Redan Wanderers Football Club

The Redan Wanderers were a football team in Redan, <1895-1900>

History
For their game in April 1895 against Sebastopol Imperial, to be played behind the Sebastopol tram sheds (now St. James Primary School in Albert Street), the following team was chosen: Bowden, Bailey, Butler, Caddy, Cody, Coad, Casterson, Crimmins, Copperwaite, Doyle, Descor, Davies, Foley, Fogie, Findlay, Graham, Grenfell, Hillhouse, Holst, Jones, Jenkinson, Look (capt.), Rail, Reece, Robinson, Rowlands, Scott, Steele, Thomas, Williams, Wade, and others.

In September 1900, the Wanderers played against the Redan Juniors for the premiership: "BALLARAT FOURTH RATE PREMIERSHIP. REDAN WANDERERS V REDAN JUNIORS. There was a very fair attendance at the Western Oval on Saturday afternoon, when the above teams met for the purpose of deciding the Fourth Rate premiership, and the families of Messrs Warnell and Madden, to whom the proceeds will be given, will benefit to the extent of £9. The match was productive of great interest amongst the juniors, and the barracking was very lively. The Juniors held a leading position until the last quarter, and when the Wanderers came with a great rush, and managed to get on even terms. As the point system does not obtain in the fourth rate competition, the match, resulted in a draw, the scores being:—Juniors—3 goals 5 behinds. Wanderers—3 goals 4 behinds. Matters were rather lively at the conclusion of the match, many contending that the full time had not been played. It is probable that another match will take place on Saturday next."

Amazingly, the game was replayed the next week and finished in another tie, requiring extra time to decide the outcome: THE FOOTBALL SEASON. FOURTH-RATE PREMIER SHIP. REDAN WANDERERS V. REDAN JUNIORS, THE WANDERERS PREMIERS. The Western Oval was the scene of an exciting contest on Saturday, when the above clubs met to contest for the title of premiers for the season and the “Tie Shop Trophy.” The attendance was the largest seen on the ground for some considerable time, there being very few vacant spots around the arena. This was all the more satisfactory as the object for which the admission fee was charged was for the purpose of increasing the fund being raised for the benefit of the miners, Messrs. Warnell and Maddern, who were so seriously injured at the Star of the East mine. It is expected, that the total receipts will amount to about £25 a result on which the Fourth-rate Association and the members of the clubs can be heartily congratulated. The last match between the teams which was played on Saturday week, resulted in a tie after a most exciting contest, the result being that the interest attaching to Saturday's play off was increased twofold. Both teams had put in a week's hard training, and the supporters of each side were quite confident of victory.

The ball was set in motion shortly after three o’clock to the accompaniment of some very lively barracking, and the play for the first few minutes was of a very even description. Good work was done for the Juniors by O'Keefe, Spiers, and Nevett, while on the Wanderers' side Keane—who exhibited marvellous dodging propensities—Crowe, and Morrisey, were ubiquitous in their endeavors to score points for the Wanderers. It was all to no purpose, however, as the attacks of each side were repulsed every time, and partisans were yelling themselves hoarse in their encouragement to their favorites. The ball travelled from end to end in remarkably quick time some really fine play being shown and still not a point was scored. Then the hopes of the Wanderers’ supporters were raised as their men rushed on to goal, only to be dashed to the ground by one of the Nevett’s, who saved gallantly time after time. Then the Juniors beat down all opposition, and laid siege to the Wanderers’ citadel, only to be repulsed by Lynch and Morrisey. Then there were some rattling bouts in the centre in the midst of which the quarter bell rang, without either side having scored a point.

The breathing time was a brief one the contestants being eager for the fray, and once more the barrackers were in evidence as the central umpire set the ball going. The junior lost no time in making play on their opponent’s citadel, Hill, Gunn, and Downes being prominent in the rush, the latter two scoring a minor point each. Now the Wanderers pulled themselves together and changed the venue to the other end, where the backs worked like tigers, and the ball in a twinkling was kicked to the centre, ending in O. Nevett notching the Juniors’ third behind. Now the Juniors’ supporters gave free vent to their lungs, and there was cheer after cheer as Nevett took a splendid mark, and with a fine kick, posted the first goal of the match. Still the Juniors attacked, but the quarter closed without any further points being scored, the totals at half-time being—Juniors, 1 goal 3 behinds; Wanderers, nil.

Trainers were very much in evidence during the half time interval, while supporters tendered advice free gratis all round. The Juniors lost no time in getting to work on resuming; O'Keefe and Maroney being very prominent in the play but the Wanderers’ back, line was too strong, and time after time the attackers were beaten off. Swan returned, and once more the Wanderers’ goal was in danger. The fifth behind was posted by Gunn and the sixth was registered by Cairncross, the ball striking the post. The cheering was renewed as Nevett smartly picked the leather up and hoisted the two flags for the Juniors’ second goal. Nothing daunted by the successes, of their opponents, the Wanderers returned to the attack, and made desperate endeavors to wipe off the score. They were, however, unsuccessful and three-quarter time saw the scores at—Juniors, 2 goals 7 behinds; Wanderers, nil.

Supporters of the Juniors were naturally on the best of terms with them elves at the prospect of the victory and the trophy, but the Wanderers quickly got to work on change of ends, and played desperately to make up the leeway. Keane put in some rattling work, and Morrisey raised hopes by posting the first behind. This seemed to raise the Wanderers into renewed activity and they pressed on, to goal with an irresistible rush. Lynch ultimately posting big point, amidst tremendous applause by delighted supporters. The Juniors made the mistake of leaving their places, and the Wanderers, eager to make use of any concessions, quickly posted three behinds. Still the Wanderers attacked and the barracking became very lively. The Wanderers appeared to be lasting better than their opponents whose backs were having a busy time. There were some very willing scrimmages in front of the Juniors’ citadel, and the cheering was long and loud as O’Brien safely piloted the hall between the posts for the Wanderers’ second goal, making the scores, even. Now the play became very exciting, as each side were striving desperately for supremacy. No quarter was given, and supporters of each, team danced round with delight as their favorites gained a slight advantage but in the midst of it all the bell rang, with the game once again a tie, as behinds do not count, the scores being:-Juniors, 2 goals 7 behinds. Wanderers, 2 goals 4 behinds. An animated discussion followed as to the course to be adopted some advocating that an extra quarter should be played, while others argued that another contest should take place on Saturday next. Ultimately it was decided that there should be another twenty minutes’ play— ten minutes each way.

The excitement grew in intensity when the teams took the field for the final-struggle, and the issue was awaited with great anxiety. The Wanderers, however, lasted better than their opponents, and O’Brien and Lynch both notching goals, placed the ressult beyond doubt. The final totals were:- Wanderers, 4 goals 6 behinds. Juniors, 2 goals 7 behinds. Fenton had no easy task as central umpire, but he carried out his duties in a highly creditable manner.