Bingera Early History

The first discussion regarding the formation of a soccer club in the district of Bingera took place some time in 1921 on the banks of the Burnett River at the “Cedars”, an early cane growing area owned by Gibson & Howes Pty Ltd. These discussions, between a party of mill workers, included Frank Grose, a diminutive Englishman, Ed Crosbie and others, took place while dismantling an irrigation plant. Most, at the time, were members of a local rugby league team.

In 1922, the only game played was a trial match on the Mill Green, near the Bingera Mill.

The 1st Official Team

The Original ‘SUPERSTRIPES’

W. Hesse, J. Cromarty, J. Cartwright, E. Crosbie,

V. Hesse, W. Entwistle, W. Hodgkinson, C. Lord,

G. Tibby, R. James, N. Greenhaugh, T. Grose, E. Howard.

In 1923 there were eleven friendly games played on the Bingera Mill Green, which commenced on June 16th and ran on a fortnightly basis. Opposition from Bundaberg teams consisted of Natives, Rovers, United and a Bundaberg Representative Team. Others that opposed us then were from Gin Gin and the local rugby team.

1924 saw the venue change to the South Kolan Recreation Reserve, where the first match was a friendly between Bingera and United on the 29th March. This match resulted in a goal-less draw. The weather played a big part in this match as it rained heavily and the game start was delayed and the match could not be played for the full time.

Bingera was initiated into competitive soccer on 5th April 1924, against Natives at Olsen Park, resulting in a 2-0 win for Bingera. The referee for this match was J Marshall. On the 12th April, the following week, Bingera hosted their first home match at South Kolan Oval against Rovers. Again Bingera won the match 4-2.

Being the only country team in the competition in 1924, Bingera played matches at Bingera, Olsen’s Park, West End and the Foundry Oval, now the site of the caravan park. Tattersals paddock was also used at times.

The first year of competitive soccer for Bingera was impressive. Old records show that they won 9, drew 2 and lost only 1 match. They scored 32 goals for and only had 12 against. Ed Crosbie scored 12 out of the 32 goals. Bingera led the way for country soccer and has now been a part of the Bundaberg football community for 100 years