1912 - 2022
Stepping up to Metropolitan Cup
In 1974 Windsor saw another change when the club entered two teams into the Metropolitan Rugby League – the NSWRLL second-tier competition , whilst still fielding all teams in the Penrith DJRL competitions , from A Grade down to Under 7s .
The club performed strongly during our three years competing in the Metropolitan Cup and had success , including second grade premiership wins in 1974 and 1975 under captain-coach , Gil France .
In 1975 , under captain-coach Merv Heywood , the first grade had a narrow loss in the grand final .
Prior to the 1976 season , Windsor found the expenses competing in the higher-level competition too demanding and a decision was made to put all the club ’ s efforts into competing in the Penrith DJRL .
Windsor 2nd Grade 1975 - Sydney Metropolitan League - Premiers Back Row : T . Packer , D . Finneran , B . France , P . Sullivan , M . Harrigan , S . Greentree , G . Barlow , J . Coghlan , P . Handcock , A . Vaughan , B . Boyle . Centre Row : A . Gwynne , D . Lett , G . Braid , G . Sanday , D . Cooper , M . Fletcher . Front Row : D . France , S . Jacek , G . Ryan , G . France ( Captain / Coach ).
A great social atmosphere existed at the club in this era and the annual presentation ball had to be relocated from Windsor to Blacktown to cater for the 400 people who attended .
It was during this period ( 1973- 1976 ) that with ever increasing expenses , it was decided to attempt to build a licensed club .
On 12 December 1973 at the AGM of Windsor Leagues Club following a public meeting , the Windsor Leagues Club was formed with nine foundation directors appointed - Ray Rawson , Pat Buttsworth , Terry Saunders , Harry Khouri , Bob Monaghan , Bill Stevens , Bernie Boyle , Rod Hinchey ( chairman ) and Barry Green ( deputy chairman ).
With the assistance of Windsor Council , The Leagues Club Ltd and the Windsor JRLC , a decision was made to look for land to purchase so developments could take place .
Windsor Council offered to construct the playing area at the present location at Rifle Range Road and they also made available two acres of land adjacent for $ 4000 for the Windsor Leagues Club to purchase .
The Windsor Leagues Club had no money so a loan of $ 500 was obtained from the Football Club so they could become registered and start organising fundraising functions to obtain the funds .
The first of these functions was a black-tie a proud history
A ground club to call our own
Ted Brooks clearing the site of the Windsor Leagues Club
gambling function / dinner held at the Scheyville Army Barracks which was a huge success , raising enough to complete the purchase and repay the Football Club – an amazing feat !
The construction began on the playing complex and an application was made to the Australian Government for a grant under the Red Scheme to fund the construction of the dressing sheds and amenities block .
The application was successful and a grant of nearly $ 40,000 was made available . Volunteer labour was provided , and the project commenced and was overseen by Bob Monaghan ( builder ), Barry Monaghan ( plumber ), Barry Green ( electrician ) and Harry Khouri ( accountant ). The ground was opened in 1975 with a Sydney Metropolitan Cup game played against University of NSW .
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 146 // JULY 2022 25