the lovely lass put it in a bag and gave it to Ray. Once back in the car Ray took a bite and told all and sundry that it was still cold. Ray took the pie back and told the young lass that he had requested a “hot pie”. So the young lass heated up Ray’s pie and gave it back to him. Once again in the car Ray took a huge bite and nearly burnt his tongue, mouth and whatever was near-by. Apparently micro-waves really heat things up.
1979 ? /1982 Canberra Knockout
In January 1982 we boarded our C Q Tours bus in Brisbane and headed off for a very long over-night trip to Canberra – our National Capital. Those making the trip included Ray and Jean Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Peter Spargo, Ron Forrest, Greg Young, Darryl Betts, Terry Searles, Lorraine Morgan, Mike Heeney, Jenny Munch, Terry Hutchinson, Mark Shipperley, Michael Moore and Peter Thompson.
We were soon amazed by the driving skills of our Coach Capitan and his partner in crime, as they changed drivers by one standing up and the other sliding into the seat and taking control of the bus. A quick stop for dinner somewhere in the middle of the night and we were awoken in the bustling city of Dubbo for breakfast at McDonalds. Except there was no McDonalds, just a sign saying one will be built in the near future. A quick clean-up of the bus revealed that some Clubbers had been partaking in alcohol consumption on the journey. It was also revealed that some items of clothing had burst at the seams during the trip and were left strewn on the bus floor.
Once in Canberra we stayed at the university and soon knuckled down to the task at hand, training hard and preparing for our first round of games. We played at Bruce Stadium and made it to the finals.
We were beaten in the finals by Choppers (a NSW team) three tries to one. Before the game our Coach Captain had warned us that if we lost the final, he was going to play Ted Egan’s “Our Coach Captain’s” song all the way home. And as we started our journey home, yes you guessed it, on came “Our Coach Captain”. After several hours of hearing this song we decided to hold a talent quest on the bus before allowing those who wanted to sleep, sleep. All was going to plan until Ray Shipperley went looking for his pillow. Ray asked Mark if he knew where it was, to which Mark replied – “I saw Butch take it Ray”. Ray was heard to mutter something about wanting to kill that bastard Butch, before he was given his pillow back and we all settled down for a short nap.
At around 5.00am as those on the bus stirred, we were crossing the Story Bridge and had made it back to BrisVegas in time for those who had to go to work to make it on time. Several of the stayers hit the Breaky Creek Hotel for a few revivers and a steak lunch, whilst recounting what had happened on Clubbers “Our Coach Captain Tour”.
NSW North Coast Knockout
The Rail Trail Tour
The trip to the NSW’s North Coast Knockout started with all those playing and some supporters joining the bus at Norths Hockey Club at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove. Several refreshing ales were also loaded onto the bus as it was going to be a long, exhausting trip and one must keep their fluid intake up. We were not aware that there was a traffic jam on the M1 and that a toilet stop was out of the question as we would lose our place and considerable time would be lost. But poor Col Railton just had to go, so onto the bus steps, the door was opened and for five to ten minutes the legend of the “Rail Trail” was born.
A second pit stop was needed and the thoughtful bus driver stopped at the park opposite the Condon Sugar Mill. The only problem was that there was only one toilet and 42 people wanting to use it now. Some of the ladies on the bus decided to jump behind some tress and go about their business. Whilst they could not be seen from the bus, a lot of people on the highway saw them in their full glory and honked their horn in appreciation.
The touch competition was played on an extremely hot weekend and after playing several games a day Clubbers were glad to be heading back home. Billy Holmes told all on the bus that he knew the perfect pub to stop at for a counter meal and all and sundry agreed that this would be ideal. When we arrived, it was found that counter meals were not served on Sunday nights. Not to be deterred Billy took on some of the locals at pool and when he boarded the bus for the remainder of the trip home, announced that he was now the current Northern NSW’s pool champion.
Merchandise
The Club over the years had a number of merchandise items that were for purchase by Clubbers who felt that they needed to have the perfect Clubbers necessities. These included Key Rings, Stubby holders and Club shirts. No too many of these can still be found today but some Clubbers are still able to show these off on special occasions.
We also had Club Shirts and track suit jackets available for purchase even though some on the management committee arranged for different colours. Most track suit jackets were red with a red zip, but as can be seen from the picture there were one or two made that were white with a white zip (ordered for the chosen few by the Committee of three).
Representative Players
Australia, Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane Metropolitan A
- Paul Shipperley Mens Open
Australia, Queensland, South East Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich,
Ipswich Super League, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Terry Hutchinson Mens Open
Australia Open and Over 30’s, Queensland Open and Over 30’s, South East Queensland, Brisbane City Open and Over 30’s, Brisbane Super League, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B, NTL Brisbane Cobras Over 40’s
- Peter Spargo Mens Open
Australia, Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich
- Mark Giebel Mens Open
Australian Invitation, Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane City, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Allan Dunn Mixed Open, Mens Open
Queensland Over 30’s, Brisbane City Over Over 30’s
- Gary Madders Mens Open
Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich, Ipswich Super League
- Cliff Mallett Mens Open
Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane Metropolitan B
- Terry Searles Mixed Open, Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Paul Andrew Mens Open
- Terry Postans Mens Open
- Mark Shipperley Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan B
- Gerard Alexander Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan Colts
- Bernie O’Sullivan Colts
Brisbane Metropolitan Over 30’s
- Rob De Hayr Mens Open
- Michael Moore Mens Open
- Chris Tooley Mens Open
Brisbane City Super League
- Daryl Francey Mens Open
- Dominic Megher Mens Open
VIPs
Life Members
Rick Donavon
1976 – 1978 Captain Country Club A Grade
Allan Dunn
1980 Captain Country Club A Grade
1982 MTA Committee Member
1983 Administrator MTA
1984 Administrator MTA
Presidents
1976 – 1983 Ray Shipperley
1984 – Allan Dunn
1989, 1990 Mike Edwards
Ray and Jean Shipperley have always been part of Country Club. From the beginning when we only had the one team through the years they have supported “The Dragons”. Their home in Bage Street at Nundah was the unofficial Club-house and many a player has had a beer or two with Ray. From being provided with a roast chicken meal, some where to crash or a listening ear Clubbers have been welcomed by Ray and Jean since the club began.
Ray became the unofficial manager, the water boy, selector and tactician, whilst Jean washed jersey’s, cheered and tried to keep Ray under control.
Ray and Jean travelled to Hobart for the Australian titles in 1983, attended most of the Brisbane Intercity Championships and were at nearly all club games for over a ten year period.
Ray and Jean became good mates with a lot of the players from other teams and Ray could often be seen discussing the worries of the world with them before and after our games. Some of the best stories about Ray’s involvement with the Club can be found in other parts of this history, which you can read at your own leisure.
A Grade Captains
| 1976 – 1978 | Rick Donavon |
| 1979 | Paul Shipperley |
| 1980 | Allan Dunn |
| 1981 – 1982 | Peter Spargo |
| 1983 | Paul Andrew |
Club Members of the Year
In 1982 the Club Members of the year were Kerrie and Mark Shipperley. Kerrie and Mark had been Clubbers since Country Club started and had worked hard in making sure that the Club was kept running on a day to day basis. Kerrie could be often heard saying: “That’s my boy.”
Paul Andrew was Club Member of the year in 1983. Paul was a tireless worker for the Club, especially in the preparation of the grounds for Sunday fixtures. It was not uncommon for Paul and Allan Dunn to be at Norths or Valleys Hockey fields just after six am, doing line marking, setting up fields, putting out witches’ hats, barriers and even in some cases mowing the fields. Then after playing an A Grade game at 11.00am all the above had to be collected and put away again. Paul also was instrumental in post-game activities and led the team in various songs in the change rooms after games and at our Mad Monday celebrations.
Association Referees
Col Clark
John Thompson
Dennis Baker
Russell Barnsley
John Blake
David Cowles
John Driver
Patrick Hoiberg
Peter Mandrusiak
Peter Murray
Damien Salvatti
Tony Stelar
Clubbers (players)
| Surname | FirstName | Nickname | FormerClub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander | Gerard | Turtle | Nudgee Nobs |
| Allan | Peter | ||
| Altmann | Glen | ||
| Altmann | Geoff | Chicka | |
| Andrew | Paul | Head | Octal 10 |
| Antcliff | Peter | Grotto | |
| Backstrom | Peter | ||
| Baker | David | ||
| Betterbridge | Scott | ||
| Betts | Darryl | DA | |
| Biekoff | Glenn | ||
| Bolton | Dave | ||
| Bowman | Ross | Allstars | |
| Br Walsh | Fabin | ||
| Br Oxenham | Dennis | ||
| Broadbridge | Martin | ||
| Brophy | David | Animal | |
| Blyes | Stephen | ||
| Burns | Milton | ||
| Carey | Paul | ||
| Cash | Shaun | ||
| Champion | Douglas | ||
| Charlton | Adrian | ||
| Clarkson | Bill | ||
| Collins | Jamie | ||
| Cooper | Peter | ||
| Creed | Morrie | ||
| Creed | Wayne | ||
| Cronnin | Kevin | Fruity | |
| Danarko | Al | United | |
| Danarko | Mal | United | |
| Daniels | Ian | Toovey | |
| Darke | Peter | Paws | |
| Davies | Kenny | ||
| Day | Dick | ||
| Day | Tony | ||
| De Hayr | Rob | United | |
| Dixon | Dave | ||
| Donavon | Rick | Referdex | Dairy Cows |
| Dunn | Allan | Dunny | |
| Dunn | Michael | ||
| Eaton | Greg | Jumbo | |
| Eckersley | Kevin | ||
| Evans | Greg | United | |
| Evans | Kevin | United | |
| Edwards | Mark | Choco | United |
| Edwards | Mick | Ted | |
| Evans | Peter | United | |
| Fachin | Dennis | ||
| Fagan | Peter | Foxey | |
| Fagan | Ian | ||
| Farrell | Peter | ||
| Forrest | Ron | ||
| Francey | Daryl | Brisbane Touch | |
| Franks | Lennie | Allstars | |
| Fronis | Chris | ||
| Garland | Ross | ||
| Gibson | Jim | Octal 10 | |
| Giebel | Mark | Mike | Ipswich Representative |
| Goetsch | Neil | ||
| Greenbank | Tony | ||
| Gregg | Peter | ||
| Grieve | Mike | Villaroos | |
| Guy | Alan | ||
| Harris | Wayne | United | |
| Hasselmeyer | John | ||
| Hawthorn | Michael | United | |
| Hawthorn | Tony | United | |
| Hay | Brett | United | |
| Heeney | Mike | ||
| Heironymus | Mark | ||
| Hemmings | Brian | ||
| Hickey | Kevin | ||
| Hillis | Peter | ||
| Hodkinson | Paul | ||
| Holmes | Billy | ||
| Hutchinson | Terry | Hutcho | Eagles |
| Issacs | Ian | ||
| James | Bob | Allstars | |
| Josephson | Dave | United | |
| Kanaris | Anthony | ||
| Lack | Bruce | ||
| Lageroth | Craig | ||
| Lewis | Andrew | ||
| Madders | Brent | ||
| Madders | Craig | ||
| Madders | Garry | ||
| Mallett | Cliff | ||
| Mansfield | Tim | Bear | |
| McDonald | Frank | Froggy | |
| McDonald | Justin | ||
| McDonald | Mark | ||
| McDonald | Syd | ||
| McNeil | Mel | ||
| McNelly | Peter | ||
| Mowles | Russell | United | |
| Norberg | Ronnie | ||
| Mason | Brian | Villaroos | |
| Megher | Dominic | United | |
| Millage | Ian | Spillage | |
| Moore | Michael | Butch | |
| Mowles | Russell | United | |
| Munro | Peter | ||
| Nordberg | Ronald | ||
| O’Rourke | Chris | ||
| O’Sullivan | Bernie | ||
| O’Sullivan | Jim | ||
| Oilie | |||
| Origlasso | Glen | ||
| Parsons | Tony | ||
| Pennant | Donny | ||
| Pierce | Richard | ||
| Postans | Terry | Octal 10 | |
| Powell | Tony | ||
| Pullar | Brian | ||
| Railton | Col | ||
| Raper | Dave | ||
| Raper | Tony | ||
| Ross | Brian | ||
| Ross | Peter | ||
| Ross | Greg | ||
| Ryan | Benjamin | ||
| Ryan | Peter | ||
| Searles | Terry | Nudgee Nobs | |
| Scholz | Damian | Cavaliers | |
| Sherman | Jeff | ||
| Shipperley | Ray | ||
| Shipperley | Paul | Donga | |
| Shipperley | Mark | Betty | |
| Smollen | Gary | ||
| Spargo | Peter | ||
| Spencer | Tony | Frank/Springer | |
| Stanfield | Col | United | |
| Stanfield | Ken | United | |
| Stanfield | Peter | United | |
| Starkey | Greg | ||
| Stewart | Paul | ||
| Stewart | David | ||
| Stokes | Adam | ||
| Tagi | Simon | ||
| Thomas | Ron | ||
| Thompson | Peter | Daigo | |
| Thompson | Peter | The Whale | |
| Thompson | John | Bunny | |
| Truasheim | Peter | Hank | |
| Trausheim | Noel | ||
| Timms | Andrew | ||
| Tooley | Chris | Father | |
| Verhcio | Lance | ||
| Vlug | Tim | ||
| Wadsworth | Forrest | ||
| Walsh | Chris | ||
| Warnock | Gary | ||
| White | Shane | ||
| Whitney | Shane | United | |
| Allan | Julie | ||
| Arnold | Debbie | ||
| Cleaver | Carolyn | ||
| Clough | Alison | ||
| Cornish | Julie | ||
| Crudgington | Julie | Rocky | |
| Curran | Susan | ||
| De Hayr | Gayleen | United | |
| Deighton | Susan | ||
| Evans | Tracey | United | |
| Garbutt | Michelle | ||
| Gillespie | Wendy | ||
| Gillham | Katrina | ||
| Gordon-Smith | Melissa | ||
| Grant | Mandy | ||
| Handcock | Mary Jane | ||
| Handcock | Shelly | ||
| Harris | Sue | ||
| Hasted | Jane | ||
| Haug | Sharon | ||
| Humphries | Kim | ||
| Hutchinson | Shanelle | ||
| Hutchinson | Zita | ||
| Kelly | Glenis | ||
| Mandrusiak | Tanya | ||
| McBrien | Paula | ||
| McQuad | Carmel | ||
| Munch | Jenny | ||
| Nance | Cathy | ||
| Noble | Julie | ||
| Origlasso | Donna | ||
| Postans | Michelle | ||
| Raper | Sharon | ||
| Richie | Brenda | ||
| Searles | Lorraine | ||
| Sherwood | Debbie | ||
| Shipperley | Noela | Dairy Maids | |
| Stafford | Anna | United |
LTR: Christopher Donavon, Rick Donavon, Kerry Shipperley, Glen Altman, Gayle Altman, Noela Shipperley, Paul Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Peter Spargo, Karen Gregg, Jennifer Gregg, Karen Donavon. (Front Row) Mark Shipperley, Peter Gregg.
So in 1976 “The Dragons” were formed and played in an eight-a-side competition, on a full-size field, with a kick-off and players being able to run from dummy-half. Also, you were not required to wear shoes. Our jersey was predominately white, with a red and black circle around the chest.
The aim of Country Club was basically to provide good fellowship, combined with a strong sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
In the early years we would play a game on Sunday morning and then have a BBQ at a local park in the afternoon. One such day was at Wylie Park, Strathpine where Peter Gregg was cooking the BBQ when a green tree snake fell onto the BBQ plate. Without even raising an eyelid, Peter hit the snake and flicked it off the BBQ without disturbing the cooking process. This was an important BBQ as we had to decide if we wanted white or red footy shorts to go with our new jerseys. Red won?
Another important story from our early days was a Sunday when we were drawn to play Ubiquity. We only had 6 players and they had 14. We played for over and hour and Country Club won by 7 tries to 2. We made an executive decision and spent all the money we had in the Clubs account to buy beers to celebrate this great win. Players were Paul and Mark Shipperley, Peter Gregg, Allan Dunn, Michael Moore and xxx.
Another infamous day was our cricket afternoon held at Rotary Park Sandgate. A BBQ was held, beers were being partaken of and a serious game of cricket occurred. I think I will let the pictures below tell the story.
Wylie Park, Strathpine
These afternoons were always great fun. Stories were told of what happened during that day’s game and what had happened at previous ones. Opposition players were named and shamed. As the afternoon drew on the condition of some Clubbers, their wives and our support team sometimes deteriorated, not that you were always able to tell.
Growth
Since its formation in 1976 with one men’s team Country Club has continued to grow as shown in the table below:
| Year | Mens | Ladies | Over 30s | Juniors | Mixed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D | 1A,1B | |||||
| 1985 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E | 1A,1B | |||||
| 1989 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 9 | |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 2B, 2C | 1B,2B | 1A | ||||
| 1990 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 | ||
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1A, 1E | A/B |
Since its inception Country Club has merged with and gained players for other Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Clubs notably:
- United merged with Country Club in 1986 after which the name changed to Country Club United.
- Octal 10
- Nudgee Nobs
- Allstars
Management
In the early days it was very easy to organize the teams. There was a nomination fee to pay and the outlay for a set of jerseys. Players turned up for the game, they were given a jersey to play and this was returned once the game was completed. Josie Dunn or Jean Shipperley would then wash the jersey’s and they would be ready for the next week’s game.
As the number of Country Club teams grew the task of collecting monies, organising gear, arranging training and social events became a rather large and time-consuming task. When we played at Norths and Valley Hockey Clubs we also had to mark and sometimes mow the fields, put out witches’ hats, try lines, etc and ensure that everything was returned and stored in the appropriate place. The cost per team to play in the MTA competition in 1985 was $255 per team.
Below, you can see what it cost to run Country Club United during 1988.
Club Uniforms
Original Dragons club jersey
Over the years the Club’s playing jerseys has changed on only three occasions:
White jersey with red and black rings, red shorts
Country Club
White jersey with red V; white shorts, red and white socks.
Sponsors: Country Club Hotel and Bob Kelly Wrecking
Country Club United jersey
White jersey with yellow, black and red rings, black shorts white, red and yellow socks.
Home Venues
Also, the home ground venue at which all finals were played at has also only changed on three occasions as well. The grounds were:
- Toowong State High School
- Dorrington Park, Ashgrove – Northern Suburbs Hockey Field
- Shaw Park, Kalinga – Valley Hockey Fields
Dorrington Park, Ashgrove was the home of Northern Suburbs Hockey Club and we started training and playing there after Terry Postans arranged it with the hockey club’s committee. We stayed there for many years and won our second 1st Division premiership there. Our contact at North’s were Lal and Peggy Smith who lived directly opposite the Club. In the early days Lal used to man the bar after we finished training, but when we stayed on, he set up “Lal’s Bar Fridge” for our enjoyment and use. Many a night when we left the club “Lal’s Bar Fridge” was empty and a nervous convoy headed back to suburbs.
After a number of years, we changed the club’s training and playing venue from North’s to Valleys Hockey Club, after some of the North’s Committee though that we might try and take over their club. We were welcomed at Valley’s Hockey Club by Norm Ludwig, who couldn’t believe the goal mine that had come Valley’s Hockey Clubs way. MTA had several grand final days here which were highly successful, both for the MTA and Valleys Hockey Club. Valleys was the venue of some very interesting Mad Mondays.
Achievements
Country Club team performances in the 1970s and 1980s :
John Mallory Memorial Knock Out ( a pre-season comp)
1979 John Mallory Memorial Knock Out Champions
1981 John Mallory Memorial Knock Out Runners-Up
1983 John Mallory Memorial Knock Out Champions
A Grade Winter Premiership
1977 A Grade Minor Premiers
- A Grade Preliminary Finals Ubiquity 10 defeated Country Club 5
- A Grade Runners-Up Chalkees 5 defeated Country Club 4
- A Grade Minor Premiers
1979 A Grade Runners-Up Chalkees 2 defeated Country Club 1
1981 A Grade Premiers Country Club 1 defeated Eagles 0
1981 Premiers
Back Row: Dave Bolton, Jimmie Gibson, Daryl Betts, Terry Postans, Paul Andrew, Paul Shipperley, Gerard Alexander
Front Row: Peter Thompson, Terry Searles, Ray Shipperley, Allan Dunn,
Mark Shipperley, Peter Spargo
1982 A Grade Premiers Country Club 5 defeated WildCats 1
1982 Premiers
Back Row: Mark Shipperley, Donny Pennant, Mike Heeney, Peter Thompson, Ron Forrest, Ross Garland
Front Row: Ray Shipperley, Paul Andrew, Peter Spargo, Terry Searles, Paul Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Jim Gibson, Terry Postans
1983 A Grade – Runners-Up
Reserve Grade Winter Premiership
1982 Reserve Grade Runners-Up Country Club 0 Lost Eagles 3
1989 Mens 1B Premiers – Country Club
Knock Out Competitions
1977 Redcliffe Touch Association Knock Out – Runners-Up
1980 Aquanias College Knock Out – Semi-finalists
- Iona Old Boys Knock Out Champions
- Bilambil Knock Out Champions
1981 Chinchilla Knock Out – Runners-Up
State and National Titles
1980 Gold Coast Cup (Nationals) – Winners Country Club
Final Country Club 5 Won Grand Motors Toyota 3
- Qld State Championships – undefeated but eliminated on averages
- National Club Championships, Southport
Quarter Finals Country Club 2 Lost Pt Hacking 3
* Pt Hacking was a representative team
- Qld State Championships – undefeated but eliminated on averages
Country Club 1 Drew Toowoomba Teachers 1
Country Club 5 Won Gold Coast 0
Country Club 4 Won Warwick 2
Country Club 9 Won Chalkees II 0
Quarter Finals Country Club 0 Drew Toowoomba Saints 0
(Saints through on averages)
- ACT Cup (Nationals) – Runners-Up Country Club Country Club 1 Lost Choppers (NSW) 3
- Qld State Championships – Runners-Up
Mens Over 30’s Winter Premiership
1985 5th National Club Championship Men’s Over 30’s Winner – Country Club
- Qld Touch Championships Mens’s Over 30’s Winners – Country Club United
Men’s Over 30’s Premiers – Country Club United
1986 Foster’s Summer Teams Championship Winner – Country Club United
1987 BCTA Men’s Over 30’s Premiers – Country Club United
1988 QTA/Foster’s Mens Over 30’s Club Championship – Country Club United
1988 Bicentennial Open Club Championship Men’s Over 30’s – Runners Up Country Club United
1989 Mens Over 30’s Premiers Country Club United
Gold Coast Cup 1980
In 1980 Country Club (The Dragons) entered the Gold Coast Cup, a knockout competition being played at the same time as the National Championships.
The first National Championships were held on 6 and 7 December 1980 at the Owen Park Sporting Complex, Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland.
After winning through the round games on Saturday, Country Club was drawn to play Gold Coast Dodgers team in the final.
In a very hard game of touch, Country Club emerged the winners 5 to 3.
The afternoon was spent celebrating with a few XXXX beers being consumned by all those who particpated in the great win.
The photos show Allan Dunn taking up a ruck and Mark Shipperley in full flight.
The 1980 team members for Country Club were :
- Paul Shipperley
- Peter Spargo
- Mark Shipperley
- Terry Postans
- Allan Dunn
- Paul Andrew
- Michael Moore
- Peter Thompson
- Gerard Alexander
- Terry Searles
- Ron Forrest
- Tony Powell
- Manager: Ray Shipperley
Club History – 1970s
Clubbers 1979
Back row: (Left to Right) Peter Spargo, Peter Fagan, Paul Shipperley, Jim O’Sullivan, Peter Gregg, Br Fabian,
Front row: (Left to Right) Rick Donavon, Mark Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Michael Moore, Paul Stewart
1976
Our first year of competition in 1976 saw the Dragons (Country Club) win only 7 out of the 20 fixture games. Another 3 games were drawn and one was won by forfeit.
1977
In 1977 Country Club (Dragons) lived up to the promise they showed in the previous year and were minor premiers by a point from Lorikeets. Ubiquity were third and Dairy Cows improved on their previous year years performance to finish fourth. Chalkees did not enjoy the success of previous years. Promoted teams United and Octal 10 struggled but United showed enough to indicate they were first division standard. One of the founding clubs Medicos failed to win a game and dis-banded.
In the semi-finals Lorikeets were too strong for Dragons and Ubiquity gave a strong performance to thrash Dairy Cows. They gave an even better one to down Dragons and went on to win a most deserved premiership by defeating Lorikeets 5 to 3 in a fine match.
1978
United showed improvement and the previous “big two”, Lorikeets and Ubiquity missed the final four for the first time. Chalkees, boosted by the acquisition of some new players including Bob Brett, and a new dedicated approach, finished equal on points with Flames. Dairy Cows proved that they were always competitive by finishing equal with Country Club to make up the final four.
Chalkees destroyed Flames in the major semi-final and Country Club outlasted Dairy Cows by a point in the other match. Country Club continued their good form with a narrow win over Flames and faced Chalkees in the final.
It was a game of contrasts. The great majority of the match saw Chalkees defending grimly in the 20 metres from the line. Every time Country Club scored Chalkees came back with a run-away tries. It went to extra time on a hot day. The older more experienced Chalkees triumphed in the end 5 tries to 4. It was a true final with great performances from Paul and Mark Shipperley for Country Club and Graham Williams, Peter Ridgewell and Bob Brett for Chalkees.
1979
In the pre-season John Malory Memorial Knockout Competition Country Club took out the competition by defeating Flames in the final by 4 tries to 3.
In 1979 Country Club were minor premiers ending the season on 39 points. Chalkees were runner-up and Octal 10 and Flames made up the other two teams to qualify for the finals.
In the semi-finals Chalkees beat Country Club 4 tries to 3 and advanced straight through to the final. Octal 10 had a good win over Flames 5 tries to 3 in the other semi. In the preliminary final Country Club were too strong for Octal 10 winning the game by 5 tries to 2, therefore going through to meet Chalkees once again in the final.
Once again Chalkees proved to be too strong for Country Club, even after the game went into extra time, with Chalkees winning 2 tries to 1.
Little Known Fact 1979 NRL coaching legend Wayne Bennett scored the winning touchdown for Chalkees against Country Club’s A Grade team in the 1979 Grand Final.
Club History – 1980s
1980
1980 was not the best year for Country Club as they only managed to win 11 out of the 22 games played. A deciding factor was that on 5 occasions Country Club drew games with the opposition team. Country Club finished in 5th place with, Eagles. Untouchables, Flames and United making up the top four. Eagles went on to win the final 6 tries to 1 against Untouchables.
1981
Eagles – the 1980 State Champions and 1980 Metropolitan Winter Premiers – came unstuck at the hands of arch rivals Country Club in the Metropolitan 1st Division A Grade Grand Final. Eagles, having lost only one match, to United in the first round, were entitled to be hot favourites. Country Club, who won the $2,000 Gold Coast Cup at the 1980 Nationals, were very much the underdog, having failed to score in three previous outings against Eagles.
However, on the day they appeared to have a slight edge throughout and won by the narrowest of margins, 1-0. With SEQ reps, Peter Spargo and Paul Shipperley firing and a fine game by Gerry Alexander in the centre, Country Club fully tested the brilliant Eagles defence which had conceded only 14 tries during the entire season. Eagles, in fact, almost pulled the game out of the fire late in the second half with breaks from Tony Jacks and Greg Young nearly resulting in an equaliser. Country Club, much improved from their semi-final defeat and fresh from a convincing Preliminary Final win over Summer Comp Premiers, United, held on for a deserved victory.
Little Known Fact 1981 Future strapper and trainer for the Qld State of Origin and Broncos teams Tony Spencer joins Country Club and plays in the maiden A Grade premiership team in 1981.
1982
In 1982 Country Club was again the dominant team winning 12 out of the 18 fixtures played. Another 4 games were drawn, and Country Club ended the season proper with only 2 losses. In the semi-final Country Club disposed of Eagles 2 tries to nil to move straight into the Grand Final. In the Grand Final played at Norths Hockey Club, Ashgrove Country Club was to big, to fast and to strong for Cavaliers winning 4 tries to 1.
1983
In the 1983 pre-season Country Club were the John Malory Memorial Knockout Competition Champions for the second time.
During 1983 Country Club won 9 games, drew 4 and lost 3 out of the 16 fixture games played. Country Club, Eagles, Penfolds and Cavaliers made up the final four. In the first semi-final Country Club defeated Cavaliers 4 tries to 0. In the Preliminary Final Country Club accounted for Penfolds, winning by 3 tries to 1 thus setting up yet another Grand Final against Eagles. Unfortunately Country Club was unable to go on and make it three Premierships in a row, having been beaten by Eagles 1 try to 0.
1984
In 1984 County Club moved its home ground base from Norths Hockey Club at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove to Valleys Hockey Club located at Shaw Park, Kalinga. The Country Club A Grade men’s team under the coaching of Mike Moore set out to avenge it’s loss to Eagles in the 1983 Grand Final by going through the 1984 fixture rounds undefeated and becoming the first Country Club A grade men’s team to win the minor premiership since 1979.
However, the year ended poorly for Country Club with the team disrupted by injuries just before the finals to key players, a foot injury in an industrial accident at work to Paul Andrew and also losing Chris Tooley and Allan Dunn. The team failed to make the grand final losing both the major semi-final (to Cavaliers 2-1) and preliminary final (to Eagles 10). Eagles went on to defeat Cavaliers and win the premiership.
Peter Spargo was named the MTA Player of the year in 1984.
Little Known Fact 1984 To obtain extra fitness during their off-season, members from The Red Sox Softball Club including Australian player Julie Crudgington joined the Country Club Women’s teams.
1985
Paul Andrew returned as Captain/Coach in 1985 of the Country Club A Grade men’s team. The A grade team qualified for the finals defeating Vikings (Vikings were a Gold Coast Rep team playing as United’s A Grade team) 1-0 in the minor semi-final. Country Club was then defeated by Eagles in the preliminary final. Eagles defeated Cavaliers in a Grand Final replay after the 1st Grand Final was drawn after extra time.
Noela Shipperley (nee Driver) an Australian representative in the Women’s Open competition moved from Dairy Maids and took on the role as the 1st female to Captain/Coach the Country Club’s top grade women’s team in 1985.
For a 2nd season in a row, Peter Spargo was named the MTA Player of the year in 1985. The trophy was a portable television.
During 1985 Country Club Men’s Over 30’s team took out the 5th Fosters National Club Team Championship. They also won the Queensland Touch Men’s Over 30’s Championship.
Little Known Fact 1985 Shane White was selected to make his Country Club A Grade debut from C Grade during the 1985 Season.
1986
A joint venture agreement saw Country Club merge with foundation club United creating the new identity of Country Club United in 1986. Peter Spargo accepted the position of Captain/Coach of the 1st A Grade Country Club United team. The A Grade team included former Allstar players Ross Bowman and Bob James and future Queensland player Daryl Francey from the Brisbane Competition. The A Grade finished 3rd on the points table but unfortunately was defeated by Eagles in the minor semi-final. Cavaliers defeated Eagles in the Grand Final to win its maiden Metropolitan A Grade premiership.
In 1986 the newly merged Country Club United Men’s Over 30’s team were the Metropolitan Touch Association Premiers. They continued their good form and were also the Foster’s Summer Teams Championship Winners.
Little Known Fact 1986 It was decided to select Tony Greenbank and Dave Raper both aged 16 from the premiership winning Colts team to make their debuts in the Country Club United A Grade in the last round match against Eagles in 1986.
Tony Greenbank played but Dave Raper declined informing the club he had a commitment to play in a snooker tournament. Not an auspicious beginning for a player who became a legend of Country Club United.
1987
Captain/Coached by Peter Spargo the 1987 Country Club United A Grade team failed to qualify for the finals. The team contained many new young members who had graduated from the 1986 premiership Colts team. The team had a chance to make the finals but lost the final fixture match to Paws resulting in Paws going into the finals. UniRebels won its maiden Metropolitan premiership.
Country Club United A Grade Men’s team won the Open Consolation Final at the 1987 Qld Club Championships.
Country Club United were the BCTA Men’s Over 30’s Premiers.
1988
Mike Moore returned to coach the 1988 Country Club United A grade team that now included Ipswich and South West representative players. One of the Ipswich connection was Australian representative player Mark Giebel. The team qualified for the finals but lost a hard fought and close semi-final to Eagles.
Uni-Rebels won the 1988 premiership.
Country Club United A Grade Men’s team won the Open Consolation Final at the 1988 Qld Club Championships.
Another great year for the Country Club United Men’s Over 30’s team as they took out the QTA/Foster’s Men’s Over 30’s Club Championship and were Runners-Up in the Bicentennial Open Club Championship Men’s Over 30’s competition.
Little Known Fact 1988 Mick Giebel had a trial for a contract with NRL club the Canberra Raiders in 1987 after returning from the tour of New Zealand with the Australian Men’s Open team in 1986. However, he missed out on selection in the Raiders squad.
1989
Once again in 1989 Country Club United were the Metropolitan Touch Associations Men’s Over 30’s Premiers.
1990
The Country Club United Men’s B Grade team of 1990 qualified for the finals. The team lost the major semi-final to Eagles and then failed to beat Logan Wanderers in a high scoring preliminary final.
There were a couple of low light incidents during the season. Mike Edwards Country Club United President in 1990 was “king hit” from behind in a game against Logan Wanderers, suffering a fractured eye socket.
A controversial ending to the grand final between Eagles and Logan Wanderers set off a minor riot at Shaw Park. Police were called to calm the situation. Eagles were premiers in B grade in 1990.
2006
In 2006 Country Club United played in the SEQ Touch League Grand Final against Dodgers – Chalkees. Dodgers – Chalkees claimed their maiden premiership title with a thrilling 8-7 defeat of a gallant Country Club United in the Men’s Open decider.
1979 John Mallory Comp Trophy
1981 MTFA 1st Division Premiers
1982 MTFA 1st Division Premiers
Country Club Mens Over 30 Years Division
1985 Foster’s National Club Team Champions 1988 QTA Club Champions
Sponsorships
Country Club Hotel
The Clubs original sponsor was the Country Club Hotel (now the Four Mile Creek Hotel) at Strathpine. It was our unofficial ‘clubhouse’ – a place where on Tuesday nights we sold raffle tickets, celebrated victories and commiserated losses. Risk Donovan was the cellar-man there and had arranged for the Club to be able to sell six meat trays raffles there on Tuesday nights in the public bar. A hand full of players mainly Rick, Butch, Hank, Mark, Dunny, Spargo and Greggo used to arrive at the Country Club Hotel by 5.00pm and try to sell tickets. In a lot of cases these tickets were brought by the sellers and a large number of these trays were known to go home with a Clubber.
One Melbourne Cup Day Hank got a bit of a surprise when selling tickets in the beer garden. One young lady who had obviously celebrated the running of the Melbourne Cup remarked to Hank about … You will need to ask Hank for clarification on what happen with the rest of this story.
If you weren’t selling tickets you were usually having a beer or trying your luck on the Galaga arcade game, saving the world from the aliens.
Kelly’s Wrecking
When Billy Holmes joined Country Club, he suggested that his mate Bob Kelly from Kelly Wrecking might be willing to throw a few dollars our way in the form of sponsorship of the Club. We were on a high having won a few competitions and Bill suggested that if we put Kelly Wrecking on the back of our jerseys, we would be able to obtain some sponsorship from Bob.
Bob came through and sponsored Country Club for a number of years thanks to the good work put in by Billy Holmes.
Mike Young Auto World
Our pitch to Mick Young was as follows:
Country Club is seeking sponsors to help defray some of the costs of running the Club. What can we offer a sponsor in return for their assistance
Jersey advertising – which as previously shown may be seen intrastate and interstate exposure.
1. Billboard and leaflet advertising at our home and away games.
2. The opportunity to join a WINNING COMBINATION.
Our Club has staged the 1982 and 1983 Grand Finals and expects to again stage the seasons premier event – a Grand Final to a sponsor’s product.
Social
The Club Song
We’re Country Club
We’re true blue
We are piss pots through
We are bastards so they say
We should have gone to heaven
But we went the other way
Sing’in down, down, down, down
Down, down, down Yeah – Country Club
—————————————————–
In the early years we were always thinking of fund-raising activities and socials that could be held to raise much needed funding for the Club and have some fun together as club members.
One of the ideas that we started were our famous “Back to” nights. Over the years we had three of these and they were always held on the Tuesday night before the Exhibition Wednesday Show holiday. This gave us a full day to recover from what ever happened and a chance to clean up the venue used.
I can only remember some of the details of what happened, and I have provided some of the stories associated with these events below.
Back to Nudgee Beach Night
Our first effort was a back to Nudgee Beach Night. A trailer load of sand was borrowed from the beach at Brighton, a tennis umpires stand from St Pat’s (for the Life Savers tower) and these items were arranged on the floor of the Northern Suburbs Hockey Club to make it look like Nudgee Beach. Surf Life Saving flags were erected and life guards were on patrol as this fun night started and went on until the early hours of Wednesday morning. There were surf and fishing reports provided on the hour (Spargo had some trouble understanding what Church Hill bream were) and a whole lot of fun was had by all.
Back to Rugby Night
Our second “Back to” social was our Back to Rugby Night. This time a football field was marked out on the dance floor with goal posts erected at either end. A passing competition was held, (do you remember the ball girl), a kicking competition (did I mention the ball girl) and another great night was had by all who attended. Special songs were played, such as:
And he’ll tease you, he’ll unease you
All the better just to please you
He’s precocious, and he knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
He’s got Arthur Beason’s standoff thighs,
He’s got Mal Meninga’s eyes
Back to School Night
The third night we had was our Back to School night for which members and guests tried to fit into their old school uniforms. I know of one young lady who was able to wear a grade 7 uniform to the night?
After one of these nights (not to sure which one) we had left the Club after 1.00am and Terry Postans was left in-charge to lock up. When Lal came over to the Club in the morning everything was open, the lights were still on and Terry was nowhere to be seen.
Trophy Nights
The Clubs first Trophy Night was held at Barry Dunn’s house (brother of Dunny) at the Grange. In the early days when we only had one team it was easy to hold the Trophy night like this. Trophy night was always held on the evening of Grand Final day and it was hoped that most players would have made it out of the sheds and into the Club proper by the time the Trophy Night started. In later years the Trophy night was held either at Northern Suburbs Hockey Club or Valleys Hockey Club depending on which venue we were using as our home base.
In the earlier days not to many serious trophies were given out, mainly ones that celebrated what someone had done for the Club or a small error of judgement that may have occurred during the playing year. Jean Shipperley and Jossie Dunn always received the OMO Award, because they washed all the Club jerseys each week.
DO YOU REMEMBER ….
What a fine bunch of Clubbers (from left to right)
Back-row: Allan Dunn, Jeff James, Ian Millage, Terry Hutchinson, Paul Shipperley. Front Row: Michael Moore, Terry Postans, Paul Andrew, Mark Shipperley.
During the John Mallory Memorial Knockout competition at Toowong High School Michael Moore (Butch) and Terry Jacks (from Eagles) wrestling in the sand pit during one of the fiercely contested moments in the game.
The infamous commentary of the 1981 Grand Final played at Toowong High School between Country Club and Eagles. Commentators were Michael Moore (Butch), Rick Donovan (Refidex Rick) and Peter Thompson (The Whale) who called the game in a professional, unbiased manner. RIGHT! If you ever get a chance to see it, it’s worth the admission fee.
Bear being stripped and pushed out onto the balcony at Karen and Rick Donovan’s unit. The two gay guys in the unit opposite weren’t even interested in Bear as he hid behind a pot plant. On re-gaining entry to Rick’s unit someone slammed Bear’s hand in the glass door and the throbbing pain didn’t start till much later in the night when Bear presented himself at the ER Unit at RBH. What happened? he was asked, to which Bear replied: “I’m a milk-man and I got my hand jammed between two crates!”
Peter Gregg (Greggo) chasing a player from the field and around behind the spectators as he tried to thump him in no uncertain terms!
Tim Mansfield (Bear) climbing over the fence at Nundah from the Shipperley’s household to try and chat up a young lady who battered for the other side. Bear could not compete after he was told “She’s mine!” by a scantly glad lass.
Terry Postans (Possie) and his famous “#uck it up, #uck it up” call.
The Country Club fund-raiser at Terry Postans (Possie) house when Butch tried to eat a rubbish bin loaded with prawns on ice by himself.
Trying to get a cab from Possie’s house located in Somme St, Ashgrove.
The day we all went over to Paul Andrews (Head) house to watch the Commonwealth Games and Head’s mother came up with the following one-liners:
- Talking about the Labrador dog – “Don’t worry love he’ll only lick you off!”
- Talking about the weight lifting – “He’s a good jerker!”
- Talking about Head – “Are you alright Tup-pence!”
- Talking about Wally Lewis – “That Lewie Wallace is a great player!”
The Sunday at Shaw Park playing fields during the 1st Division game between Country Club and Eagles (score locked at 1 – 1) when Kevin Cronin (Fruity) chipped kicked over the Eagles defensive line, caught the ball and proceeded to score only to be sent from the field. Country Club played on with one player less and lost the game 3 – 1.
The day Ray Shipperley got the water bucket caught between his legs and went a cropper onto the cement. Poor Ray, he had skin missing from arms, knees and other places that should not be mentioned here.
Terry Postans (Possie) being told to get off the dog track (repletely) by officials at Owen Park, Southport as we celebrated a great Clubbers win at the Inaugural “Johnson Wax” National Championships.
The tale about Ray Shipperley and the “pie” he brought in Toowoomba when returning home from the Thriller in Chinchilla. “This bloody pies cold, I’m going back in to ask them to warm it up”. Warm it up they did. Ray’s description of a hot pie unfortunately cannot be repeated in this publication, but I’m sure Ray never complained about a cold pie again.
Col Railton and the legend of the “Rail Trail”. After Col’s legendary leak on the Pacific Highway major works were required and the government decided to re-build it completely.
The day Kevin Cronin (yes – Fruity again) told the Mullet story about how he put a net across the Pine River and caught that many Mullet that the back of his ute was overflowing. There were that many fish that he had to turn his wipers on as he drove his ute to the Country Club Hotel where he made a “killing” selling the Mullet to the patrons.
The ladies from the bus trip ducking in behind the trees at Condon Sugar Mill only to be seen going about their business by all the vehicles travelling along the highway.
The day Allan Dunn (Dunny) took us for a training run from Dorrington Park at Ashgrove up and around Government House and back to Dorrington Park. Not to mention running up the hill beside Government House a few times (holding hands so no one got behind) just for good measure.
The player who said “We were too BIG, too FAST and too STRONG!
Mad Mondays
After our Trophy Nights which usually went pretty late into the night it was expected that you would turn up for Mad Monday. Starting time was 10.00am at the Prince of Wales (POW) Hotel at Nundah at the public bar. For every 10 minutes you were late you had to scull a pot or a spirit. It certainly was an incentive to be there on time. Of course, several people had a distinct advantage as they lived within walking distance of the pub. We would have a few “heart-starters” and then grab a bit to eat before heading back to the club.
At Valleys Norm Ludwig would open the bar for us and we would sing our Club songs and tell a few stories, and a few more stories until we could drink no more. One of the best stories of these days was when Ray Shipperley asked Ted (Mike Edwards) if he won’t mind giving him a lift from the POW to Valleys, a total trip of approximately 2 kilometres. Ted said “I’d love to Ray”. Thirty seconds later as Ray alighted from Ted’s Falcon he was heard to mutter – “Ted you’re a **cking idiot”. Another special moment was when Chicka Down Down was standing on the bar in his holy jocks, singing a bawdy ballad for Butch, as several of the A Graders wife’s walked in. What the ****? There are a lot of other stories relating to Mad Mondays that cannot be accounted for in this history of the Club but will stay with only with those who present.
Bus Trips
1981 Chinchilla Touch Football Knockout
The Thrilller in Chinchilla
Whilst not technically a bus tour the Chinchilla Touch Football Knockout competition has to go down in the Clubbers history books as one of the best. A four-hour car trip from Brisbane, encounters with police, bore water showers, the Kempsey boys (Sorry brother, no feeling in shoes), television cameras, flies and very, very, very hot pies. And did I mention the four hour drive back home after a very tiring week end of touch.
Clubbers ended up being Runners-Up going down to Cavaliers 2 – 1 in extra time, but still managed to pick up $1,500 in prize money. Dunny looked resplendent in his sunglasses as he went over to score our only try in the final. The whole game was televised and called over a PA system at the ground. It was shown next week on the local television station $XX.
On the way home four weary Clubbers stopped at Toowoomba to grab something to eat. Ray Shipperley ordered a pie and the lovely lass put it in a bag and gave it to Ray. Once back in the car Ray took a bite and told all and sundry that it was still cold. Ray took the pie back and told the young lass that he had requested a “hot pie”. So the young lass heated up Ray’s pie and gave it back to him. Once again in the car Ray took a huge bite and nearly burnt his tongue, mouth and whatever was near-by. Apparently micro-waves really heat things up.
1979 ? /1982 Canberra Knockout
In January 1982 we boarded our C Q Tours bus in Brisbane and headed off for a very long over-night trip to Canberra – our National Capital. Those making the trip included Ray and Jean Shipperley, Allan Dunn, Peter Spargo, Ron Forrest, Greg Young, Darryl Betts, Terry Searles, Lorraine Morgan, Mike Heeney, Jenny Munch, Terry Hutchinson, Mark Shipperley, Michael Moore and Peter Thompson.
We were soon amazed by the driving skills of our Coach Capitan and his partner in crime, as they changed drivers by one standing up and the other sliding into the seat and taking control of the bus. A quick stop for dinner somewhere in the middle of the night and we were awoken in the bustling city of Dubbo for breakfast at McDonalds. Except there was no McDonalds, just a sign saying one will be built in the near future. A quick clean-up of the bus revealed that some Clubbers had been partaking in alcohol consumption on the journey. It was also revealed that some items of clothing had burst at the seams during the trip and were left strewn on the bus floor.
Once in Canberra we stayed at the university and soon knuckled down to the task at hand, training hard and preparing for our first round of games. We played at Bruce Stadium and made it to the finals.
We were beaten in the finals by Choppers (a NSW team) three tries to one. Before the game our Coach Captain had warned us that if we lost the final, he was going to play Ted Egan’s “Our Coach Captain’s” song all the way home. And as we started our journey home, yes you guessed it, on came “Our Coach Captain”. After several hours of hearing this song we decided to hold a talent quest on the bus before allowing those who wanted to sleep, sleep. All was going to plan until Ray Shipperley went looking for his pillow. Ray asked Mark if he knew where it was, to which Mark replied – “I saw Butch take it Ray”. Ray was heard to mutter something about wanting to kill that bastard Butch, before he was given his pillow back and we all settled down for a short nap.
At around 5.00am as those on the bus stirred, we were crossing the Story Bridge and had made it back to BrisVegas in time for those who had to go to work to make it on time. Several of the stayers hit the Breaky Creek Hotel for a few revivers and a steak lunch, whilst recounting what had happened on Clubbers “Our Coach Captain Tour”.
NSW North Coast Knockout
The Rail Trail Tour
The trip to the NSW’s North Coast Knockout started with all those playing and some supporters joining the bus at Norths Hockey Club at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove. Several refreshing ales were also loaded onto the bus as it was going to be a long, exhausting trip and one must keep their fluid intake up. We were not aware that there was a traffic jam on the M1 and that a toilet stop was out of the question as we would lose our place and considerable time would be lost. But poor Col Railton just had to go, so onto the bus steps, the door was opened and for five to ten minutes the legend of the “Rail Trail” was born.
A second pit stop was needed and the thoughtful bus driver stopped at the park opposite the Condon Sugar Mill. The only problem was that there was only one toilet and 42 people wanting to use it now. Some of the ladies on the bus decided to jump behind some tress and go about their business. Whilst they could not be seen from the bus, a lot of people on the highway saw them in their full glory and honked their horn in appreciation.
The touch competition was played on an extremely hot weekend and after playing several games a day Clubbers were glad to be heading back home. Billy Holmes told all on the bus that he knew the perfect pub to stop at for a counter meal and all and sundry agreed that this would be ideal. When we arrived, it was found that counter meals were not served on Sunday nights. Not to be deterred Billy took on some of the locals at pool and when he boarded the bus for the remainder of the trip home, announced that he was now the current Northern NSW’s pool champion.
Merchandise
The Club over the years had a number of merchandise items that were for purchase by Clubbers who felt that they needed to have the perfect Clubbers necessities. These included Key Rings, Stubby holders and Club shirts. No too many of these can still be found today but some Clubbers are still able to show these off on special occasions.
We also had Club Shirts and track suit jackets available for purchase even though some on the management committee arranged for different colours. Most track suit jackets were red with a red zip, but as can be seen from the picture there were one or two made that were white with a white zip (ordered for the chosen few by the Committee of three).
Representative Players
Australia, Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane Metropolitan A
- Paul Shipperley Mens Open
Australia, Queensland, South East Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich,
Ipswich Super League, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Terry Hutchinson Mens Open
Australia Open and Over 30’s, Queensland Open and Over 30’s, South East Queensland, Brisbane City Open and Over 30’s, Brisbane Super League, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B, NTL Brisbane Cobras Over 40’s
- Peter Spargo Mens Open
Australia, Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich
- Mark Giebel Mens Open
Australian Invitation, Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane City, Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Allan Dunn Mixed Open, Mens Open
Queensland Over 30’s, Brisbane City Over Over 30’s
- Gary Madders Mens Open
Queensland, South West Queensland, Ipswich, Ipswich Super League
- Cliff Mallett Mens Open
Queensland, South East Queensland, Brisbane Metropolitan B
- Terry Searles Mixed Open, Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan A and B
- Paul Andrew Mens Open
- Terry Postans Mens Open
- Mark Shipperley Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan B
- Gerard Alexander Mens Open
Brisbane Metropolitan Colts
- Bernie O’Sullivan Colts
Brisbane Metropolitan Over 30’s
- Rob De Hayr Mens Open
- Michael Moore Mens Open
- Chris Tooley Mens Open
Brisbane City Super League
- Daryl Francey Mens Open
- Dominic Megher Mens Open
VIPs
Life Members
Rick Donavon
1976 – 1978 Captain Country Club A Grade
Allan Dunn
1980 Captain Country Club A Grade
1982 MTA Committee Member
1983 Administrator MTA
1984 Administrator MTA
Presidents
1976 – 1983 Ray Shipperley
1984 – Allan Dunn
1989, 1990 Mike Edwards
Ray and Jean Shipperley have always been part of Country Club. From the beginning when we only had the one team through the years they have supported “The Dragons”. Their home in Bage Street at Nundah was the unofficial Club-house and many a player has had a beer or two with Ray. From being provided with a roast chicken meal, some where to crash or a listening ear Clubbers have been welcomed by Ray and Jean since the club began.
Ray became the unofficial manager, the water boy, selector and tactician, whilst Jean washed jersey’s, cheered and tried to keep Ray under control.
Ray and Jean travelled to Hobart for the Australian titles in 1983, attended most of the Brisbane Intercity Championships and were at nearly all club games for over a ten year period.
Ray and Jean became good mates with a lot of the players from other teams and Ray could often be seen discussing the worries of the world with them before and after our games. Some of the best stories about Ray’s involvement with the Club can be found in other parts of this history, which you can read at your own leisure.
A Grade Captains
| 1976 – 1978 | Rick Donavon |
| 1979 | Paul Shipperley |
| 1980 | Allan Dunn |
| 1981 – 1982 | Peter Spargo |
| 1983 | Paul Andrew |
Club Members of the Year
In 1982 the Club Members of the year were Kerrie and Mark Shipperley. Kerrie and Mark had been Clubbers since Country Club started and had worked hard in making sure that the Club was kept running on a day to day basis. Kerrie could be often heard saying: “That’s my boy.”
Paul Andrew was Club Member of the year in 1983. Paul was a tireless worker for the Club, especially in the preparation of the grounds for Sunday fixtures. It was not uncommon for Paul and Allan Dunn to be at Norths or Valleys Hockey fields just after six am, doing line marking, setting up fields, putting out witches’ hats, barriers and even in some cases mowing the fields. Then after playing an A Grade game at 11.00am all the above had to be collected and put away again. Paul also was instrumental in post-game activities and led the team in various songs in the change rooms after games and at our Mad Monday celebrations.
Association Referees
Col Clark
John Thompson
Dennis Baker
Russell Barnsley
John Blake
David Cowles
John Driver
Patrick Hoiberg
Peter Mandrusiak
Peter Murray
Damien Salvatti
Tony Stelar
Clubbers (players)
| Surname | FirstName | Nickname | FormerClub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander | Gerard | Turtle | Nudgee Nobs |
| Allan | Peter | ||
| Altmann | Glen | ||
| Altmann | Geoff | Chicka | |
| Andrew | Paul | Head | Octal 10 |
| Antcliff | Peter | Grotto | |
| Backstrom | Peter | ||
| Baker | David | ||
| Betterbridge | Scott | ||
| Betts | Darryl | DA | |
| Biekoff | Glenn | ||
| Bolton | Dave | ||
| Bowman | Ross | Allstars | |
| Br Walsh | Fabin | ||
| Br Oxenham | Dennis | ||
| Broadbridge | Martin | ||
| Brophy | David | Animal | |
| Blyes | Stephen | ||
| Burns | Milton | ||
| Carey | Paul | ||
| Cash | Shaun | ||
| Champion | Douglas | ||
| Charlton | Adrian | ||
| Clarkson | Bill | ||
| Collins | Jamie | ||
| Cooper | Peter | ||
| Creed | Morrie | ||
| Creed | Wayne | ||
| Cronnin | Kevin | Fruity | |
| Danarko | Al | United | |
| Danarko | Mal | United | |
| Daniels | Ian | Toovey | |
| Darke | Peter | Paws | |
| Davies | Kenny | ||
| Day | Dick | ||
| Day | Tony | ||
| De Hayr | Rob | United | |
| Dixon | Dave | ||
| Donavon | Rick | Referdex | Dairy Cows |
| Dunn | Allan | Dunny | |
| Dunn | Michael | ||
| Eaton | Greg | Jumbo | |
| Eckersley | Kevin | ||
| Evans | Greg | United | |
| Evans | Kevin | United | |
| Edwards | Mark | Choco | United |
| Edwards | Mick | Ted | |
| Evans | Peter | United | |
| Fachin | Dennis | ||
| Fagan | Peter | Foxey | |
| Fagan | Ian | ||
| Farrell | Peter | ||
| Forrest | Ron | ||
| Francey | Daryl | Brisbane Touch | |
| Franks | Lennie | Allstars | |
| Fronis | Chris | ||
| Garland | Ross | ||
| Gibson | Jim | Octal 10 | |
| Giebel | Mark | Mike | Ipswich Representative |
| Goetsch | Neil | ||
| Greenbank | Tony | ||
| Gregg | Peter | ||
| Grieve | Mike | Villaroos | |
| Guy | Alan | ||
| Harris | Wayne | United | |
| Hasselmeyer | John | ||
| Hawthorn | Michael | United | |
| Hawthorn | Tony | United | |
| Hay | Brett | United | |
| Heeney | Mike | ||
| Heironymus | Mark | ||
| Hemmings | Brian | ||
| Hickey | Kevin | ||
| Hillis | Peter | ||
| Hodkinson | Paul | ||
| Holmes | Billy | ||
| Hutchinson | Terry | Hutcho | Eagles |
| Issacs | Ian | ||
| James | Bob | Allstars | |
| Josephson | Dave | United | |
| Kanaris | Anthony | ||
| Lack | Bruce | ||
| Lageroth | Craig | ||
| Lewis | Andrew | ||
| Madders | Brent | ||
| Madders | Craig | ||
| Madders | Garry | ||
| Mallett | Cliff | ||
| Mansfield | Tim | Bear | |
| McDonald | Frank | Froggy | |
| McDonald | Justin | ||
| McDonald | Mark | ||
| McDonald | Syd | ||
| McNeil | Mel | ||
| McNelly | Peter | ||
| Mowles | Russell | United | |
| Norberg | Ronnie | ||
| Mason | Brian | Villaroos | |
| Megher | Dominic | United | |
| Millage | Ian | Spillage | |
| Moore | Michael | Butch | |
| Mowles | Russell | United | |
| Munro | Peter | ||
| Nordberg | Ronald | ||
| O’Rourke | Chris | ||
| O’Sullivan | Bernie | ||
| O’Sullivan | Jim | ||
| Oilie | |||
| Origlasso | Glen | ||
| Parsons | Tony | ||
| Pennant | Donny | ||
| Pierce | Richard | ||
| Postans | Terry | Octal 10 | |
| Powell | Tony | ||
| Pullar | Brian | ||
| Railton | Col | ||
| Raper | Dave | ||
| Raper | Tony | ||
| Ross | Brian | ||
| Ross | Peter | ||
| Ross | Greg | ||
| Ryan | Benjamin | ||
| Ryan | Peter | ||
| Searles | Terry | Nudgee Nobs | |
| Scholz | Damian | Cavaliers | |
| Sherman | Jeff | ||
| Shipperley | Ray | ||
| Shipperley | Paul | Donga | |
| Shipperley | Mark | Betty | |
| Smollen | Gary | ||
| Spargo | Peter | ||
| Spencer | Tony | Frank/Springer | |
| Stanfield | Col | United | |
| Stanfield | Ken | United | |
| Stanfield | Peter | United | |
| Starkey | Greg | ||
| Stewart | Paul | ||
| Stewart | David | ||
| Stokes | Adam | ||
| Tagi | Simon | ||
| Thomas | Ron | ||
| Thompson | Peter | Daigo | |
| Thompson | Peter | The Whale | |
| Thompson | John | Bunny | |
| Truasheim | Peter | Hank | |
| Trausheim | Noel | ||
| Timms | Andrew | ||
| Tooley | Chris | Father | |
| Verhcio | Lance | ||
| Vlug | Tim | ||
| Wadsworth | Forrest | ||
| Walsh | Chris | ||
| Warnock | Gary | ||
| White | Shane | ||
| Whitney | Shane | United | |
| Allan | Julie | ||
| Arnold | Debbie | ||
| Cleaver | Carolyn | ||
| Clough | Alison | ||
| Cornish | Julie | ||
| Crudgington | Julie | Rocky | |
| Curran | Susan | ||
| De Hayr | Gayleen | United | |
| Deighton | Susan | ||
| Evans | Tracey | United | |
| Garbutt | Michelle | ||
| Gillespie | Wendy | ||
| Gillham | Katrina | ||
| Gordon-Smith | Melissa | ||
| Grant | Mandy | ||
| Handcock | Mary Jane | ||
| Handcock | Shelly | ||
| Harris | Sue | ||
| Hasted | Jane | ||
| Haug | Sharon | ||
| Humphries | Kim | ||
| Hutchinson | Shanelle | ||
| Hutchinson | Zita | ||
| Kelly | Glenis | ||
| Mandrusiak | Tanya | ||
| McBrien | Paula | ||
| McQuad | Carmel | ||
| Munch | Jenny | ||
| Nance | Cathy | ||
| Noble | Julie | ||
| Origlasso | Donna | ||
| Postans | Michelle | ||
| Raper | Sharon | ||
| Richie | Brenda | ||
| Searles | Lorraine | ||
| Sherwood | Debbie | ||
| Shipperley | Noela | Dairy Maids | |
| Stafford | Anna | United |