06/09/2026
🏆 The Premiership That Was Lost and Found Again.
Sometimes, a piece of history has a way of being forgotten only to find its way home. One of our earliest premierships had been something of a mystery.
Then Larry went looking.
His search through the National Archives uncovered something truly special, a remarkable piece of evidence that brought the story of that long lost premiership back to life.
The discovery ties directly to a report published in the Geelong Advertiser on November 2, 1925, describing a very special occasion at Portarlington Oval.
On Saturday, October 30, Portarlington Cricket Club played Drysdale Cricket Club in the first match of the new season. But the cricket itself was only part of the day's significance.
The occasion was the unfurling of the Bellarine & Queenscliff Association District pennant, won by Portarlington after an unbeaten season.
The newspaper reported that Mr Rodgers, President of the Association, presented the pennant to Cr. J. Jensen, President of the Portarlington Cricket Club. The handsome two-blues pennant was then ceremonially “broken” by Mrs Jensen, the President's wife.
Cr. Jensen spoke of the large attendance and the wonderful spirit that existed between the district teams.
Perhaps most tellingly, he described the victory as “their first born.”
And there was an even greater reason to celebrate. The pennant represented not just a Premiership, but also a Championship — what Jensen described as a twin.
After years of trying, Portarlington had finally broken through. And had done it without losing a match.
The day was also a celebration of the players individual achievements. Trophies were presented for the best batting average to N. Mellor, who also received the best bowling average trophy, while F. Pywel was recognised as the best junior player.
Nearly a century later, the discovery of this history in the National Archives gives us an great reminder. What was once a forgotten or lost premiership can now be remembered.
Larry's discovery has helped turn an old newspaper report into something much more tangible a link between the Portarlington Cricket Club of 1925 and the club of today.
Now, almost 101 years later, the story has been rediscovered.
A long lost premiership. An unbeaten team and a piece of history finally brought to light.
Thanks to Larry for shedding some light on this forgotten flag. Anyone with any more information please give us an email: [email protected]
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