Keith Gersbach is a very important man in Parramatta history. He was the first player signed when the club joined the first grade competition in 1947 and his Eels badge number is number one.
Parramatta played their first ever match in round one of the 1947 competition. Captained by inside centre Bob Andrews, they were beaten 34-12 by Newtown at Cumberland Oval on 12 April 1947. Prop Frank McKean and hooker George Cook scored the team's tries, while five eighth, Les Bell, landed three goals. They had to wait until round nine for their first win. This came at Cumberland Oval on 21 June and they beat Wests 13-8. Cook scored their only try with Bell 2, fullback Col Schomberg 2 and captain Bob Andrews, landing goals.
The Eels finished last of the 10 teams in 1947. They managed three wins, from their 18 matches, with the other two victories coming against Easts at the Sports Ground on 26 July, when they won 14-13 and against fellow newcomers Manly, at Cumberland on 9 August, when they were successful by 11-6.
Keith, playing on the right wing, had an excellent season and with 10 tries, finished as the team's leading try scorer. Bob Andrews was the top scorer, with his 61 points coming from three tries and 26 goals.
Keith now lives at Bellengin and although 87 years years of age, is still very active. He is keen to know if there are some other players from the 1947 team still alive. He contacted the President of our Mid North Coast branch, Brian Atherton, to ask for some help in this regard.
He believes eight of his team-mates have passed away. These players are Bob Andrews (inside centre) , John Smith (outside centre), Dave Munro (left wing), Wally Woodward (halfback), Les Bell (five eighth), Col Schomberg (fullback), George Cook (hooker) and George Robertson (prop).
He is unsure of the other four and we are hoping some of our members might be able to help. These four players are Frank McKean (prop), Barney Hearn (second row), George Saywell (second row) and Arthur Slattery(lock). Please contact us at the Men of League, phone 87652232, if you have some information.
Keith's nephew, Tony Trudgett was also a top player. Tony played 135 first grade games with St.George, mainly as a five eighth from 1978 to 1983 and was a member of the 1979 St. George Grand Final winning side. He also played two matches for NSW, in 1979 against Great Britain and in 1980 against Queensland.