The River Gang

They were all fit, many from Australian Rules backgrounds so they knew how to mark and kick, and they practiced with footballs “beyond their use by date” so they learnt how to handle a difficult ball in all conditions. They would meet 3-4 times a week to play Tag or scratch matches against each other and go for runs between the Coode Street Jetty and the Causeway. They practised set plays and often switched positions amongst the team. Bull Turnbull was their captain and was like a rampaging bull in attack and defence. He was a great leader and they had their share of good players. The team spirit was amazing.

Astonishingly the River Gang still meet each year to hold an AGM at their “Palace Flop house” in Furnissdale. The House is named in honour of Reg and Keith Fishers Grand Parents who had the “Palace Boarding House” in Boulder.

They have a full and amusing agenda with the main item being the selection of a Leader/Captain for the next season. Their numbers are dwindling with those still with us as of 2023 from the original Hurlingham team being Bob Linfoot, Reg Fisher, Brian Campbell, Ten Pover and John Ducie. A recent addition has been honorary position of ball boy which Gordon Dixon currently holds. There are also members of the fan club (started 1949) attending which includes wives, sisters and girlfriends of the players.

An interesting aspect of the River Gang is that they were self-motivated of independent nature with over 50% becoming self-employed and the remaining ones owning their own businesses.

The original members of the River Gang were: Alan Sullivan, Bob Linfoot, Reg Fisher, John Ducie, Peter Dean,Ten Pover, Brian Campbell, Bob Turnbull, Chas Manton, Eric Hunter, Peter Rothie, Keith Fisher, George Olney, Theo Henderson, Colin Daniels and Terry Levyledow.

Their Aims were to keep the Myths, Legends and feats of the Greatest Junior Rugby League Team in WA of all time alive for eternity.