Weston did well in the inaugural State Cup by qualifying for the final, in which tie it went down to Aberdare. Its eleven included: S. Tredennick, W. Victor, J. McNabb, J. McCroarey, C. Thompson, E. Mitchell, E. Tate, W. Weir, J. Manion, R. Gibson, S. Masters. Chief goalscorers were Manion (35), McCroarey (12), Manion taking out the honour for the State. Eight of his tally were scored in State Cup ties.
For 1927, there were many changes in the Homestead staff. Bob Austen went to Cessnock, Farrey to Kurri, Drinkwater to Aberdare, while McCroarey's appearances were limited due to a knee injury. Among new arrivals were Charlie Thompson, T. McNabb, R. Gibson, Blane and the Williams brothers "Dummy" and Ellis.
The early exit from the Gardiner Cup by Cessnock rocked the confidence of the team. Manion had a highly successful season with 32 goals with "Dummy" Williams on 15. With the advent of the State League, Weston's recruitment included W. Victor, E. Mitchell, W. Weir, Sid Masters, Doyle, Jim Kemp, along with old stalwarts in Manion, McNabb, Charlie Thompson, McCroarey, R. Gibson.
In 1926, improved goalscoring results by Manion (20), McCroarey (17). W. Avis (11), added strength to the Geordies' challenge for honours.
When Neath withdrew, Weston received the services of Henwood, Purcell and Drinkwater. While a volatile junior, Jimmy McNabb wore the club's. colours for the first time. Despite two brilliant goals by Manion, Weston was ko'ed by Adamstown by 5 to 2 in Kerr Cup semi-final. It is worthy to note that the club's reserve eleven beat Pelaw Main by 4 to 3 in final. Winning team comprised Turner, Butler, Smith, Rogerson, E. Williams, Patterson, H. Bellamy, Tate, Bryce, Williams, Marriott.
Season 1925 saw the arrival at Weston of Jacky Manion from nearby Abermain. A speedy attacker, Manion often gave a classical demonstration of sheer brilliance. He soon became a favourite on all Northern grounds.
The results were only ordinary yet the team managed to make the Kerr Cup final, when it was soundly thrashed by Adamstown by 9 to 2. Their eleven on that day comprised R. Austen, J. Grant, J. Maloney, Liddle, J. Avis, R. McDonald, Tate, Richardson, McCroarey, Manion, Stroker - as many rabid club loyalists remarked, "a day to forget!"
The club lost the Stevenson Cup final by 5 to 2 to Cessnock. The same opposition ended their Gardiner Cup run by 2 to 1. Chief goal-scorers were McCroarey (19) and J. Manion (13).
New faces on the Homestead turf in 1924 included Jim Farrey, J. Wigham, E. Tate, J. Mathieson and G. Grant. Success this season was very limited. In the Kerr Cup semi-final, Weston were outed by Adamstown by 4 to 0 while West Wallsend by 3 to 0 ended their Gardiner Cup quest. Goal scoring revealed McCroarey at the top with 17 goals.
In 1923, new signatures included Creighton, Liddle, Derricott, Lloyd, Weston qualified for the semi-finals and after eliminating Wallsend by 1 to 0, went on to take the season's honours by a 3 to 2 win over Adamstown. Weston's final team included R. Austen, T. Oliver, J. Bates, A. Liddle, J. Avis, H. Bellamy, J. Gallagher, J. Gilmour, J. McCroarey, J. Grant, H. Adams. Season's chief scorers were: J. McCroarey (20) and J. Gilmour (11).
A clever young centre, "Crabbie" McCroarey joined the Homestead squad in 1922 along with Penman, Jock Martin, Geo. Avis, Richardson, Bates and Adams. Jack Avis missed many games through injury. The club's chief achievement was to qualify for Kerr Cup final v Wallsend, which they won rather easily by 5 to 1. Weston's XI was - R. Cockburn, T. Oliver, J. Penman, G. Avis. J. Martin, J. Bates, H. Adams, C. Richardson, J. McCroarey, J. Gilmour, J. Mather. Their life in the Gardiner Cup was brief - out in 1st round to Wallsend by 1 to 0. Scorers were Gilmour (17), McCroarey (15).
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1921 senior semi final |
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Bob Austin, Penman, Barker, R.
Austin, W. Lambert (1), Derricott, Bates, McCroarey, T. Oliver, J .Avis,
Mathers |
Lost 3-1 to Cessnock |
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1922 |
Weston XI |
McCroarey, J. Penman, J. Martin, Geo, G. Avis, C. Richardson, J. Bates, H. Adams, R. Cockburn, T. Oliver, J. McCroarey, J. Gilmour, J. Mather, R. Austen, A. Liddle. |
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1922 Kerr Cup final |
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R. Cockburn, Tommy Oliver, J.
Penman, Jack Avis, J. Martin, J. Bates, J. Adams, W. Richardson, J.
McCroarey, Jack Gilmour, J. Mather |
Beat Wallsend 5-1 (from HH) |
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22 July 1922 |
South Maitland |
1922 At Kurri Kurri 20/7/1922 |
v. Australia (From HH) |
 |
South Maitland team: Back Row: G. Endean (Lines), A. Henderson, J. Martin (Capt), J . Strang , P. Coppock (Weston), J. Bates (Manager)Middle Row: T. Crawford (Referee), J. Avis (Weston), T. Oliver (Weston), P. Lennard, J. Gilmore (Weston), L. Brown Front Row: G. Williams, Bob Austin (Weston), D. Leese (Weston) |
Walker confirms and/or improves Grant's notes and adds the material on Weston's contribution to the South Maitland team that beat Australia at Kurri Kurri.
Because the Tramway ground at Hamilton had become such a money spinner, the strong Coalfields clubs had been forced to play there and lose home ground advantages. While the NSWSFA directed the Northern Association to desist, the tension remained, probably sowing the seeds of what was to come in the form of the State League. IS
