Little did anyone know that before the 1956 Grand Final on that sunny September afternoon played before a packed crowd at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, a win by the St George Dragons would lead to a world record 11 consecutive premierships.
In a HERCULEAN EFFORT the RedV scored four tries then held off the Balmain Tigers to run out 18-12 winners. The win was especially sweet, given Saints had to play with one man down when centre, Merv Lees broke his collarbone in the first minutes. One man short as in those days there was no replacement rule.
The St George golden era had begun.
Saints were red hot favorites for the 1957 flag the following September again at the SCG after being clear cut minor premiers over their GF opposition the Manly Sea Eagles. Soon after the opening whistle they began dominating the north shore team culminating in a humiliating 31-9 thrashing to record their fourth overall premiership and second consecutive win.
In September of 1958 St George completed their premiership hat trick by accounting for a plucky Western Suburbs 20-9. The Magpies had gone into the game full of confidence and belief that they could topple the dual premiers after they thrashed the Saints 34-10 in the major semi final. This was despite the premiers again, almost monotonously, finishing the season as clear minor premiers..
The St George Dragons juggernaut was practically unstoppable in 1959 as they went through the entire season undefeated, culminating in the destruction of Manly 20-0 in the GF at the SCG. That year Saints averaged over 30 points per game and conceded an average of 10 points. As the best defensive and offensive side in the competition, they were never going to lose their fourth grand final on the trot..
St George started the 60s off annihilating Parramatta 52-0 then laid waste for the remainder of the season to almost every team. Their victim and fifth consecutive premiership on that September afternoon of 1960 were the hapless Eastern Suburbs that found itself on the end of a seven try 31-6 rout.
SCG, September 16, 1961 the venue for Saints sixth straight Grand Final campaign against a new league power in Western Suburbs, but the merciless Dragons, in a mud bath kept the Magpies scoreless in a gritty 22-0 victory with stalwart wingman Eddie Lumsden scoring a hat trick.
The bitter rivalry between these two clubs resumed September, 1962 in another SCG mud bath and with the Magpies using a game plan to nullify the great Reg Gasnier pushed the mighty Saints all the way, but class and experience won out and the Red & Whites just pipped the gallant Black & Whites 9-6 to wrap up their seventh Grand Final in a row. The only try of the game was scored by Johnny King, who I believe scored in all seven of his grand finals.
Many claimed the Saints were lucky to win the 1963 GF in front of a then record crowd of 70,000 after a controversial try by Johnny King during which he slipped once then regained his feet then slipped again and then somehow, after fending off his opposite John Mowbray managed to slush his way thru thick mud to cross the whitewash. West players were up in arms claiming King had been effectively tackled and that referee Darcy Lawler should never have awarded the three pointer. Probably sour grapes by the Wests camp.
At the conclusion of the match all had been forgotten when the exhausted, mud soaked captains Norm Provan and Arthur Summons embraced. The scene was captured by a league photographer, with the photo then copied and made into a bronze statue which is today the symbol of Australian Rugby League. (inset)
The SCG was again the arena of battle for the Dragons 9th premiership victory overcoming a gritty Balmain Tigers 11-6. The turning point of the match came five minutes into the second half with the Tigers leading 4-2 when defending their own line they received a penalty and kicked for touch. In an incredible piece of agility Changa Langlands stretched over the touchline , pouched the pig skin, steadied himself then sprinted cross-field where he found centre Billy Smith who burst downfield linking with an unmarked Johnny King for the only try of the game.
A record crowd of 78,056 fans, even some precariously perched on SCG grandstand roofs, was the scene for the Saints 10th consecutive Grand Final win, defeating the new kids on the block the South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-8 in an entertaining match. At the sounding of the full time siren, the SCG was invaded by thousands of fans and the ground became a sea of people. Those on the roofs took a little longer to join the celebrations as the triumphant Dragons took their lap of honor.
Saints decade long golden run was not finished when the following year they faced and outclassed a confident Balmain Tigers 24-8 to win their eleventh and FINAL consecutive Premiership. Tigers took an early lead after Keith Barnes kicked a penalty goal, but Saints struck back with a try to burly centre Bruce Pollard. Their second three pointer was a memorable 25 yard run by Kevin Ryan after a pin point Johnny Raper pass put him in the clear. The big prop was not to be denied a rare try by swan diving three feet from the whitewash and landing on his shoulder. They had decent shoulder pads in those days, today he'd probably have shattered his shoulder blade.
In 1966 with everyone wondering if the mighty St George Dragons would complete their 12 consecutive grand final win, the answer came in the Preliminary Final when Canterbury ended the golden reign. (I think that is the sole reason I have since disliked the Dogs). Myself and thousands of diehard Dragon supporters were left in shock and disbelief at the end of our incredible ELEVEN GOLDEN YEAR dynasty, a world record at first grade level for an elite team in any sport. An achievement that for 57 years has not been equaled and most probably never will be .
What an amazing legacy to leave future devotees of this famous club.
