Jets vs Bears- Henson Park

I was reading the Newtown Jets Website and the following words grabbed by attention," a Newtown home game at Henson Park on a wintry Saturday afternoon is a definitive cultural experience." Although it was not actually mid winter there was a bit of a chill in the air. I went with a friend and his two little boys, it is never too early to be tribal. It was game 1 of the Frank Hyde (read about Frank Hyde) trophy. We used the entrance on the south west via Centennial Avenue, Marrickville and drove right into the ground and we were able to find a park. There was plenty of parking even though we arrived about 3.05pm.

Norths about to score

We took up our positions on the hill where all the crowd action was heating up. Newtown was already ahead by 10 points so I was anticipating a white wash. The sun started to get a bit of a bite and didn't have a hat. I gravitated towards the merchandise stall positioned at the top of the 'hill' on the western side of the ground. I pulled out my credit card and $25 later I was the proud owner of a Newtown Jets supporters cap. My friend Brendan went to get the beers and the 'cultural icon' of Saturday arvo 'footy' the meat pie. I had just had my tofu salad and as my body is a temple I decided to have a Resch's Draught. My eyes began to well with tears of nostalgia.

Meat Pie

The supporters of both sides were excited and vocal. We were seated directly in front of some passionate North supporters and they dispensed sage advice like a monk to his disciple. "Keep hold of him, good stuff." "Muscle up Bears, Muscle up." "Why don't you kick it for him ref?" They must have been listening because by half time Norths had scored a couple of trys and were leading 16-10. As the half time whistle blew, the kids and Dads were on the field kicking footballs, wrestling it was more violent than the actual game.

The Dispensers of Wisdom

Once the game recommenced I walked around to the Western side of the ground over to the "King George the V" Memorial Grandstand". The photography was better as I was not taking photos into the sun. Besides by this stage although Newtown had evened the score they had given it a way with an intercept try to Norths. In order to get some equilibrium I decided to distract myself by taking photos. The final score 26-22 the Bears victorious. Although I felt a winner and part of something larger than my self.

Norths waving flags after scoring try.

Cost: Ground entry is $10. Concession $5. Kids under $16 free.

Getting There: Henson Park is at the end of Centennial Street, Marrickville- just off Sydenham Road.  You can park your car in the ground for an additional $5.