Yanco Football Club will celebrate one of their most successful eras when they hold a premiership three-peat reunion this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Yanco Penguins claimed a premiership three-peat in 1968, 1969 and 1970 in the Barellan League and will mark 50 years since the first grand final success with a reunion.
Past players and supporters will come together to commemorate the event, starting on Friday with a ‘meet and greet’ and barbeque at Yanco All Servicemens Club.
On Saturday, those interested will attend the local Riverina League derby between Leeton-Whitton and Griffith at Leeton Showground, with dinner afterwards at Leeton Soldiers Club.
Sadly, 50 years since the Penguins’ successes, a number of players have passed away but family members are invited to join in the festivities.
Mick Foxall, a premiership player, said a good turn out is expected.
“It looks like we’ll have a few interstaters turning up, which is good,” Foxall said.
“It looks like it’s going to be a good roll up.”
Ian Williams coached Yanco to the premierships and he will unveil his ‘Team of the Three-peat” on Friday night.
After finishing runners up in 1967, Yanco beat Barellan in the 1968 and 1970 grand finals, and accounted for Hay in the 1969 decider.
The reunion will also be an opportunity for the victorious 1967 reserve grade team to celebrate their victory.
In 1972, the Barellan League was disbanded and many Yanco players and officials transferred their allegiances to the Leeton Redlegs and-or the Whitton Tigers. Both clubs participated in the South West Football League and some players achieved great success with their new clubs.
After the 1968 premiership, Jim Geltch continued his football career with Whitton in the SWDFL and won a Gammage Medal.
Graham Harrison continued his football with Leeton Redlegs and was a member of the 1972 premiership team
John Wallace, who played in all three of Yanco's Premierships, represented NSW Country Rugby League 2nd's in 1975
Graham Harrison and Ian Williams were both winners of the Barellan League’s best and fairest medals
Past players and supporters who wish to attend can notify their attendance at the clubs, or contact Foxall on 0427642717.
