Ray Gormley Explained

Ray Gormley
Fullname:Raymond John Gormley
Birth Date:7 June 1887
Birth Place:Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Death Place:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Club1:Western Suburbs
Year1start:1908
Year1end:11
Appearances1:19
Tries1:3
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:9
Source:[1]
Updated:25 June 2019

Ray Gormley was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1900s and 1910s. He played for Western Suburbs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition. Gormley was a foundation player for Western Suburbs.

Playing career

Gormley made his first grade debut for Western Suburbs against Balmain in Round 1 1908 at Birchgrove Oval which was also the opening week of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition in Australia. Gormley partnered his brother Lucien in the halves. Balmain would go on to win the match 24-0.

The following week, Gormley scored Western Suburbs first ever try in a 42-7 loss against South Sydney at the Royal Agricultural Society Grounds.

Gormley played in Western Suburbs first ever victory against Newtown in Round 9 1908 at Wentworth Park which ended with a score of 6-5. Gormley scored one of Western Suburbs two tries in the game. The win would be Western Suburbs only victory of the season and the club finished second last on the table above last placed Cumberland who were dissolved at the conclusion of the season.

Western Suburbs would go on to finish last in 1909 and 1910. Gormley's final game for Wests was against North Sydney in Round 7 1910 at St Luke's Park which is where Concord Oval now stands.[2] [3] [4] [5]

War service

Gormley fought in the Australian Army during the first world war. He enlisted in 1915 and served in the 20th Battalion, B Company. [6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ray Gormley - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project. www.rugbyleagueproject.org. 2019-06-25.
  2. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition)
  3. Web site: PREMIERSHIP RECORDS. www.nrl.com.
  4. Web site: Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Players. Wests Magpies.
  5. Web site: BIRCHGROVE PARK: 110 YEARS ON FROM ROUND ONE. Inside Sport.
  6. AIF Project https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=114934