The Club’s History

Over the next few years, clubs were decimated by the event of World War 2 with M.H.A reducing its grades to three. (In 1942 only two grades). In 1943, Ryde won its first M.H.A. premiership by winning the 2nd grade competition (Ryde’s 1st grade team).

1950/51 saw major changes to Sydney Hockey with the amalgamation of the M.H.A. and the N.S.H.A to form the new ‘Sydney Hockey Association’ (S.H.A.) and at the same time Ryde D.H.C. together with the ‘Ryde Revellers Hockey Club’ and a large contingent of the ‘Gladesville Hockey Club’ (both former N.S.H.A. clubs) formed the club as we know it today — ‘Ryde Hunters-Hill District Hockey Club’ (R.H.H.D.H.C.) with Hugh Cullen formally from the Gladesville H.C. being elected its first president.

1954/55 was R.H.H.D.H.C. first period of ‘The Golden Years’ winning the S.H.A. club championship for both years with 2nd grade victorious in 1955 and 3rd grade in 1954/55.

Ryde broke through for their maiden 1st Grade Premiership in 1961 also winning 2nd Grade in 1961, ’62, ’63, and 3rd Grade 1963, ’64, ’65 as well as the club championship in 1963.

Over the next 20 years S.H.A changed their format several times — 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade and A, B, and C grades — than Premier ‘A’ and Premier ‘B’ plus 3rd division. During these years Ryde experienced its leanest period, being relegated and promoted on several occasions and winning only two pennants (3rd div. — 2nd grade 1974) and (2nd div. club champions in 1979).

However, positive steps were occurring. Firstly, Ryde was as always, still producing promising and talented juniors, and secondly, the formation of the Ryde Hunters-Hill Women’s Hockey Club (R.H.H.W.H.C.) in 1978, with Gwen Silman elected as president. In its inaugural year R.H.H.W.H.C. entered three teams in each of the senior and schoolgirl competitions conducted by the Ryde-Eastwood association, winning 1st grade in both the senior and schoolgirl comps. Ryde had also commenced playing mixed (boys and girls) teams in the Saturday morning competitions. For the 1978/79/80 seasons the women were a separate entity in their own right before affiliating with the men’s club in 1981.

In 1982 Ryde men’s club won Premier ‘B’ 3rd grade and in 1983 Premier ‘B’ 2nd grade.

In 1985 all hockey was still being played on natural grass fields. Although Homebush synthetic stadium had just been completed at the end of the season, S.H.A. preferred to play all finals on grass. On Grand final day, Mother Nature opened the heavens and all games had to be postponed. Ryde’s 3rd grade grand final team (Premier ‘B’ div.) were then advised that they were to be playing on the new synthetic mid-week under lights and duly went on to beat Moorebank 3-0 in a memorable match.

After many years in Premier ‘B’ Ryde Mens were promoted to Premier ‘A’ for the 1987 season finishing in a creditable 6th position, and has stayed in the top division ever since.

During the 80’s and early 90’s Ryde Women won numerous Premierships in all grades and after originally playing in the Ryde-Eastwood association and the Parramatta association, applied in 1993 for inclusion in the newly formed ‘Women’s Metropolitan League’ to be played wholly at Homebush Stadium. Three teams were accepted ‘Metro 2nd, ‘3rd and 4th divisions’. In 1995, Ryde won premierships in Metro 2 and 3, (Ryde’s 1st and 2nd grades), and was a grand finalist in Metro 4. A combined superb effort.

Throughout the 90’s and into the 21st century, Ryde Men’s, Women’s and Junior teams have been grand finalists in all grades and divisions winning dozens of premierships between them.  Within a 2 year period, the Club was able to achieve an enviable double winning the 1st grade Men’s premiership in 2015 and Women’s in 2017 (with the Women winning again in 2019). 

Over the years, Ryde has produced homegrown juniors who have gone on to play for Australia at both Junior and Senior levels.  Currently, the Club has over 40 of its players representing at the State and National levels.  In any typical year – our elite players play throughout Australia and travel the globe from India, South Africa, South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand.  Our homegrown senior internationals over recent years include: Kirsten Pearce, Tom Craig, Lachi Sharp, Tim Brand, Ben Craig, Zoe Newman, Abby Wilson, and Mikaela “Chops Patterson.

The Club was awarded the 2018 Community Club of the Year by Hockey NSW for its innovation and commitment to the sport, its members and the community.  The Club has continued to innovate with a leading social media presence on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram – as well as professionally live-streaming home games.

With 90 years of history, a wonderful family Club culture and social environment – we have no doubt the Club will continue to grow from strength to strength over the coming years.

Originally written by Club Legend Col Cullen (update 2021) and updated by Glen Castensen