The ARNCLIFFE SCOTS Club has been playing Rugby League in the St George District since 1926, so in 2021 we are celebrating our 95th year as a Club.With a long and proud history, our famous jersey and colours are recognised Australia wide.Scots have established a name for sportsmanship and fair play and the Club is held in high esteem in all Rugby League circles. As we celebrate our 95th year and head towards our centenary in 2026, we will be taking a walk back in time, with posts showcasing our Club: the beginning – the people – the players – the teams – our past – our present and our future.
Here is our first look back at the history of Scots.
It seems only fitting that our first post highlights a man who had a positive influence on many young Arncliffe Scots men: as a player, a coach, as President – a man who holds the title of Founder.
“Mr Arncliffe Scots” – PERCY DAVIS
Percy began his football playing days at Sydney Boys High School. He captained the first Scots Premiership Team – the 1928 “C Grade” and later captained the winning 1930 “A Grade” team.
As a young man, Percy was a talented footballer in his own right, ultimately playing First Grade for St George in 1931 at five-eight. His career at St George was interrupted during the depression years and to make a living he began Captain-Coaching country football teams. After stints with St George and country coaching, he returned again to play for Scots, in the role of Captain-Coach of the “A Grade”. Competition ceased due to the war – (he joined the Australian Army during the Second World War, continuing in various roles for a number of years), but when it recommenced in 1947, Percy also returned to coach the “A Grade” side.
In 1961 he became the Founder of the Arncliffe Scots Licensed Club (Arncliffe Scots Sports & Social Club) and was Secretary/Manager for its first 20 years.
He was honoured with the Clubs first Life Membership and was very proud to hold Badge #1. He held the role of President from 1947-1959. In his honour, in 1970, the Percy Davis Award for 10 successive playing seasons was introduced.
Percy derived enormous pride from his family, and loved to watch grandsons Gareth, Rhys and Huw playing on Cahill Park in the Black, Red & Gold. Scots is still very much a family affair – his daughter Glenys (Davis) and son-in-law Glenn Ellis are long serving Club Officials, grandsons Rhys & Huw both coach teams and great-grandson Jayden currently wears the Scots jersey as a player in the Mini grades.
Finally… some of Percy’s best advice:
On Coaching – “Never weaken a position to make a position – you end up with two weak positions”.
On Officials – “Never leave your role until you can give it to someone better”.
On Players – “If you can’t tackle, you should not be on the field”.
To Coaches – “Teach them to tackle in the first year and you’ve taught them half the game”.
Percy has left a legacy that will live forever. For as long as there is an Arncliffe Scots, people will remember it is there because of Percy Davis.