Wests Tigers - Western Suburbs and Balmain

WESTS TIGERS

Sean Fagan of RL1908.com

Despite both Balmain and Western Suburbs being foundation clubs, in their ninety-two seasons in the top grade, they only once met in a Grand Final to fight out the premiership.

The combined history of the Wests Tigers goes back to the first days of rugby league in Australia. Balmain (January 23) and Wests (February 4) formed clubs within days of each other in 1908 as preparations began for the first season.

Deeply aggrieved at their district's treatment under rugby union, the Balmain rugby league club enjoyed the support of almost every footballer within its area.

Conversely, Western Suburbs were formed by lower-grade players from the black-and-white jerseyed Ashfield rugby union club. Wests RU players jumped to League a few weeks later, but refused to team-up with the Wests rugby league club, and formed the ill-fated Cumberland team that barely saw out the 1908 season.

As it happened, Balmain and Western Suburbs played against each other on rugby league's opening day at Birchgove Park [Oval] on 20th April 1908. With home-field advantage, the more experienced Balmain easily defeated the Wests 'young colts' 24-0. Wests did not enjoy a home ground until 1910, when they gained use of St Luke's Oval [later called Concord Oval, and the present training base for Wests Tigers].

Having to build a side from inexperienced junior players became a regular occurrence for the Magpies. Whenever Wests began to show strength, it was invariably from their rich seam of junior talent from the ever-expanding suburbs. The Magpies' district would then be customarily cut-up by the NSWRL to form a new club on the city's fringes.

The formation of St George (1921) slowed the club's initial rise, and it was not until 1930 and 1934 that Wests won its first premierships. The success though led to the formation of Canterbury in 1935 and Parramatta (delayed by WW2) in 1947. Later the club itself was squeezed from its Ashfield-Lidcombe heartland to a new home at Campbelltown (1987).

In comparison, the Tigers enjoyed periods of great success. The first 'golden era' came during World War One, as Balmain won five of six seasons between 1915 and 1920.

After collecting another win in 1924, the club held six premiership titles - representing more than a third of the competitions held so far, and placed Balmain ahead of both Souths and Easts on the overall tally. The Rabbitohs had a great period in the inter-war years, and by the late 1930s held 11 titles to Balmain's 6.

The Tigers though won in 1939, and began another great period. The club won again in 1944, 1946 and 1947 - leaving them just one win behind Souths. Despite the loss of Harry Bath and Pat Devery to rich English clubs, Balmain entered the 1948 season full of optimism that they could complete the hat-trick of consecutive premierships, and draw level with arch-rival Souths as Sydney's most successful club. Wests too looked at 1948 confidently, after having reached the semi-finals the previous season.

Despite both being foundation clubs, Balmain and Wests had never met in a Grand Final. Surprisingly to many, after an unbeaten-run in the second round of the competition, it was the Magpies who took the minor premiership, a clear six points ahead of Balmain.

The Tigers knocked-over Wests in the opening semi 8-7, with Jack Hampstead (grandfather of current NRL referee, Sean) scoring one of Balmain's tries. The two clubs met again in the Grand Final, held in front of 30,000 fans at the Sydney Sports Ground.

On a very heavy field that made scoring particularly difficult, the Tigers seemed to have victory in their hands with a 5-3 lead in the final fifteen minutes. However, Wests second rower Kevin Hansen burst through the defence 40m out from the goal line.

The Tigers tackled Hansen to the ground just short of the line, and thought they had stopped him from scoring. Hansen though ended-up with the ball over the line, and the referee (some distance behind) eventually arrived, ruling a try.

The decision was hotly-disputed, with most reports claiming it was a double-movement. The conversion gave Wests an 8-5 lead which they held until the full-time whistle.

Over the following decades Souths and St George held dominance, and Balmain's shot at holding the lead in the overall premiership tally was lost forever.

The Magpies (1952) and Tigers (1969) won further titles, but the rest of the century was to provide no glory for either. Ironically, both clubs can point to seasons where they ought to have enjoyed more fortune.

From 1961-63 Wests were arguably the most consistent performers, yet they lost all three Grand Finals to St George. Refereeing decisions in the 1963 decider particularly burn Magpies players and supporters.

Similarly Balmain reached the 1988 and 1989 Grand Finals, but many Tigers' fans feel they simply had no luck when it mattered - particularly the latter decider against Canberra which was decided in extra-time.

While the Wests Tigers are appearing in the Grand Final in just their sixth season, the wait for further premiership glory for their supporters has been a long one.