By Tony Grant
The Canowindra Pythons Rugby Club is celebrating 50 years of sport & community spirit & Tony Grant, one of the club’s founding members recalls some history.
When asked about the early days of the club Tony shared how the financial foundation was built by dedicated members who contributed $100 each, ensuring the club had enough to cover jumpers, registrations and insurance.
The club’s distinct logo, created by Jill Nash clearly incorporates the Belubula River, which means winding snake & local farming produce with the club’s name “Pythons” chosen.
The club joined the South West Zone in 1976 as a Reserve Grade team. The zone included Cowra, Boorowa, Young, Grenfell, Forbes, Parkes West Wyalong & Condoblin all with 1st & 2nd Grade Teams. Harden joined in 1976 as a Reserve Grade with Canowindra.
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Over the years, the Pythons proved their competitive strength making numerous appearances in Semi Finals and Grand Finals, with the crowning achievement being a grand final victory over Forbes in 1980 under coach Ian Nash.
Over the 50 years we have had First Grade & Reserve Grade teams depending on the number of players and at times a Golden Oldies team.
There have been trips to the Singapore Sevens through Peter McCloskey RIP, golden oldies to New Zealand various test matches and buck’s parties.
The first outside team to play the Pythons was Baxter College from the University of NSW, Tony said.
Under Michael Payten’s leadership saw the club successfully apply for a Government Grant in 1990 to build the clubhouse. With the help of local builder Ray Clements and many Python players the clubhouse became a vital hub for the term & the community. It was built onto the existing tennis club.
Cec Balcombe organized 100 steers to be agisted on various farms to be fattened & sold to purchase carpet & for the fit out of the clubhouse.
Allan Wyburn as president along with help from Grahame Rice & Rob Morris guided the club intro purchasing 3 small buses beginning in 2010. These were used in the local community. One at the hospital as it had a wheelchair hoist, one for the Golden Oldies & one for the HACC Office to transport retirees on different outings.
A significant milestone for the club came when the Canowindra Pythons were awarded the Cabonne Shire Community Group of the Year on Australia Day. A testament to the club’s role in the local community.
The Pythons also launched a fundraiser for a Pink Day for Breast Cancer, which raised $10,000.00 for the McGrath Foundation, thanks to the generosity & support of local businesses & Python supporters & players.
Reflecting on the club’s rich history, Tony fondly recalled contributions of several individuals who helped shape the Python’s such as John Payten the club’s 1st Manager, Chris Wren, the club’s tireless strapper, life members including John & Norma Russell whose ongoing commitment ensured the clubs success.
There are many people that have made contributions to the success of the club, to many to mention, he said.
Generally the coach has been a player & the club has always been run by the players for the players.
Additionally the formation of the Walla Rugby Juniors was driven by Peter Middleton, Rob Clulow and Geoff Beath, this marked another significant achievement, and this continues to grow.
The club has hosted Annual Dinners with guest speakers such as Gordon Bray, John Thornett, Allen Jones, Simon Poidivan, Bill Young, Justin Harrison, Jeremy Paul & Enrique (Topo) Rodriguez to name a few.
As the Canowindra Pythons celebrate 50 Years, the club is filled with memories of memorable matches, strong friendships & significant achievements.
As they look to the future, the Pythons continue to foster a community where players “play for your mates, with your mates”
The Pythons will continue into the future & will song the war cry with gusto.
1st Executive 1976
Patron – Ron Worboys RIP
President – Mick Madden
Treasurer – John Wythes RIP
Coach/Secretary – Tony Grant
Training commenced on Tuesday 28th January. The club would like to invite players and supporters to help the Pythons celebrate 50 years this year. The Pythons have enjoyed 50 years, so let’s all have a celebration. More information will be advertised as it comes to hand.
