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Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 11:41 am
by fuzzy_1990
You might be wondering why I would post about this on a footy history site, but it fits kinda.

I am researching the History of Kensington Oval, from its foundations excised from an area known as Shipsters Paddock, through to the present. I have done some prelimanary reserch into the history of this great sporting and recreational venue in Adelaide's eastern suburbs and wish to publish my results when I finish.

I am putting a call out for any information, photos reminsences, etc. to anyone who may have information of their time to do with Kensigton Oval which of course was named Olypmic Sportsfield from 1965-1995. A host of sports from Australian Rules Football, Cricket, Althletics, Soccer (Football), etc. and many cultural and recreational events have been held at Kengsinton Oval over the century and a half of its existence. If anyone has any info they would like to share please to post your replies. :)

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 5:09 pm
by JamesH
Sounds like an interesting project.

Why did Kensington Oval cease to be a league ground? It still looks pretty good to me. why no SAAFL club there? Its a great looking ground.

How is it used today? Kensington play cricket at Burnside RUFC.

I understand Rex Sellars had a lot to do with saving the oval once it was no longer needed as Olympic sports field. Im sure he would have a few memories of the venue.

Re: Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 5:10 pm
by heater31
JamesH wrote:Sounds like an interesting project.

Why did Kensington Oval cease to be a league ground? It still looks pretty good to me. why no SAAFL club there? Its a great looking ground.

How is it used today? Kensington play cricket at Burnside RUFC.

I understand Rex Sellars had a lot to do with saving the oval once it was no longer needed as Olympic sports field. Im sure he would have a few memories of the venue.



Pembroke School First team use the oval for both winter and summer sports.

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 6:39 pm
by smac
I got busted smoking out the back at a school sports day in 1989. Happy to provide more detail if you require it.

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 8:13 pm
by Mr Beefy
I ran in a relay team in the early 80s, I think we came last.

Sat Sept 7 1957, hosted the SAAFL A1 Grand Final, Rosewater d. Semaphore Centrals.

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:14 pm
by Sojourner
Was the home ground of the South Adelaide FC for several years at one stage early on. Think other SANFL clubs have been tenants there also?

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:55 pm
by dedja
As a student at Norwood High in the 70's, they had their sports day there as Olympic sports field.

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 11:08 am
by story of my life
smac wrote:I got busted smoking out the back at a school sports day in 1989. Happy to provide more detail if you require it.


Ha. I was the look out by the dunnies in 88. gave what I thought was a very discreet cough to alert every one that the teachers were coming, but I got in more shite than the kids smoking. My punishment was to run in the 400m about 10 minutes after having a large ice coffee and a pastie.

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:32 pm
by JamesH
such as waste that a good facility is used by a school rather tham a local footy or sporting club

Re: Kensington Oval History - 1865 - present

PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 3:33 pm
by Interceptor
dedja wrote:As a student at Norwood High in the 70's, they had their sports day there as Olympic sports field.

Yes and would have until the track was ripped up.
Attended a few as student myself and went to an inter-school comp day there as well.

Adelaide City used to play there and living pretty close, could hear the roar of a goal.