1933 | swansonscreen

1933 GRIFFITH DISTRICT N.F.A. SEASON RESULTS

NEW COACH FROM KYNETON
News has come to hand of the appointment of G. C. Beare as coach to Griffith (NSW.) club. The Australian game meets with strong opposition from Rugby. Beare has instructions to coach the district schools so as to popularise the game.
G. C. Beare was coach of Kyneton C.Y.M.S., premiers of the Midland League in 1932. and was considered one of the best coaches ever to come to Kyneton, incidentally he is an old Kynetonian.
(Weekley Times - Saturday May 6, 1933).

HEAVY WEEK-END FOR LEETON
The Leeton Aussie Rules Club has a very heavy week-end before it. Tomorrow (Saturday) they travel to Ganmain in the South West Competition. Sunday, Griffith is sending a strong eighteen over to wrest the Washington Cup and on Monday the "Tricolors" go to Narrandera to play the "Imperials" for the Stag Cup.
Sunday's match against Griffith promises to be another splendid exhibition of the Aussie Rules code. Since Gerald Beare, their new coach has taken Griffith in hand, that team has not been defeated. Hand passing is a feature of the visitors play, and by this method they expect to upset Leeton's teamwork.
(Murrumbidgee Irrigator - Friday, June 2, 1933)

WASHINGTON CUP CHALLENGE - LEETON DEFEAT GRIFFITH
Brilliant play by Burt confuses the Tigers - June 4th, 1933
Except for their opening growl, the Griffith "Tigers" did not overawe the Leeton terriers, who in the first quarter side-stepped and tricked their opponents until they had the black and golds stripes running hither and thither not knowing whom they were marking. With the opposition in such a whirl, it was simply easy to pile on 7 goals in the second quarter, which gave Leeton a 30 point lead at half time. In the third quarter Lionel Hastie advised his players to save themselves for the next day, and when Leeton relaxed, Griffith found their legs and in the final quarter, were on their way to beating the locals, time however, prevented them from overtaking the big lead and they were defeated by seven points.
The teams:-
Leeton: Lionel Hastie (captain-coach), Jack Schwab, Richie Younger, Billy Speakman, Charlie Taylor, Arthur Harding, Albert Wiseman, Tom Kelly, E. Smith, Frank Doran, Roy Burt, Ralph Smith, Stan Greenham, Mick Graham, Len Byrnes, Eric, Mick Miller, Charlie Gladman.
Griffith: Gerald Beare (captain-coach), Arnold Dreyer, Giff Hauser, Les Collis, Oliver Holt, George Wade, George Coombes, Doug Briggs, Joe Browne, Frank Ford, Jim Simpson, Art Campbell, Alf Anstee, Pat Cummins, Jim Collis, Frank Miller, George Anstee, Gordon Reid.
Mr Graham Webb officiated as central umpire, and showed his ardent interest in the game, by dropping words of advice to the players of both sides. Although he was perfectly impartial, we regard it as unbecoming for an umpire to so participate in the game.
First Quarter: Gerald Beare poured some good advice into the ears of the "Tigers" before they ran out onto the field. He told them they were a team of seasoned footballers, and as such he expected them to exhibit determination in their play. To the backs, his advice was "take no risks, but drive a long kick up the centre." He told the forwards they could take risks with short kicks or hand-ball, but to be sure and feed the full forward, who was their to kick goals. Cheered on by the bright music of the Leeton District Band the visitors were in a happy and confident mood as they took up their positions, and urged on by the calls of their supporters, "To tear in Tigers," they dashed into the game and within a minute had a goal up. G Coombes securing from the ruck sent to Alf Anstee on to Art Campbell, who raised both flags. From the bounce Coombes got running again, placed the ball smartly to Miller, amidst much excitement from the "Tiger" barrackers. Ralph Smith, showing great form right through the match, was in the path and stopped the attack by bringing down a high mark. It was then that Leeton's brilliant rover, Roy Burt, commenced to dance around the Griffith players. Billy Speakman, another Leeton player small in statue, but large in headwork, assisted Burt in mystifying the "Tigers". This nippy pair indulged in some dazzling play, until Burt goaled. From the bounce they worked the ball to 'Eric' who lifted the two flags. Ralph Smith earned the plaudits of the onlookers with his display of good football, not only for his sure mark and long kick, but also in hand-passing. The crowd was particularly pleased with "Long Tack's" football. Richie Younger was another Leeton player displaying a much improved knowledge of the game. For Griffith, Coombes was the starting point of all attacks in this first term. Following a behind by Taylor and another single by Graham, the Griffith coach came up and cleared the "Tricolors" out of his territory and Alf Anstee secured the ball and in splendid style scored a "sixer". The visitors were racing much too fast, over running the ball for their opponents. It was splendid to see them so keen, but the pace could not last. Campbell scored a behind, then Doran and Burt each registered a "pip" and Ralph Smith a "sixer". Leeton's lead, however, was reduced by a goal by Anstee, scored as the bell rang. Leeton were then 3.4 to 3.1.
Second Quarter: With the change around, Leeton had much the better of the play, and the locals two forwards, "Eric" and Mick Graham, gave a brilliant exhibition of high marking and kicking. Graham kicked four out of the seven goals scored by Leeton in this term. Ford and Miller each scored a goal for Griffith, making the scores at half time, Leeton 10 goals 5 behinds, 65 points; Griffith 5 goals 6 behinds, 36 points.
Third Quarter: When the "Tricolors" eased up in the third quarter, the game lost much of its sparkle. Doran, however, came into the picture with some heady play, whilst amongst the "Tigers", Joe Browne and Gerald Beare were putting in the most effective work. When the quarter ended Leeton were double their opponents score, the tally being; Leeton 12 goals 8 behinds; Griffith 6 goals 11 behinds.
Last Quarter Thrills: Griffith's coach evidently had got the measure of the "Tricolors" when he sent the "Tigers" in for the final term. Rapidly the big lead was reduced. Gordon Reid, Doug Briggs, Alf Anstee and Frank Ford (2), added goals started by Miller, Cummins, Coombes and Beare. Fearing victory was going to be snatched from the locals, the barrackers commenced to call "Come on Leeton". Lionel Hastie brought Roy Burt up into the ruck and then the "Tricolors" launched their match winning attack, with Speakman, Doran and Younger playing nice combination. Griffith were still in the ascendancy, when Anstee sent to Coombes, but Charlie Gladman reversed the attack and through Speakman to Younger to Graham, a behind was scored. Hastie led the next Leeton onslaught. He short passed to Speakman, and on to "Eric", who raised one flag. That meant Griffith had to score a goal and a behind to win. A strong back line of "Tricolors" prevented any possibility of that happening and the game ended in a thrilling manner with the scores Leeton 12 goals 13 behinds, 85 points; Griffith 11 goal 12 behinds, 78 points.
The gate takings were £20/2/-..
(Murrumbidgee Irrigator - Tuesday June 6, 1933)

CHALLENGE FOOTBALL - GRIFFITH COMING ON SUNDAY
Having challenged the Imperials to play for the Stag Lager Cup, the Griffith football team will visit Narrandera by special train on Sunday, and the match will take place on the Ferriertown ground In the afternoon at 3.15 o'clock.
Last week the Griffith team visited Leeton, and was beaten by only seven points. So on that performance it should be capable of fully extending the Imperials.
It is reported from Griffith that the team has shown vastly improved form since being coached by Gerald Beare. As both teams will be led by their respective coach — Griffith by Gerald Beare and Narrandera by Ivan Sharp — an exceptionally interesting match is anticipated.
The Narrandera team will be selected on Saturday night, and the names will be posted in the window of Mr. N. C. Roach's shop.
As a preliminary match, the Western Stars and Gillenbah teams will play their competition match, commencing at 1.30 p.m. Programme entitling the purchaser to see both matches, will be sold at 1/-.
The Griffith team is bringing with it a team of school boys, and the match will be played on the Ferriertown ground at noon on Sunday. (Narrandera Argus - Friday June 9, 1933)

STAG LAGER CUP CHALLENGE FOOTBALL
NARRANDERA OUTPLAYS GRIFFITH AFTER BEING IN THE VAN AT HALF-TIME
The Griffith team made an unsuccessful attempt on Sunday to wrest the Stag Lager Cup from the Imperial team. The match was played on the Ferriertown ground in the presence of a large number of spectators, who contributed £16 for programmes.
Led by their captain and coach, Gerald Beare, the Griffith team ran on to the field first, and were very confident of success. The Imperials, headed by Ivan Sharp, followed shortly afterwards, and both teams were accorded good receptions.
That the Griffith team is a much improved organisation, compared with that which visited Narrandera last season, was soon evident. In the first half of the game they out-played the locals, both in combination and position play, and threatened to at least fight out a thrilling finish, but in the second half their condition petered out and they could not withstand the brilliant and fast attacks which were initiated by Narrandera.
The reshuffle of positions that Ivan Sharp made during the half-time interval worked wonders, notable among these being Bill Woolnough's removal from full-back to full forward; George Pattinson's inclusion in the ruck, and Alby Treloar being delegated to watch Beare. Pattinson gave a rare display of brilliance, and effective play, while Woolnough, by scouting out nicely bagged three goals in the first 10 minutes of the third quarter, and Treloar saw that the efforts of Griffith's captain were curtailed. Narrandera pressed home attack after attack by using the flanks, where some smart work was done by Jack Treloar, Frank Adams, George Mackenzie, Fred Savage, Doug Weir and Ron Hutchins, besides the four above mentioned and other players. Narrandera's fast men made the pace a cracker, and the others co-operated to the best of their ability. Three of four minutes elapsed before the scoring was opened, by Alf Anstee kicking a behind for Griffith. Woolnough's, kick-oft was marked by Cumming, who sent the ball to Jack Treloar, from whom it was passed to Rodgers for a point. Griffith's full back kicked a 'grubber,' and Rodgers grasped the opportunity to kick a goal. George Coombes got the ball away nicely from the centre, but he encountered a safe custodian of the Narrandera sticks in Woolnough, who kicked the ball to Stan Day. Marking from the latter, Jack Treloar hand passed the ball to Rodgers, who kicked it to Sharp, and Osmond was given a chance to score, but Griffith's fullback, Shaw intervened. Sharp again secured the ball, and this time he kicked a goal. Beare tactfully forwarded the ball from the centre, and Bert Cripps passed it to Ford for Grifflth's first goal. Frustrating nice forward play by Narrandera, Beare sent the ball on to Doug Briggs, who again sought the co-operation of Frank Ford, and the last named kicked his second goal. Joe Browne had been pulling down some fine marks for Griffith, and on the occasion, of his next 'sky-scraper,' he kicked the ball towards to Jack Daines, who was fouled, and, from the resultant penalty kick, he scored a goal — 19 to 13. Two singles were added to Narrandera's tally, and the quarter ended with Griffith leading by four points.
On changing over, Savage did well to score a goal and a behind in quick time, and later, during a scrimmage in front of the sticks, he forced the ball through for another behind. Griffith afterwards swung into action Art. Campbell, out of the half-back line, Frank Polkinghorne (centre), Beare, Daines, Miller, Anstee, Cummins, and several other players figuring in well sustained attacks which resulted in Anstee, Pat Cummings and Ford each kicking a goal, and the firstnamed kicking a point. In the meantime, Pattinson scored, a single and Alby Treloar a goal, but the honors of the term were in favour of Griffith, who at half-time led by 38 to 30.

Narrandera's attacks after the interval were so quick and well carried out that the Griffith team were literally swept off their feet. Behinds by Pattinson and Savage preceded two goals by Sharp. A point by Browne gave Griffith relief, but not for long as Woolnough kicked two goals. Fine play by Beare enabled him to score a goal, and a period of fast and exciting play ensued. A point by Pat Cummins was sandwiched between goals kicked by Savage and Woolnough. Jack Hutchins, and Frank Malcolm, H. Rodgers and Don Cumming turned a couple of Griffith advances, and Mackenzie kicked a goal. Narrandera continued to press home its attacks behinds being scored by Pattinson, Sharp and Mackenzie and the spectators were enjoying the fast moves and counter attacks that ensued, a behind by Jack Brown completed the scoring for this term, and Narrandera led by 77 to 47.
The fourth quarter was largely in favour of Narrandera, who dominated the play, the Griffith men showing signs of tiring, although the most spectacular move of the match was done by Griffith In this term. The ball was smartly hand-passed by five players, Beare handling it twice. In this term Narrandera kicked 7 goals goals 9 behinds, the goals being credited to Pattinson (3), Sharp (2), Mackenzie and Rodgers, to which Griffith replied with 2 goals 4 behinds.

The final scores were: Narrandera, 18 goals 20 behinds (128); Griffith, 7 goals 9 behinds (51). Rupert Griggs umpired impartially.
Although beaten by an overwhelming margin, the Griffith team was by no means disgraced, and under their coach's capable tuition they are capable of further improvement. Gerald Beare is a fine type of footballer.
(Narrandera Argus - Tuesday June 13, 1933)

WASHINGTON CUP CHALLENGE
GRIFFITH vs LEETON - July 9th, 1933
Leeton journeyed to Griffith on Sunday and notched a rather easy victory. Unfortunately Griffith were not at full strength four players from Merriwagga failing to turn up while the star goal getter Doug Briggs was unable to take his place in the team. The Leeton team was cordially received by Griffith enthusiasts. A lorry was provided to convey the players first to the Victoria Hotel where the team stripped, then to the ground and after the match back to the Hotel. A committee of Ladies supplied afternoon tea to the visiting players at half time which was much appreciated by the Leeton team. Although the visit was a most enjoyable one and will do much to help along the Australian game. The game was not a really strenuous one for the Tricolors as they were too fast and systematic for the Griffith boys. Gerald Beare and his men tried hard to hold Leeton and although beaten were not disgraced.
Hastie won the toss and kicked towards the town goal with a strong wind behind. A winning lead of five goals 5 behinds was established. There after the result was never in doubt, as Griffith were not able to materially reduce the lead when they had the advantage of the wind. Roy Burt was the star turn of the match, his dummy and side-step bewildering the Griffith men. Even the Griffith coach found the little rover too clever. Lionel Hastie played his usual game until a rather severe shoulder injury slowed him up. Tom Kelly, Jack Gladman, Billy Speakman and Dick Schier, until injured, all played well, while Eddie Luhrs showed distinct promise. For Griffith, Gerald Beare played splendidly, while young Alf Anstee was always in the thick of it. Others to do well were Browne, Holt and Clark.
Quarter Scores:
Leeton ...... 5.5 ... 2.0 ... 3.2 ... 2.5 ... 12.12 (84)
Griffith ...... 0.0 ... 3.5 ... 0.4 ... 3.2 ... 6.11 (47)
The central umpire was Mr. Erwin.
Teams:-
Leeton: Lionel Hastie (capt.), Roy Burt, Richie Younger, Tom Kelly, Len Byrnes, Charlie Gladman, Jack Gladman, Dick Schier, Stan Greenham, Ron Lodge, Albert Wiseman, Eddie Luhrs, Bill Speakman, Charlie Taylor, Joe Fuller, E Smith, Wattie Fuller, Pat Wilson, Frank Doran, George O'Sullivan
Griffith: Gerald Beare (capt.), Art Campbell, Dan and Martin Hickey, Alf Anstee, G. Clark, Roy Kennedy, Giff Hauser, Frank Polkinghorne, Bert Cripps, Frank Miller, Oliver Holt, Archie Lind, George Coombes, Jack and Joe Browne, Pat Cummins, Jack Daines.
Goal kickers:- Leeton: Hastie 3, Younger 2, Luhrs 2, Burt 2, Greenham, Wilson and W Fuller.
Griffith: Anstee 2, Hickey 2, Daines and Browne.
(Murrumbidgee Irrigator - Tuesday July 11, 1933)

MCWILLIAMS CUP CHALLENGE
Imperials Win Another Cup
Accompanied by a fair number of supporters, the Narrandera team visited Griffith by special train on Sunday for the purpose of playing a match for the McWilliam Cup. The teams had to contend with a cold wind, but nevertheless they played a very interesting same, which resulted in a win for Narandera by about two goals.
The Narrandera schoolboys (Convent and Intermediate High) also won their match against the Griffith school team.
Narrandera Argus - Tuesday August 1, 1933)

GRIFFITH HIGH SCHOOL DEFEATED
Along with their coach, Mr. Gerald Beare, a team from the Griffith High School came over to Leeton on Wednesday afternoon and played a team of juniors on the Associated Ground.
They were privileged to hear a few words of advice from Mr. Dave McNamara, holder of the world's champion place kick, and a noted Aussie Rules player. He told the boys to keep their places, but that good advice fell by the way-side when the game commenced, as the players hunted the ball in herds of half dozens. Nevertheless it was a most enjoyable game, umpired by Mr. Lionel Hastie, and resulted in a win for Leeton by 24 points to 20 points. Having scored that surprise victory, the Leeton juniors are now keen on going to Griffith to return the match and also feel hopeful of winning the Asmus and Co. cup. Look out! Whitton.
(Murrumbridgee Irrigator - Friday July 28, 1933)

MELBOURNE v RIVERINA - EXCELLENT EXHIBITION
The visit of the Melbourne Australian Rules Football team to Narrandera to play the Riverina team whs a great success, says the Wagga "Advertiser", and will do much to once more make the national code popular in Riverina. The playing area on the Narrandera Park was in excellent condition and the weather was perfect. There was a large attendance and the gate takings were £125.
Mr. W. Lowe, of the Wagga Umpires League was central umpire.
The teams were:
MELBOURNE:- Francis S. 'Pop' Vines (captain), Noel Barnett, George Margitich, Jack Sambell, Bill Deague, Arthur Roberts, Rollie Fischer, Charlie Longhurst, Alan 'Bluey' Ryan, Les Jones, Ray Usher, Joe Kinnear, Don Hooper, Harry Long, Bill Tymms, Reg Conole, Charlie Tyson, Ern Jepson, Ivor Warne-Smith, William 'Bull' Adams (19th).
RIVERINA:- Lionel Hastie (Leeton, captain), Gerald Beare (Griffith, vice-capt.), Roy Burt, Tom Kelly (Leeton), Clon Heath, Martin Carroll and W. Smith (Ganmain), George Pattinson, H. Rodgers and Ivan Sharp (Narrandera), Ken Brill, Harry Ledger (Matong), Jack Rava and J. Ferguson (Grong Grong), A. Carroll (Boree Creek), C. Barker and E. Davis (Wagga), J. McPherson and W. O'Reilly (Ardlethan), J. Stimson and J. Bryce (Ariah Park), M. Mansell (Cullivel), Merv Hurst (Methul.
The Narrandera Town Band, marshalled by Mr. A. T. Pattinson, a former league player, led the teams around the ground.
The game was played at a hard and fast pace from the bounce and continued so until the end. As was to be expected the better training and team work of the visitors enabled them to win easily, although the first half was very evenly contested.
The big crowd enjoyed the spectacular high marking or the Melbourne men and the Riverina players in no way were disgraced in that respect.
The mistake made by the home team, as the score somewhat indicates, was the large amount of individual effort and the faulty kicking for goal. This was particularly noticeable in the case of Roy Burt, who, although playing a particularly good game, was tempted to kick for goals instead of passing to his forwards.
The home team started with a rush and goals were kicked by Carroll and Sharpe before Roberts replied for Melbourne. From a good mark by Vines and a nice piece of combination Deague goaled. Pattinson marked well and forwarded to Davis who raised both flags and soon afterwards with a good kick had hard luck to hit the post. From a free Margitich goaled and a fine mark by Beare went from Kelly to Sharpe who goaled. Just on the bell Margitich goaled and the scores at the end of the quarter were Riverina 28 points, Melbourne 25.
In the second quarter Riverina was the first to score again through Sharpe, who received from a free to Brill. Tyson reduced the lead after receiving a nice pass from Vine.
Burt goaled for Riverina and soon after Davis, who, although playing out of his usual position, was playing a great game, kicked his second goal. Usher replied with two brilliant goals for Melbourne in a few minutes. Tyson added one point just on half time. At half time the scores were Melbourne 63 points, Riverina 48 points.
In the third quarter the visitors over-ran the home team, scoring 27 points to nine points. Goals were scored for Melbourne by Margitich (2), and Long, but Riverina failed to goal and could only add nine points through singles. Pattinson was marking brilliantly but his kicking was not so good. Hastie, Sharpe and Kelly also played well for Riverina.
The last quarter began with Melbourne 80 points and Riverina 57 points, and before play had been in progress long Barnett and Sambell goaled for Melbourne. Riverina replied with a succession of singles but Melbourne soon broke away again for Sambell and Vines to goal. From six scoring shots Riverina could raise the two flags only once, through Kelly who had played a great game.

The final scores were: Melbourne 15 goals 19 behinds (109 points); Riverina, 8 goals 20 behinds (68, points).
The whole of the Melbourne team played well and gave an exhibition by which the home team should great benefit.
Best to impress for Melbourne were Margitich, Tymms, Fisher, Vine, Jones, Warne-Smith, Roberts and Hooper.
Burt, Kelly, Pattinson and Beare were always in the picture for Riverina, and others to play well were Hastie, A. Carroll, M. Mansell, Rodgers, Sharp (until injured) and Bryce. Ledger did fair work in the ruck in the second half, and Brill was shaping well up to the time he retired. Hurst, Barker and M. Carroll were the best of the others.
Goals: Melbourne: Margitich 5, Usher, Warne-Smith, 2, Long, Roberts, Tyson, Sambell, Deague, Vine.
Riverina: Sharp 3, Davis 2, A. Carroll, Burt, Kelly.
(Murrumbridgee Irrigator - Tuesday August 15, 1933)

GRIFFITH TO PLAY NARRANDERA FOR McWlLLIAMS CUP TOMORROW
Following its challenge for the McWilliams Cup, which Narrandera won from it some weeks ago, the Griffith Football Club has made arrangements for its team to visit Narrandera by special train to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon for the purpose of playing the match against the Imperials. The match will take place in the park, and has been timed to commence at 3.15pm. Advice from Griffith to the effect that the team will be much stronger than on any previous occasion, containing as it does have leading players from each team that competed in the local competition that was finalised a week or so ago.

The players selected are: Gerald Beare, Soloman, Jim Browne, Doug Briggs, Jack Daines, Frank Miller, George Coombs, Les Collis. Martin Hickey, Mick 'Ike' Cummins, Wilks, Alf Anstee, Joe Browne, Alf Browne, Dart (2), Oliver Holt, Giff Hauser, Art Campbell. Reserves: George Wade, Bruce Dawes, George Anstee, C. Boucher.
The Narandera team has been selected as follows: Doug Weir, George Pattinson, B. Goulding, Jack Treloar, Alby Treloar, Jim Vincent, Jack Hutchins, Ron Hutchins, Frank Adams, Frank Malcolm, Bill Woolnough, Jack Askwith, G. Hinchley, Sam Lawrence, Don Cumming, H. Rodgers, Stan Day, Jack Brown and Audley Hunt (19th). Reserve, J. Sloper.
(Narrandera Argus - Friday September 15, 1933)

CHALLENGE MATCH
GRIFFITH RETAIN THE McWILLIAMS CUP
Finishing strongly, the Griffith football team on Saturday afternoon gained a last-minute victory over the Narrandera team and regained the McWilliams Cup which the Narrandera team won from them earlier in the season.
The weather was warm, and the players did not display their customary dash, with the result that play was mostly of a ragged nature.
The attendance was much smaller than usual, indicating that interests in the sport is waning with the coming of the warm weather. Neither team was at full strength, there being half a dozen or more regular Imperials absent, while the Griffith team was without the services of a number of its district representatives.
Kicking with the wind, Narrandera scored 25 points to 2 in the first quarter, but Griffith reduced most of its leeway in the following quarter, when it scored 29 points to 14 points, and at half-time Narrandera led by eight points — 39 to 31.
Honors were even in the third quarter, each side kicking 2 goals 2 behinds, and in the fourth quarter, mainly due to the alertness of Gerald Beare, Oliver Holt, Jack Daines and the full back, Griffith pressed home attack after attack to score 3 goals 7 behinds to Narrandera's 2 goals, which enabled them to win by five points. The final scores were: Griffith, 9 goals 10 behinds (70); Narandera, 9 goals 11 behinds (65).
The match was impartially umpired by Vin Stockdale.
Stan Day was outstanding for Narrandera, and others who shone out were Alby Treloar, George Pattinson, Sam Lawrence (5 goals), Jim Vincent, and H. Rodgers, although the last named made several costly mistakes.