John was a tireless worker in the town and district and was involved in many organisations.
He loved his cricket in his early days when living at Wyuna where he played and was an efficient administer.
He had also had a stint as president of the former Kyabram and District Cricket Association in the late 1980s.
When he moved to Tongala he immersed himself in a new business in the town at the time, the Tongala community, and served on its board for many years.
He also had strong ties with the Tongala Cemetery Trust and Tongala Football Netball Club.
A modest man with an ever-present smile, John refused to be nominated for a Citizen Of The Year in the annual shire awards.
John, 75, didn’t request a funeral.
Another well respected and former Tongala footballer and stalwart club man to also pass recently was Mick Jones, who has been battling ill health for a long time.
Newmans knee surgery update
Star sportsman Paul Newman’s knee surgery was put on hold last week and may not be performed for a year.
Uncertainty on health care coverage conditions for the surgery caused the last-minute cancellation.
Newman has been wrestling with wonky knees for most of his stellar football and cricket careers.
He said he may be able to squeeze in a game of cricket but ruled out any football comebacks while he awaits surgery.
‘‘There is a chance I could have the op towards the end of this year all going well,’’ he said.
Football history society seeking Murray League records
The NSW Australian Football History Society is seeking football records (match programs) mainly from the Murray Football League for its display on the website.
The society has over 4000 such publications and is set to unload similar publications of Ovens and Murray League.
Anyone who may be able to help out can contact Society president Ian Grandland on 0412 798 521 or through the society’s email at
admin@nswfootballhistory.com.au
Tocumwal lands targets
Picola League club Tocumwal is expected to be a big improver this season.
It has plundered several players from Murray League club Deni Rams, including Ricky Gittens, Jack Tyndall, Brayden Hall, Bruce Scoullar and Lachie McDonald.
George Nelson Shepparton Gift meting update
The revived George Nelson Shepparton Gift athletics meeting is to be held this Saturday.
It’s the third edition since its return after a 20-year hiatus and is the first indigenous gift, being named after Yorta Yorta man the late George Nelson, a legend of the Victorian Athletic League.
Nelson coached GV media personality Noel Hussey to win the 1964 Stawell Gift.
The meeting starts at 2pm and concludes at 8pm and is being held at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
Blackmore triumphs at trots
Kyabram trots trainer Mick Blackmore has wasted no time winning with pacer Sporty Philtra.
The five-year-old mare by Sportswriter has been campaigning in the Mildura-South Australia area where she had won eight races before finding her way to the Blackmore barn.
Sporty Philtra finished down the track when she made her debut for Blackmore at Shepparton on January 28, but last week was given the run of the race by top reins man James Herbertson and was too good for her rivals.
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