What happened in April...
1921
Saturday 1 April 1921, Agricultural (Sydney) Showground: First recorded trial matches [for St George].
Three matches: The first match between St George v Glebe was won by St George 2-0 with a goal to Tom Killiby.
The second match was a 3-all draw.
The third match was won by Glebe, 6-3 with a report of a brilliant try from St George half back, Tommy Burns.
April 1921, Sans Souci: St George players get together for a 'Possibles vs Probables' match.
Sunday 16 April 1921, Sans Souci: Final trial matches. Saints were defeated in all three matches by South Sydney by 3-0, 10-3 and 14-12. Reports are that it took the incredible try scoring skills of South Sydney's Benny Wearing to win the first two matches for Souths.
For Saints, Tony Redmond and fast running forward Ernie Lapham scored tries while fullback Lyall Wall kicked three goals.
Saturday, April 23, 1921
Venue: Sydney Sports Ground. Kickoff: 3:15pm
Saints' first match was coincidentally scheduled for 'St George's Day', 1921. Their opponents were Glebe, captained by William 'Binghi' Benson who went on to play for Saints in 1927 and featured the mighty Frank 'Chunky' Burge who would later captain-coach St George.
Herb Gilbert Snr had the honour of being the inaugural first grade captain and coach. A veteran of 33 years old, Gilbert was regarded as one of the greatest centres in the game. His inspiration and experience brought instant respect to the new club.
Saints went down 4 -3 but kept the more fancied Glebe tryless.
George Carstairs (pic right) had the honour of scoring Saints' first ever try. A standout player for St George was forward, Ernie Lapham who out-performed his rivals.
1960
SAINTS HAMMER PARRAMATTA
Sydney Cricket Ground, 2 April 1960: St George have begun their 1960 campaign with a 52-0 thrashing of Parramatta at the SCG. Reg Gasnier brimming with confidence after a successful Kangaroo tour scored 4 tries.
1963
SAINTS SLAUGHTER PARRA
Sydney Cricket Ground, 6 April 1963: St George have opened their season with a 51-2 thrashing of Parramatta. Ex-Dragon, Bob Bugden was singled out by the Saints forwards and given 'special' treatment. Reg Gasnier and Eddie Lumsden scored 3 tries each.
1966:
IAN WALSH NEW CAPTAIN-COACH
Sydney Cricket Ground, 2 April 1966: The Dragons run on for their first game of the season... St George have a new captain-coach in Test hooker, Ian Walsh. 'Abdul', a courageous player and widely regarded as the best hooker forward in the world got the top job unopposed.
REG GASNIER OUT FOR SEASON
Cumberland Oval, 9 April 1966: In a major blow to the Dragons 1966 campaign, Reg Gasnier has torn a cruciate knee ligament while playing Parramatta at Cumberland Oval. He was later ruled out for the season. In fact, Gasnier's playing future was put in serious doubt with two specialists advising that he risked permanent damage. Saints managed a 12-all draw against an ineffective Parramatta team and after two rounds, there appeared to be disharmony in the St George ranks.
1972
SAINTS THRASH MANLY & CRONULLA
Kogarah Oval, 3 April 1972: Following an outstanding defensive display, St George have defeated Manly 18-0 at Kogarah Jubilee. Saints' points came from tries to Bob Clapham and Tony Branson with Graeme Langlands kicking six goals. Saints locked out Manly, the eventual premiers.
Kogarah Oval, 9 April 1972: Saints have swamped the Cronulla Sharks 37-0 in round three. Scoring seven tries to nil...
1976
CHANGA RETIRES
April 1976: Graeme 'Changa' Langlands has announced his retirement from Rugby League.
1982
DRAGONS DOWN STEELERS IN LOCAL DERBY
WIN Stadium Wollongong, 11 April 1982: In front of 10,413 people, the St George Dragons have romped home to score nine tries to one to thrash the Illawarra Steelers 37-5.
APRIL FOOLS DAY 1995:
THE 'SUPER LEAGUE' WAR BEGINS
Brisbane, 1st April 1995: The outbreak of hostilities between the ARL and the News Ltd backed Super League began today when John Ribot resigned from his post with the Brisbane Broncos to take up the new appointment of Super League CEO.
Later known as the 'Super League War', the conflict would cause crippling damage to the game's image as both sides fought over players, teams, sponsorships and broadcast rights.
1999:
BARRY BEATH SHOWS THE PASSION
Woolaware, April 1999: In a highly publicised incident, St George legend Barry Beath was involved in a punch up at Cronulla Leagues Club.
The ex-forward stepped in when Cronulla Chief Executive, Peter Gow attacked a young St George supporter with scissors and proceeded to cut up his Dragons jersey. Stunned onlookers reported that the incident was without provocation and that Gow was acting in an 'uncontrolled manner'.
Barry copped a punch in the face for his troubles but Gow was later forced to resign after investigations found that he defaced a St George jersey and assaulted a club patron.
2000
DRAGONS CEO RESIGNS
Sydney, 2 April 2000: Popular Saints' CEO, Brian Johnston has resigned from his position citing health reasons. A speedy back, the Dunedoo junior played for NSW & Australia. He played for St George from 1980-89 and was captain in his final year before injury forced him to retire. Johnston became St George Chief Executive Officer in '96 and was named Australian team manager for the 1999 Test series.
Sydney 26 April 2000: Anthony Mundine doesn't show up to training and is reported to be on a flight to USA.
2003
Barrett says he'll cop Brown's slap 'on the chin'
WIN Stadium, Sunday 13 April 2003: Frustrated coach Nathan Brown has berated skipper Trent Barrett, Brett Firman and Lance Thompson during a sideline incident at WIN Stadium. In the 53rd minute with the scores locked up at 12-all, Brown 'clipped' Barrett across the cheek and grabbed the jerseys of Barrett and Thompson, literally pulling them into line.
After the match, Brown was apologetic to Barrett and took full responsibility for his actions. He was later was 'slapped' with a $5000 fine by the NRL.
2004...?
1921
Saturday 1 April 1921, Agricultural (Sydney) Showground: First recorded trial matches [for St George].
Three matches: The first match between St George v Glebe was won by St George 2-0 with a goal to Tom Killiby.
The second match was a 3-all draw.
The third match was won by Glebe, 6-3 with a report of a brilliant try from St George half back, Tommy Burns.
April 1921, Sans Souci: St George players get together for a 'Possibles vs Probables' match.
Sunday 16 April 1921, Sans Souci: Final trial matches. Saints were defeated in all three matches by South Sydney by 3-0, 10-3 and 14-12. Reports are that it took the incredible try scoring skills of South Sydney's Benny Wearing to win the first two matches for Souths.
For Saints, Tony Redmond and fast running forward Ernie Lapham scored tries while fullback Lyall Wall kicked three goals.
Saturday, April 23, 1921
Venue: Sydney Sports Ground. Kickoff: 3:15pm
Saints' first match was coincidentally scheduled for 'St George's Day', 1921. Their opponents were Glebe, captained by William 'Binghi' Benson who went on to play for Saints in 1927 and featured the mighty Frank 'Chunky' Burge who would later captain-coach St George.
Herb Gilbert Snr had the honour of being the inaugural first grade captain and coach. A veteran of 33 years old, Gilbert was regarded as one of the greatest centres in the game. His inspiration and experience brought instant respect to the new club.
Saints went down 4 -3 but kept the more fancied Glebe tryless.
George Carstairs (pic right) had the honour of scoring Saints' first ever try. A standout player for St George was forward, Ernie Lapham who out-performed his rivals.
1960
SAINTS HAMMER PARRAMATTA
Sydney Cricket Ground, 2 April 1960: St George have begun their 1960 campaign with a 52-0 thrashing of Parramatta at the SCG. Reg Gasnier brimming with confidence after a successful Kangaroo tour scored 4 tries.
1963
SAINTS SLAUGHTER PARRA
Sydney Cricket Ground, 6 April 1963: St George have opened their season with a 51-2 thrashing of Parramatta. Ex-Dragon, Bob Bugden was singled out by the Saints forwards and given 'special' treatment. Reg Gasnier and Eddie Lumsden scored 3 tries each.
1966:
IAN WALSH NEW CAPTAIN-COACH
Sydney Cricket Ground, 2 April 1966: The Dragons run on for their first game of the season... St George have a new captain-coach in Test hooker, Ian Walsh. 'Abdul', a courageous player and widely regarded as the best hooker forward in the world got the top job unopposed.
REG GASNIER OUT FOR SEASON
Cumberland Oval, 9 April 1966: In a major blow to the Dragons 1966 campaign, Reg Gasnier has torn a cruciate knee ligament while playing Parramatta at Cumberland Oval. He was later ruled out for the season. In fact, Gasnier's playing future was put in serious doubt with two specialists advising that he risked permanent damage. Saints managed a 12-all draw against an ineffective Parramatta team and after two rounds, there appeared to be disharmony in the St George ranks.
1972
SAINTS THRASH MANLY & CRONULLA
Kogarah Oval, 3 April 1972: Following an outstanding defensive display, St George have defeated Manly 18-0 at Kogarah Jubilee. Saints' points came from tries to Bob Clapham and Tony Branson with Graeme Langlands kicking six goals. Saints locked out Manly, the eventual premiers.
Kogarah Oval, 9 April 1972: Saints have swamped the Cronulla Sharks 37-0 in round three. Scoring seven tries to nil...
1976
CHANGA RETIRES
April 1976: Graeme 'Changa' Langlands has announced his retirement from Rugby League.
1982
DRAGONS DOWN STEELERS IN LOCAL DERBY
WIN Stadium Wollongong, 11 April 1982: In front of 10,413 people, the St George Dragons have romped home to score nine tries to one to thrash the Illawarra Steelers 37-5.
APRIL FOOLS DAY 1995:
THE 'SUPER LEAGUE' WAR BEGINS
Brisbane, 1st April 1995: The outbreak of hostilities between the ARL and the News Ltd backed Super League began today when John Ribot resigned from his post with the Brisbane Broncos to take up the new appointment of Super League CEO.
Later known as the 'Super League War', the conflict would cause crippling damage to the game's image as both sides fought over players, teams, sponsorships and broadcast rights.
1999:
BARRY BEATH SHOWS THE PASSION
Woolaware, April 1999: In a highly publicised incident, St George legend Barry Beath was involved in a punch up at Cronulla Leagues Club.
The ex-forward stepped in when Cronulla Chief Executive, Peter Gow attacked a young St George supporter with scissors and proceeded to cut up his Dragons jersey. Stunned onlookers reported that the incident was without provocation and that Gow was acting in an 'uncontrolled manner'.
Barry copped a punch in the face for his troubles but Gow was later forced to resign after investigations found that he defaced a St George jersey and assaulted a club patron.
2000
DRAGONS CEO RESIGNS
Sydney, 2 April 2000: Popular Saints' CEO, Brian Johnston has resigned from his position citing health reasons. A speedy back, the Dunedoo junior played for NSW & Australia. He played for St George from 1980-89 and was captain in his final year before injury forced him to retire. Johnston became St George Chief Executive Officer in '96 and was named Australian team manager for the 1999 Test series.
Sydney 26 April 2000: Anthony Mundine doesn't show up to training and is reported to be on a flight to USA.
2003
Barrett says he'll cop Brown's slap 'on the chin'
WIN Stadium, Sunday 13 April 2003: Frustrated coach Nathan Brown has berated skipper Trent Barrett, Brett Firman and Lance Thompson during a sideline incident at WIN Stadium. In the 53rd minute with the scores locked up at 12-all, Brown 'clipped' Barrett across the cheek and grabbed the jerseys of Barrett and Thompson, literally pulling them into line.
After the match, Brown was apologetic to Barrett and took full responsibility for his actions. He was later was 'slapped' with a $5000 fine by the NRL.
2004...?
