China national team tour of Australia, 1923 The tour was organised by Mr Henry Millard, who had served with the New Zealanders in the First World War. Originally Mr Millard had been commissioned to visit China with the aim of raising a rugby league team to tour Australia and New Zealand, apparently under the assumption that rugby was the prevalent code. Upon arrival he soon found otherwise, aborted the original plans, and contacted the Australian and New Zealand football associations to arrange a soccer tour instead. His negotiations with the Chinese were conducted with the Far Eastern Games committee, there being no single China football association at this time. The selection for the tour was primarily based on the team which had won gold at the Far Eastern Games in May. In that event China was represented solely by the South China Athletic Association of Hong Kong, but for this tour three Shanghai-based players were added to the squad. The team left Hong Kong on 18th July aboard the Yoshino Maru and arrived in Sydney on 6th August. A report in an Australian newspaper suggests that "a huge crowd witnessed a practice match" during a stopover in Manila, although no further information has been found - this may have been an informal practice. En route the ship called at Brisbane, where the team watched an interstate match between Queensland and New South Wales at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on 4th August, which New South Wales won 3-0. The next three months were spent touring Australia; negotiations to extend the tour to New Zealand fell through, the dates and terms proposed being found unsuitable. In Australia 24 matches were played including five "test" matches vs the Australian national team. None of these five matches are recognised as full internationals by the present-day incarnation of the Australian governing body, though it is somewhat ambiguous whether they were recognised as such at the time. The reasons for discounting the matches appear to be based on the fact that in this period there was no All-China football association as such, and thus China was not a member of F.I.F.A. Also, in some Australian sources the Chinese team is described (incorrectly) as a "combined universities team" rather than a fully representative national team. Public subscriptions in Shanghai and Hongkong raised funds for the team's playing kit and winter clothing. Travel and accommodation expenses were paid for by the Australian association. Once in Australia the finances of the tour were conducted through a private company "Australian Tours Ltd". This led to some problems after the team's return to China, as particularly the Shanghai based players felt that China had not received its share of the profits. In addition they were critical of the management of the tour, alleging favouritism towards the Southern Chinese players. Further discussion of these issues is omitted here; more details may be found in the Australian press, the New Zealand press, and in a Chinese review article. Following the tour the team left from Sydney for home on 17th November aboard the Arafura, arriving in Hong Kong on 8th December. One match was played during a stopover in Sandakan (British North Borneo) on the way. A week after returning the team played a showpiece exhibition match vs the "Rest of Hong Kong" (i.e. non-Chinese players) drawing 1-1. South China A.A. began its league fixtures the following week, and that season it went on to become the first Chinese team to win the Hong Kong league championship. Team The team consisted of 13 players from South China and 3 from East China (indicated *). See list of players for Chinese script and alternative transliterations. Goalkeeper: Lau Hing-Cheung Fullbacks: Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So, Shen Kuo-Chuan* Halfbacks: Leung Yuk-Tong [captain], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah, Lam Yuk-Ying, Wang Chen-Sheng* Forwards: Wong Pak-Chung, Pang Kam-Wing, Kwok Po-Kan, Yip Kau-Ko, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu, Chang Hsi-En* Manager: Mr Mok Hing (president of South China A.A.) Organiser: Mr Henry A. Millard (New Zealand) It is noteworthy that Lee Wai-Tong, who scored half the team's goals on the tour, was only 17 years old. He went on to become the most famous footballer in China, perhaps in Asia. Results In Manila (en route) ??- 7-1923 Manila (unknown) In Australia (P24 W8 D7 L9 F63 A54) 11- 8-1923 Sydney New South Wales 3-3 China 15- 8-1923 Sydney Sydney Metropolis 4-2 China 18- 8-1923 Sydney Australia 5-1 China [1st "test"] 22- 8-1923 Granville Granville & District 2-2 China 25- 8-1923 Newcastle Australia 4-3 China [2nd "test"] 28- 8-1923 Newcastle Newcastle & District 7-1 China 1- 9-1923 Wollongong Illawarra 1-1 China 4- 9-1923 Abermain Maitland & District 2-2 China 8- 9-1923 Brisbane Queensland 1-1 China 12- 9-1923 Ipswich West Moreton 4-2 China 15- 9-1923 Brisbane Australia 5-0 China [3rd "test"] 19- 9-1923 Tamworth New England 0-9 China 22- 9-1923 Sydney Australia 1-3 China [4th "test"] 26- 9-1923 Harden Sydney Metropolis 3-2 China 29- 9-1923 Melbourne Australian XI 2-0 China 3-10-1923 Adelaide South Australia 2-6 China 6-10-1923 Adelaide Australia 2-2 China [5th "test"] 9-10-1923 Melbourne Victoria 1-3 China 13-10-1923 Hobart Tasmania 2-1 China 17-10-1923 Hobart Southern Tasmania 1-8 China 20-10-1923 Launceston Tasmania 1-4 China 24-10-1923 Launceston Northern Tasmania 1-5 China 27-10-1923 Melbourne Victoria 0-2 China 10-11-1923 Woonona South Coast 0-0 China In North Borneo (en route) ? -12-1923 Sandakan Sandakan 1-6 China Upon return to Hong Kong 15-12-1923 Hong Kong Rest of Hong Kong 1-1 China Match details 11- 8-1923 Sydney New South Wales 3-3 China (HT 1-2) Royal Agricultural Showground, 40000 [Lennard (1-2) (3-2), Hancock (2-2) / Lee Wai-Tong (0-1) (0-2) (3-3)] N.S.W.: George Cartwright (Balmain Fernleigh); Charlie Leabeater (Granville), R.Critcher (Corrimal); Lawson Bailey (Adamstown), Andy Henderson (Granville), J.Aves (Weston) [c]; Stan Bourke (Granville), Percy Lennard (Cessnock), J.Sherringham (Sydney), F.Hancock (Balmain Fernleigh), Frank Melliar-Smith (Sydney). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: W.A.Wright. 15- 8-1923 Sydney Sydney Metropolis 4-2 China (HT 2-1) Sydney Cricket Ground, 7000 [Phillips (1-1) (3-1), Sherringham (2-1), Bourke (4-1) / Wong Pak-Chung (0-1), Lee Wai-Tong (4-2)] Metropolis: George Cartwright (Balmain Fernleigh); Charlie Leabeater (Granville), S.Anderson (Pyrmont); Alan Fisher (Balmain Fernleigh), Andy Henderson (Granville), J.Timms (Pyrmont); Stan Bourke (Granville), A.Phillips (Balmain Fernleigh), J.Sherringham (Sydney), J.Milner (Granville), Frank Melliar-Smith (Sydney). China: Lau Hing-Cheung (sub. Leung Tai-Fong); Shen Kuo-Chuan, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Wang Chen-Sheng, Lam Yuk-Ying; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: E.Jones. Note: Goalkeeper Lau Hing-Cheung was injured in the first half with the score at 1-1 and was replaced in goal by Lam Yuk-Ying while Leung Tai-Fong entered to replace Lam played at left-half. 18- 8-1923 Sydney Australia 5-1 China (HT 3-1) Royal Agricultural Showground, 20000 [Masters (1-0) (3-0) (4-1) (5-1), Henderson (2-0) / Lee Wai-Tong (3-1)] Australia: J.Hamilton (Qld); Cameron (S.A.), T.Oliver (N.S.W.); Gilbert Storey (N.S.W.), Andy Henderson (N.S.W.), Harry Spurway (N.S.W.); J.Stoner (Tas.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), Judy Masters (N.S.W.) [c], F.Hancock (N.S.W.), Frank Melliar-Smith (N.S.W.). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: E.Lukeman. 22- 8-1923 Granville Granville & District 2-2 China (HT 2-1) Clyde Oval [Doerner (1-0) (2-1) / Wong Pak-Chung (1-1), Lee Wai-Tong (2-2)] Granville: J.Hedges; Charlie Leabeater, E.Doherty; L.Leabeater, J.Comrie, Harry Spurway; Stan Bourke, H.Winter, A.Doerner, F.Ramsay, W.Watson. China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: Mr McGrath. Note: Chan So missed a penalty with the score at 1-0. 25- 8-1923 Newcastle Australia 4-3 China (HT 2-1) Newcastle Showground [Lennard (1-0), Hancock (2-1) (4-3) pen, Masters (3-2) / Wong Pak-Chung (1-1) (3-3), Lee Wai-Tong (2-2)] Australia: George Cartwright (N.S.W.); Charlie Leabeater (N.S.W.), T.Oliver (N.S.W.); Gilbert Storey (N.S.W.), A.Creighton (N.S.W.), Lawson Bailey (N.S.W.); Stan Bourke (N.S.W.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), Judy Masters (N.S.W.) [c], F.Hancock (N.S.W.), Frank Melliar-Smith (N.S.W.). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: W.Scott. Note: a Chinese source reports that Wong Shui-Wah scored one of the Chinese goals instead of Wong Pak-Chung. 28- 8-1923 Newcastle Newcastle & District 7-1 China (HT 6-0) Tramway football ground, 10000 [Coates (1-0), Chan So (2-0) OG, Billy Maunders (3-0) (4-0), ? (5-0), ? (6-0), McLaughlin (7-0) / Chan Kwong-Yiu (7-1)] 1- 9-1923 Wollongong Illawarra 1-1 China (HT 1-1) 10000 [J.C.Jones (1-0) / Chang Hsi-En (1-1)] 4- 9-1923 Abermain Maitland & District 2-2 China (HT 0-0) 1600 [Gilmour (1-0), McGrory (2-1) / Lee Wai-Tong (1-1), Wong Pak-Chung (2-2)] Maitland: Hutton (Weston); Oliver (Weston), Jones (Neath); Mathieson (Weston), A.Creighton (Weston), J.Aves (Weston) [c] (Weston); Brown (Cessnock), Percy Lennard (Cessnock), M.Crowe (Weston), Jack Gilmour (Weston), McNaughton (Cessnock). 8- 9-1923 Brisbane Queensland 1-1 China (HT 0-1) Brisbane Cricket Ground, 15000 [Robertson 80' / Lee Wai-Tong 35'] Queensland: J.Hamilton; George Harris, W.McBride; E.Nunn, C.McGovern [c], J.Williams; W.Robertson, C.Stone, Tom Hainsworth, W.Bratten, J.Edwards. China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: A.F.Jackson. Note: a Chinese source reports that Wong Pak-Chung scored China's goal. 12- 9-1923 Ipswich West Moreton 4-2 China (HT 4-1) North Ipswich Recreation Reserve [A.Williams (1-0), Edwards (2-0) (3-1), J.Williams (4-1) / Chang Hsi-En (2-1) (4-2)] West Moreton: R.Millar; J.Routledge, C.Gedge; J.Williams, A.Heaton [c], E.Nunn; E.Edwards, A.Pedley, Tom Hainsworth, A.Williams, W.Warrell. China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Lee Wai-Tong, Wong Pak-Chung, Chang Hsi-En, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: A.H.Evans. 15- 9-1923 Brisbane Australia 5-0 China (HT 1-0) Brisbane Cricket Ground, 8000 [Masters (1-0) (2-0), Gilmour (3-0) (4-0), Robertson (5-0)] Australia: J.Hamilton (Qld); Jim Crum (N.S.W.), George Harris (Qld); James Love (Qld), A.Creighton (N.S.W.), Harry Spurway (N.S.W.); Stan Bourke (N.S.W.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), Judy Masters (N.S.W.) [c], Jack Gilmour (N.S.W.), W.Robertson (Qld). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Lee Wai-Tong, Wong Pak-Chung, Chang Hsi-En, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: C.Lyst. 19- 9-1923 Tamworth New England 0-9 China [Lee Wai-Tong x4, Chang Hsi-En x3, Wong Pak-Chung x2] 22- 9-1923 Sydney Australia 1-3 China (HT 0-1) Royal Agricultural Showground, 5000 [Hancock (1-1) / Chang Hsi-En (0-1), Lee Wai-Tong (1-2) (1-3)] Australia: George Cartwright (N.S.W.); Jim Crum (N.S.W.), George Harris (Qld); Alan Fisher (N.S.W.), Andy Henderson (N.S.W.), Harry Spurway (N.S.W.); Stan Bourke (N.S.W.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), Judy Masters (N.S.W.) [c], F.Hancock (N.S.W.), W.Robertson (Qld). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: J.H.Lester. 26- 9-1923 Harden Sydney Metropolis 3-2 China (HT 2-0) Murrumburrah Showground, 2000 [MacFarlane (1-0), Phillips (2-0), Sherringham () / Wong Pak-Chung (), Lee Wai-Tong ()] Metropolis: George Cartwright (Balmain Fernleigh); Jim Crum (Pyrmont), S.Anderson (Pyrmont); Alan Fisher (Balmain Fernleigh), Andy Henderson (Granville), Harry Spurway (Granville); Stan Bourke (Granville), A.Phillips (Balmain Fernleigh), J.Sherringham (Sydney), F.Hancock (Balmain Fernleigh), Frank Melliar-Smith (Sydney). [The above is the advance lineup; J.MacFarlane (Gladesville) was a reserve, but it is unknown whom he replaced]. 29- 9-1923 Melbourne Australian XI 2-0 China (HT 1-0) Fitzroy Oval, 12000 [Orr (1-0), Lennard (2-0)] Australian XI: J.Robinson (Vic.); Barber (Vic.), T.Oliver (N.S.W.); Gilbert Storey (N.S.W.), A.Creighton (N.S.W.), G.Rowe (S.A.); H.Winter (N.S.W.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), Les Honeysett (Tas.), John Orr (Vic.), A.Phillips (N.S.W.). [Note: Winter was a late replacement for T.Thompson.] China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Lam Yuk-Ying, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. [Note: Lam and Yip were late replacements for Leung Tai-Fong and Chang Hsi-En.] Referee: W.A.Cumming. 3-10-1923 Adelaide South Australia 2-6 China (HT 1-2) Jubilee Oval, 4000 [Walls (1-2), Elliott (2-4) / Lee Wai-Tong (0-1) (1-4), Chang Hsi-En (0-2) (2-6), Wong Pak-Chung (1-3) (2-5)] S.Australia: G.Kirk (South Adelaide); E.Gormlie (Sturt), E.Lowe (South Adelaide); G.Wright (Port Adelaide), J.Wallace (Port Adelaide) [c], G.Rowe (Sturt); F.Draper (North Adelaide), T.Elliott (Glenelg), G.Walls (Hindmarsh), G.Holt (South Adelaide), W.Hewish (North Adelaide). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong, Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: T.Chilton. 6-10-1923 Adelaide Australia 2-2 China (HT 0-1) Jubilee Oval, 9000 [Phillips (1-2) (2-2) / Lee Wai-Tong (0-1), Chang Hsi-En (0-2)] Australia: J.Robinson (Vic.); S.Gore (S.A.), T.Oliver (N.S.W.); J.Wright (S.A.), Gilbert Storey (N.S.W.), E.Lowe (S.A.); H.Winter (N.S.W.), Percy Lennard (N.S.W.), G.Walls (S.A.), H.Denman (S.A.), A.Phillips (N.S.W.). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: W.Ashford. 9-10-1923 Melbourne Victoria 1-3 China Melbourne Cricket Ground [? / Yip Kau-Ko, Lee Wai-Tong x2] 13-10-1923 Hobart Tasmania 2-1 China (HT 1-0) North Hobart Ground, 4000 [Grimmond (1-0), Les Honeysett (2-1) / Yip Kau-Ko (1-1)] Tasmania: C.Lucas (Sandy Bay); Joe Honeysett (South Hobart) [c], W.Faulkner (Corinthians); A.Holton (Corinthians), L.Norman (Cadbury's), F.Cliffe (Sandy Bay); J.Stoner (South Hobart), Les Honeysett (Sandy Bay), D.Finlay (Elphin), Harold Grimmond (Sandy Bay), Jack Beattie (Sandy Bay). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Lam Yuk-Ying, Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: Capt. E.Kallend. Note: Chan So missed a penalty in the second half, with the score at 1-0. 17-10-1923 Hobart Southern Tasmania 1-8 China (HT 0-5) North Hobart Ground [Faulkner (1-5) pen / Yip Kau-Ko (0-1) (0-4), Lee Wai-Tong (0-2) (0-3) (0-5) (1-6) (1-7) (1-8)] S.Tasmania: C.Lucas (Sandy Bay); Joe Honeysett (South Hobart) [c], W.Faulkner (Corinthians); J.Leadingham (Sandy Bay), L.Norman (Cadbury's), F.Cliffe (Sandy Bay); J.Stoner (South Hobart), Harold Grimmond (Sandy Bay), L.Davis (Cadbury's), T.Gayton (Cadbury's), Jack Beattie (Sandy Bay). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Leung Tai-Fong, Wong Shui-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: R.H. Kirfoot. 20-10-1923 Launceston Tasmania 1-4 China (HT 0-2) Launceston Cricket Ground, 2000 [Faulkner (1-4) pen / Lee Wai-Tong (0-1) (0-2) (0-3), Yip Kau-Ko (0-4)] Tasmania: C.Lucas (Sandy Bay); Joe Honeysett (South Hobart) [c], W.Faulkner (Corinthians); H.Perry (Elphin), L.Norman (Cadbury's), F.Cliffe (Sandy Bay); J.Stoner (South Hobart), Les Honeysett (Sandy Bay), D.Finlay (Elphin), W.Davis (Corinthians), B.Bell (). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Wong Shui-Wah, Lam Yuk-Ying; Pang Kam-Wing, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: F.Willis. 24-10-1923 Launceston Northern Tasmania 1-5 China (HT 0-2) Launceston Cricket Ground [Gladstone (1-3) / Yip Kau-Ko (0-1) (1-4), Chang Hsi-En (0-2) (0-3) (1-5)] N.Tasmania: Rushton; Perry, Bell; Hawkesford, R.Finlay, Matthews; Duncan, Vincent, D.Finlay, Gladstone, Tuting. China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Wong Shui-Wah, Lam Yuk-Ying; Chang Hsi-En, Yip Kau-Ko, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: A.Talbot. Note: a Chinese source reports the Chinese goalscorers as Lee Wai-Tong x3, Yip Kau-Ko, Chang Hsi-En. 27-10-1923 Melbourne Victoria 0-2 China (HT 0-1) Essendon Cricket Ground, 7000 [Yip Kau-Ko x2] Victoria: J.Robinson; Lee, Tait; Van der Driche, Cameron, Morrison; Andy Lauchland, Dryden, Maxwell, Orr, Hayden. China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kam-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], ?, Wong Siu-Wah; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Yip Kau-Ko, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: W.Palmer. Note: at half-time there was a long-distance kicking contest between Chan So and Charlie Hardy (the Australian rules player), which was won narrowly by Hardy. 10-11-1923 Woonona South Coast 0-0 China In North Borneo (en route) ? -12-1923 Sandakan Sandakan 1-6 China [? / Lee Wai-Tong x4, Yip Kau-Ko, Kwok Po-Kan] In Hong Kong 15-12-1923 Hong Kong Rest of Hong Kong 1-1 China (HT 1-0) Club Ground (Happy Valley), 10000 [Forsyth (1-1) / Wong Pak-Chung (0-1)] Hong Kong: Angus (Club); Wynne (Police), Bishop (Club); McKelvie (Kowloon), J.Stewart (Club) [c], Lelliott (R.G.A.); Mason (Kowloon), Forsyth (Club), Johnson (Police), Roberts (Tamar), Begg (Club). China: Lau Hing-Cheung; Ng Kum-Chuen, Chan So; Leung Yuk-Tong [c], Wong Shui-Wah, Lam Yuk-Ying; Pang Kam-Wing, Chang Hsi-En, Wong Pak-Chung, Lee Wai-Tong, Chan Kwong-Yiu. Referee: Mr Smith. Sources included : various Australian and Hong Kong newspapers, online forum postings by "xudn" (Chinese football historian) and "Tanaka" (Roon Ba forum).