I recall the days of the 1970's when Joeys used to allow other schools to sit in the grandstand next to the Joeys boys. As a young 1st form lad I had to sit across the aisle from other schools. It was fun mostly as the two schools would have cheering battles with one another, an atmosphere you rarely see anymore. I even made a friend one day from Shore from sitting across for him, a friendship that exists to this day.
I recall though with great sadness a pivotal incident in 1979.
This was the season Joeys lost most matches and Newington beat Joeys 18-9 at Hunters Hill. They were a exceptional team, but what happened in the grandstand was ugly. This was when I first saw what religious bigotry and hatred looked like. Till then I had never heard the terms of "filthy rock choppers, nun f#$kers, ring kissers, altar boy a##holes...." These, and many more, were being spewed in the direction of the young Joeys boys by the Newington boys who were gloating and goading us to respond. Gobs of spit were on my blazer, rubbish was thrown in our direction when they celebrated a score. It was not long after this game that Joeys decided to bring in seating for the other schools on the eastern touchline
It took me many years to get over the disgust I had towards Newington and it was only when two boys moved in a couple doors down did I get to know AND RESPECT the Newington lads.
These boys BOTH played in the Newington 1st XV, one a half back and the other an outside back. As there was no father on scene these lads would speak to me and seek some advice. The mother was very happy that I took an interest and we all got on very well. The boys would ask me about Joeys and players they knew. We learned a great deal about each others schools. I dispelled some rugby myths and they promised to not steal my hubcaps.
This respect came to the fore one night when a party was held to celebrate the eldest 18th (with no adult at home) and it turned nasty with party crashers arriving, fights in and outside the home and broken bottles in the streets. I went down to see what I could do and the police arrived soon to sort this out. I spoke up and assisted the officers with what happened and vouched for the boys who were there. Before the crashers it was all under control and not as loud as I thought it was going to be. After it was sorted, the Newington boys who were at the party were very impressive as they spent the next two hours cleaning the place with my supervsion. One did ask me, "Sir, are the Joeys old boy that XXXX talks about?' When I confirmed, he replied, "that so cool sir, you guys are all right." I loved their manners and I even cooked a BBQ breakfast as it was now dawn. The Newington lads were exceptional and I couldn't speak more highly of their manners towards me.
Wyvernboy, normally I never, ever reply to baiting, it has been a very long time. I am an easy target just like that small Joeys year 7 boy in the grandstand. I am responding now though.
What you are doing harms the good name of Newington by once again baiting us catholics. It stirs up emotions inside that were once long put to rest. Leave this be. Play the ball and not the man.
I don't know why a Joeys number 7 didn't shake hands. Neither do you. But I do know of a time when a Joeys boy stood by a Newington family and their school mates one night when all hell was breaking loose.
Be better than this.