This weekend as the Mens Premier Division team head out to Picken Oval to take on the Inner West Magpies, the teams will be contesting the Peter Ramus Cup.
Peter Ramus was born and raised in Melbourne where he participated in a number of sports. He developed a keen interest in Australian rules football and the Collingwood football club.
His father served in the Army and the family moved around to various postings. He spent time in Canberra where he attended and played footy for ANU, little study, lots of footy. The family returned to Melbourne and Peter ended up playing for and coaching the Frankston Rovers football club. The Frankston Rovers played a tough hard football style, which suited Ramus down to the ground.
Peter then moved to Sydney where he started playing with the Newtown Angels ( oxymoron ) football club. He did this for a few years but that wasn’t enough football for Peter. So, he came over to Sydney University and played with Uni as well. He would train with Sydney Uni on Monday and Wednesday and was a playing Coach on Saturday. Each year he coached, we made finals. Uni was where he got the nickname “Branch” from close friend and verbal sparring partner John ( the little nipper) Baistow. Ramus in Latin means branch, a nickname that could only come from University football club. Branch trained with Newtown on Tuesday and Thursday and played on Sunday. The only day of rest was Friday, when a couple of ciders were enjoyed after work.
A great example of Branch’s dedication to football was in the early 70s. Playing the last game of the season for Newtown, Branch injured his right shoulder, was taken off the ground and took no further part in the game. His right arm was placed in a sling and he turned up to training on Tuesday and just ran laps. The Newtown coach, with the first final coming up that Sunday, told Branch that he would have to pass a fitness test on Thursday night if we was to play. Before entering Erskineville Oval, Branch took the sling from his right arm and put it on his left arm. He went into the change rooms and the coach started to give Ramus hip and shoulder bumps on his left shoulder. Branch said the pain going through his right shoulder was severe, but the coach thought his left shoulder had held up well and he was passed fit to play.
When Branch finished playing and coaching at Uni he served on the committee for many years. His foresight and energy were key assets in the success the club enjoyed. He was a regular attendee at No. 1 Oval against the picket fence, watching his favourite Sydney football club. He and his wife Jan, organised and attended many SUANFC dinners and functions. They sit comfortably with the greatest volunteers and servants of our football club.
Branch was an outstanding player and coach. He was an even better club person and friend.
After successfully bringing the Peter Ramus Cup home in 2019, The Students will be looking to do the same this year when they take to Picken Oval at 2.15pm on Saturday 29th August.
Roger Down
SUANFC – Board Member