FOOTBALLERS and netballers from Lake Boga and Tyntynder will honour the memory of a World War II veteran on Saturday as they face off in the inaugural Len Hutton Memorial Anzac Match.
Born in Tasmania in December 1919, Mr Hutton spent his childhood in Lang Lang and before enlisting with the militia in 1938 was already playing senior football and cricket at the age of 14.
In December 1938 Mr Hutton was allocated to Darwin Mobile Force, serving to defend the Northern Territory capital.
Five years later Hutton was commissioned to go to New Guinea with the 2/19 Battalion.
But Hutton’s connection to the local region would begin when he returned to Australia as an area officer in Swan Hill, as well as his involvement with the Lake Boga Flying Boat Repair Depot.
At that same time Mr Hutton’s love of sport intertwined his story with the Tyntynder Football Club as he was appointed captain coach – the first post-war captain at the club.
Following Mr Hutton’s unfortunate death, which is suspected to have occurred from head knocks, he was given a military funeral and buried at Lake Boga War Graves Cemetery.
It was through the tireless work of Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical society that the story of Mr Hutton was recognised and the decision made to host a match in his memory.
Tyntynder football club president Peter Hawkins said it was “a great honour” for the club to be hosting the memorial match.
“It means a lot to the club to be asked to host the Anzac Day clash, which will also be the Len Hutton Memorial match,” Hawkins said.
“It’s a very significant day and to be honouring someone who served our country and then was the first captain-coach of our football club after WWII is something we should be very proud of.
“Before this history was brought up again through the work of Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical society, I don’t think many people knew how significant this was.
“Being able to share some of these stories about Len’s life with the committee really allowed the story to resonate with people around the club.
“It’s great that the story will be shared with even more people here on Saturday.”
Lake Boga president Trevor Doolan said his team were excited to be a part of what he described as “a great concept”.
“It’s a very respectful and honourable day,” he said.
“Lake Boga is a very proud club and we are very happy to be a part of this.
“Lake Boga’s military history is well known around the town and highly spoken of.
“If someone new comes in, the first thing they’re told is to go over to the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum and have a look around.
“And obviously having the war cemetery up the road is another thing people hold in high regard.”
Doolan said being a part of the annual Central Murray Anzac match was something Lake Boga cared highly about.
“We’ve been playing in the Anzac clash for some time and have been quite successful in it,” he said.
“We really hope to continue to be a part of it for as long as we can.
“The players all seem to lift when they’re playing in games such as this.
“They all step up that level.
“Everyone understands the importance of what the day is about and really want to be involved in it.”
The winning club in senior football and A-grade netball will both be presented with a trophy adorned with a model of Lake Boga’s famous Catalinas, with medallions also to be presented to the day’s best players.
