Mark Ritchie featured in a previous BwB article, as he acknowledged in his opening statement.
“I know that you’ve featured in the past the Hillside BC U/18 team that won the North of Tay Cup at the “Tinnies” (old nickname of Broughty Athletic’s ground) in season 71-72 when you referred to me as Geronimo.” said Mark.
“I’ve come across another gem from even earlier in 1968-69 that I think would be interesting and a good challenge for your readers.
“Billy Kerr, the former East Craigie player and coach, came to Hillside when we were U/17-18 and made history with that North of Tay team.
“An U/18 team had never before won this cup and never will again, I suspect.
“The club was originally called Hillside Rangers and was started by Jack Watson and Jim Phillips, both now, sadly, passed on.
“Jack stayed at Hillside Court multi in Menzieshill, giving the team its name, which has since been demolished.
“They were two top guys and took us all over Scotland and also down south, including Whitley Bay, for various tournaments.
“Neil Phillips, our keeper, is Jim’s son.
“Even in these early U/15 days, we were a successful team and used to winning the league and cups.
“Our main opponents were Charleston Boys, Lochee Boys and, latterly, the St Columbus Boys Club that you featured on August 20.”
Mark, who also played for Forfar Athletic and Carnoustie Panmure juniors, sent in this photo (right), and continued: “When you look at the photo, what is most unusual is there are only 10 players.
“The space top left was reserved for Ian Britton (missing) but he was off to Chelsea by that time!
“The names of the players are (back row, from left) — Brian ‘Cec’ Leslie, Brian ‘Skitcher’ Russell, Neil Phillips, Derek Watson, George Reid.
Front row — Dougie ‘Gabby’ Gall, Brian Bell, Mel Holden, Mark Ritchie, Alan Piggot.
“Sadly, Melville Holden contracted meningitis and died at an early age of 28.
“You may recall he played for Chelsea, Dundee United and Twente Enschede.
“Brian Bell, from Douglas, was also a cracking player.”
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.