Syd Cawte left & Colin Norrish just prior to the Innaugural match in 1996
2015 Victors......
The Cawte / Norrish Cup commenced on August 3rd, 1996. The Cup’s heritage goes back before these recent times.
Syd Cawte began playing football for Imperials as a young teenager when the club was formed in 1931. Col Norrish began playing for Ramblers in the mid 1930s. Both recalled playing on the old showground oval in Murray Bridge where Montgomery Avenue is today.
Col Norrish was Runner-Up for the 1940 Mail Medal with the playing career of both men interrupted during the Second World War. Col resumed playing again in 1946 but Syd retired, becoming a club official. He succeeded Ned Dutton as Imperial President in 1952 and continued this role for 10 years. When his father Fred, a long standing Patron of Imperials died, Syd became Patron – a position he held until he left Murray Bridge in 1984.
SANFL President Max Basheer presented Col with an SANFL Award of Merit in 1986 for 51 years service to football. A Grade premierships in 1950 & 1951 were the highlights of his illustrious playing days. Rambler Secretary from 1953 -1955 and again in 1963 -1970. Col was also Treasurer from 1983-1986. He was also the RMFL Secretary from 1956 – 1961 and also wrote match reports for “The Standard”.
The Imperial/Rambler Cup idea was first conceived when two past Imperial players Jamie Rossiter and Damien Newell were problem solving late one night. Both clubs agreed to name it honor of a long serving member of their respective club. The choices of the Cawte and Norrish names were very appropriate with both clubs. The Innaugural Cup coincided with the Imperial Football Club’s 30 years at Johnstone Park re-union weekend. Fittingly Syd and Col met two days prior to the first game and posed for a photograph with the new cup.
Of the 23 times, Imperials have won it 18!
2018 - Imperials
13-6(84) to 9-10(64)
2017 - Imperials
8-9(57) to 7-13(55)
2016 - Ramblers
13-18 (96) to 10-3 (63)
2015 - Imperials
15-10(100) to 10-4(64)
2014 - Imperials
16-7(103) to 14-7(91)
2013 - Imperials
11-7(73) to 7-8(50)
2012 - Imperials
14-7(91) to 6-7(43)
2011 - Ramblers
15-11(101) to 15-9(99)
2010 - Ramblers
21-10(136) to 13-12(90)
2009 - Imperials
17-12(114) to 5-15(45)
2008 - Imperials
15-14(104) to 14-7(91)
2007 – Ramblers
12-14(86) to 10-9(69)
2006 – Imperials
15-10(100) to 11-4(70)
2005 – Imperials
14-10(94) to 12-7(79)
2004 – Imperials
18-14(122) to 8-15(63)
2003 – Imperials
32-13(205) to 5-7(37)
2002 – Imperials
20-14(134) to 5-8(38)
2001 – Imperials
20-17(137) to 9-3(57)
2000 – Imperials
16-13(119) to 12-10(82)
1999 – Imperials
17-13(115) to 11-7(73)
1998 – Imperials
17-22(124) to 7-6(48)
1997 – Imperials
15-15(105) to 10-5(65)
1996 – Ramblers
17-11(123) to 10-9(69)
