Tasmania gave China a good work-out in 1953 at North Hobart

Written by Walter Pless | Monday, 01 October 2012 10:50

The front cover of the match program, which sold for one shilling As far as I know, local football identity George Arnott is the only surviving member of the Tasmanian team that played China at North Hobart on Wednesday, 26 August, 1953. I knew Alistair Rattray, the left-half, and goalkeeper Harry Wise, who have both passed away, but I don’t know about any others in that Tassie side. George Arnott (right) with his son, Ian, at a junior tournament at the Showgrounds on 2 September 2012 The Chinese were touring Australia and Tasmania was part of that tour. China had beaten Australia 4-1 and 7-1 and drawn 3-3 and were due to play Victoria just before the Tasmanian leg of the tour. China beat Tasmania 6-4 and Arnott, who was 18 years old at the time, netted two goals, the others coming from Alexander and Mooney. Match program   The attendance at North Hobart was just over 2,000 and the Governor of Tasmania was present. Rattray was Tasmania’s best player in what was a highly entertaining and skilful game. The Chinese opened the scoring, but Arnott equalised. To read more click here.