Swans On Screen
HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1938 FOOTBALL SEASON RESULTS
LEETON & DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIAION - ARIAH PARK & DFA
LEETON & DISTRICT FA (KINLOCK CUP COMPETITION)
LDFA Round 1 - Sunday May 8, 1938 at Leeton Showground
Leeton ....... 1.1 .. 4.5 .. 8.6 .. 10.9 (69)
Griffith ...... 1.3 .. 4.10 .. 4.12 ..6.16 (52)
Best players: Leeton: Lionel Hastie, Jack Colman, Cliff Brown, L Phillips
Griffith: Alf Anstee, Snowy Thompson
Umpire: W Taylor (Leeton)
Other matches - Darlington Point 6.3 (39) def by Whitton 8.10 (58), Narandera 12.17 (89) def Fivebough 8.11 (59).
Match report: Meeting the Leeton 18 at Leeton last Sunday, the first Leeton District F.A. (Kinlock Cup) competition game was played. Griffith leading during the first three quarters were unable to stay the full distance, Leeton finished winning by 17 points. I would like to emphasise the fact of Griffith being short of a run were beaten in the last quarter. This point is mentioned in the hope that it may do something towards getting the this season's players into the so necessary serious training. During the last four or five seasons the Griffith team has sadly neglected its training and has lost games after game during the final quarter, after having definitely outplayed the opposition side up to that period. In Sunday's game it was good to see the way three or four of this year's newcomers played. Ernest Schmetzer at centre and Ted Harris as rover were of great value to the team playing excellent football. Jim Collis and Bill Brown were solid and effective in rucks, more than holding their own. Roy Besley playing his first game for Griffith did a splendid job in the back line, as did the half back Hector Robinson another new player from Mooroopna in the Shepparton competition.
LDFA Round 2 - Sunday May 15, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ...................... 2.2 .. 4.4 .. 6.5 .. 7.7 (49)
Darlington Point .... 2.2 .. 4.4 .. 7.6 .. 8.7 (55)
Umpire: H. D. Hume (Binya)
Other matches - Fivebough 9.6 (60) drew Leeton 9.6 (60), Narandera 9.19 (73) def Whitton 6.6 (42).
Match reports: The game in which Griffith was beaten by Darlington Point was played on the new Showground and the players found it good going. As time goes on and the surface gets a more even growth of grass this will be the best ground in the Association. Favourable comments were heard from all sides. The game itself was rather disappointing from the Griffith point of view. The players were strange to one another and failed to play as a team, but more as individuals. One big fault was the starving of the wing men, who if they wanted a kick, had to go to the centre for it which caused the play to become crowded and far from spectacular. This will be altered, and the next showing will no doubt be a long way better. Griffith are looking for a half forward and full back to make a really good team. The scores right through the game were very even. First one team then the other was a point or two in the lead and the Point its win by five points. Good passing move right on time gave them the winning points.
LDFA Round 3 - Sunday May 22, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ...... 0.3 .. 1. 3 .. 4.7 .. 5.10 (40)
Whitton .... 0.0 .. 3.2 .. 4.5 .. 6.10 (46)
Best players: Griffith: Alf Anstee, Hutchins Brothers, Hector Robinson, Stan Green and Eddie Forrestal
Whitton: Lew Thompson and Percy "Ike" Weaven
Umpire: H Osmond (Narrandera)
Other matches - Darlington Point 10.11 (71) def Fivebough 9.12 (66), Leeton 5.9 (39) def Narandera 6.7 (43).
Match report: Griffith fielded a very poor team on Sunday against Whitton in the Aussie Rules Competition game. Four men being hurt against Darlington Point and two men picked did not turn up, which left the selectors in a quandary. They played the first quarter with one man short. The management committee must deal drastically with men who let their team mates down without any evident reason. The game was a great deal better than last week's, being much more open and therefore much more spectacular. Whitton ran out winners on the last minute by 1 goal. The new ground is turning out a success from a "gate" and well as a playing point of view.
LDFA Round 4 - Sunday May 29, 1938 at Leeton Showground
Fivebough ..... 3.2 .. 3.5 .. 7.9 .. 9.12 (66)
Griffith ........... 1.0 .. 1.2 .. 1.4 .. 3.13 (31)
Goals: Fivebough: Dick Taylor 4, Jack Geltch 2, Pat Wilson, Jim O'Callaghan, George O'SulIivan
Griffith: Alf Anstee 3
Umpire: R Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Narandera 13.15 (93) def Darlington Point 4.4 (28), Whitton 9.11 (65) def by Leeton 10.13 (73).
Match report: Fivebough secured its first win of the season by defeating Griffith 66 points to 31 points. The game was very disappointing and play for the greater part was uninteresting. The visitors had a few good players, who were not given any support and the result was a fore gone conclusion. This was a pity as Fivebough was on its toes to register a win and the crowd would have liked to see them extended. For Griffith the best players were Alf Anstee, "Pouncer" Wade (junior), "Snowy" Thompson and their new forward Hector Robinson. The latter plays vigorous football, and it was not good tactics to shift him out of the full forward position. For the winners Jack Geltch was the outstanding player. He continually intercepted the ball and turned the play into his team's favor. Dick Taylor was very alert in the forward line, scoring four goals.
LDFA Round 5 - Sunday June 5, 1938 at Narrandera Sportsground
Narandera .... 3.1 .. 4.5 .. 5.10 .. 8.17 (65)
Griffith ........... 1.1 .. 3.2 .. 8.4 .. 9.6 (60)
Best players: Narandera: Perc Bushby, Stan Day, Harry Adams
Griffith: Alf Anstee, Fred Savage, Jack Ledger
Umpire: R Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Darlington Point 10.10 (70) def by Leeton 11.9 (75), Fivebough 15.20 (110) def Whitton 7.7 (49).
Match report: In a thrilling game throughout, Narandera managed to hold Griffith over the final stages to win by a small margin. Narandera's men were always faster to the ball, and their marking, especially on the back lines carried them to victory. Perc Bushby and Stan Day were again in good form for Narandera, frequently defending successfully against strong Griffith attacks and often initiating good moves for their team-mates to carry out. Harry Adams frequently came under notice for his sound defence as fullback and good kicking off. Ripper Bynon revealed his best form to date this season and had the distinction of kicking the goal which put Narandera in front in the last quarter. Alf Anstee was in rare form for Griffith and was the pivot of his team's attack. Fred Savage, who recently transferred from the Narrandera Imperials, owing to his removal to Griffith (fireman on the railways), made himself conspicuous in his first game for his new team, as also did Jack Ledger, who for many years was outstanding for Matong. Jack Langtry (5 goals), Eddie Forrestal, Pouncer Wade (junior), Snowy Thompson, and Bob Hutchins were among others who did effective work for Griffith.
Ganmain Knock out Carnival - Monday June 13, 1938 at Ganmain Sportsground
First Round: Walleroobie won on a forfeit from Barellan, Ganmain 5.0. d North Wagga-Marrar 0.2, Mangoplah 3.3 d Ariah Park 1.1, Fivebough 4.2 d Coolamon 1.6, Narandera 4.6 d Griffith 2.5, Oaklands and Ungarie did not turn up.
Second Round: Walleroobie 20 d Ganmain 14, Mangoplah 7.3 d Fivebough 2.3, Narandera 4.6 d Wagga Reserves 2.0, Ariah Park 5.5 d Griffith 2.5.
Semi-Finals: Mangoplah d Walleroobie, Ariah Park 5.4 d Narandera 3.3.
Final: Mangoplah 2.7 (19) d Ariah Park 1.5 (11)
Match report: The Australian Rules Knockout Competition held at Ganmaln, attracted a big crowd of spectators, the gate takings being £150. All the games were vigorously fought out and there was a continuous programme of interesting and enjoyable football. The carnival was well organised and staged without a hitch. The winning team was Mangoplah, who collected the first prize of £50. The runner-up was Ariah Park, who were lucky enough to get a second lease of life; their prize was £15. Narandera and Walleroobie, who ran into the semi-finals, each collected £5. Fivebough got through the first round by defeating Coolamon, but were bumped out of the competition when they met Mangoplah. Griffith were beaten by Narandera in the first round. The names of the four losing teams were placed in the hat and the district councillor, Mr. A. G. Enticknap was asked to draw two out. The names of Griffith and Ariah Park came out and they were allowed back into the competition. Ariah Park defeated Griffith and entered the semi-final. The rules of the competition debarred Leeton and Fivebough from combining as one team. Griffith was able to draw on Darlington Point and Whitton.
LDFA Round 6 - Sunday June 19, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith .... 1.2 .. 2.3 .. 6.5 .. 7.5 (47)
Leeton ..... 0.1 .. 3.3 .. 4.4 .. 6.6 (42)
Best players: Griffith: Hutchins Bros, Alf Anstee, George Redding, Bruce Dawes, Fred Savage
Leeton: Lionel Hastie, Cliff Brown, Jack Colman, Joe Browne, Tom Peacock, Geoff Block
Umpire: W Taylor (Leeton)
Other matches - Fivebough 7.11 (53) def Narandera 5.9 (39), Whitton 4.3 (27) def by Darlington Point 5.16 (46).
Match report: After losing five games in the first half round, all those matches by narrow margins, Griffith Australian Rules team at last have broken the ice, and with better combination all round should have no difficulty in gaining a place in the four, before the semi-finals. On Sunday Griffith defeated Leeton by five points. The standard of football could not be expected to be good owing to the windy conditions prevailing throughout the afternoon.
LDFA Round 7 - Sunday June 26, 1938 at Darlington Point Oval
Darlington Point ..... 2.4 .. 3.5 .. 5.5 .. 5.5 (35)
Griffith ...................... 2.2 .. 3.5 .. 4.9 .. 8.11 (59)
Umpire: R Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Leeton 2.10 (22) def by Fivebough 3.11 (29), Narandera 14.11 (95) def Whitton 9.4 (58).
Match report: Griffith Aussie Rules team is improving, and on Sunday it scored its second consecutive win, defeating Darlington Point on the latter's ground. Admittedly, Darlington Point is not among the front rankers, but it was in the middle position on the points table prior to the defeat, and the Griffith Club officials are pleased at the manner in which Griffith accomplice the victory. On the previous Sunday, when Griffith narrowly defeated Leeton, under conditions which tested the boy's ability, there were hopes that the Griffith side had at last struck some of the form of which it is capable. That hope was born out on Sunday. When the final term commenced, Darlington Point had a two-point lead, but in the last quarter Griffith came home so well that it added four goals two behinds, and the locals did not let add to their total.
LDFA Round 8 - Sunday July 3, 1938 at Whitton Recreation Ground
Whitton .... 1.3 .. 3.4 .. 5.7 .. 6.8 (44)
Griffith ..... 1.0 .. 4.2 .. 5.3 .. 6.12 (48)
Umpire: R Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Fivebough 12.14 (86) def Darlington Point 4.9 (33), Narandera 10.8 (68) def Leeton 9.13 (67).
Match report: Griffith Australian Rules Football team is showing such greatly improved form that the club officials and players are justifiably proud of their performance. From being the Cinderella of the competition, the Griffith team has gone on to win after win lately and will make a bold bid on Sunday for its fourth successive win, when it meets Fivebough. The Fivebough side has been an in-an-out combination, alternating grand displays with relatively poor ones, but Griffith after last week's win over Whitton, which has already been reported, confident as to the outcome.
LDFA Round 9 - Sunday July 10, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ........... 1.3 .. 4.3 .. 8.4 ..10.5 (65)
Fivebough .... 0.2 .. 1.2 .. 2.6 .. 5.12 (42)
Goals: Griffith: Alf Anstee 3, Jack Langtry 3, WH Thompson 2, Jim Flattley, George Wade
Fivebough: Pat Wilson 4, Cec Hopley
Best players: Griffith: Hector Robinson, Alf Anstee, Hutchins Bros., Jim Parker, Eddie Forrestal
Fivebough: Cec Hopley, Pat Wilson, Jack Gladman, Harold Lonnie, Jack Geltch
Umpire: Bob Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Darlington Point 8.10 (58) def by Narandera 11.16 (82), Leeton 12.8 (80) def Whitton 5.7 (37)
Match report: Playing with better combination, Griffith defeated Fivebough on Sunday by 65 points to 42 points. It was a good game but at times the decisions of the umpire were hard to understand. It would seem that the securing of Melbourne umpires for the semi-finals is a wise move. If McMurray and Blackburn could be induced to umpire these games, the standard of local umpiring might be improved, as our locals would have the opportunity of watching one of these experts in action.
LDFA Round 10 - Sunday July 17, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ............. 0.2 .. 1.5 .. 4.11 .. 6.14 (50)
Narandera .... 1.0 .. 1.2 .. 3.2 .. 5.2 (32)
Umpire: R Monfries (Leeton)
Other matches - Leeton 9.13 (67) def Darlington Point 6.5 (41), Whitton 7.12 (54) def by Fivebough 8.14 (62).
Match report: Griffith Aussie Rules team's climb to the finals of the Kinlock Cup competition game on Sunday has been thrilling. The disputed Whitton - Leeton game had a bearing on the semi-finals, as it could have altered the position on the points ladder. Recently, Whitton objected to a game on account of the state of the ball, which it claimed was not satisfactory. The match was ordered to be replayed, but Whitton did not turn up on Sunday, and Leeton secured the replay on a forfeit. That meant that the points table was not altered. Griffith will therefore play Leeton in the first semi-final, which will be played at Narandera on Sunday next, under Melbourne umpires. The special train will run from Griffith, and details are advertised in this issue. The local club is sanguine of success.
Final Ladder: Narandera 132.81% 32, Fivebough 121.62 % 24, Leeton 108.89% 24, Griffith 101.00% 20, Darlington Point 71.90% 12, Whitton 75.76% 8
LDFA First Semi Final - Sunday August 1, 1938 at Narrandera Sportsground
Leeton ..... 4.0 .. 5.3 .. 6.5 .. 6.7 (43)
Griffith .... 2.4 .. 3.8 .. 3.20 .. 5.25 (55)
Goals: Leeton: Lionel Hastie 4, Jack Curtis 2
Griffith: Hector Robinson, Fred Savage, George Wade, Alf Anstee, Jack Langtry
Best players: Leeton: Lionel Hastie, Albert Wiseman, Joe Browne, Jack Curtis, Jack Colman, W Barry
Griffith: Fred Savage, Alf Anstee, Hutchins Bros., George Redding, Eddie Forrestal, Charlie Gladman
Leeton: Lionel Hastie (capt.), Len Cox, Tom Peacock, Ritchie Younger, Con Dacey, Les Dare, Albert Wiseman, W. 'Red' O'Brien, Roy Byrne, Joe Dare, Rip Stevenson, Geoff Block, Jack Curtis, Jack Colman, A McLennan, Joe Browne, Jack Schier, William Barry; L Phillips
Griffith: Alf Anstee (capt.), John Smith, Bill Brown, Jack Hutchins, Arthur Inman, Hector Robinson, Bob Hutchins, Jack Langtry, Roy Besley, Bruce Dawes, George Wade, Jim Parker, Reg Hutchins, Eddie Forrestal, George Redding, Fred Savage, Charlie Gladman, Stan Green
Umpire: Jack McInnerny (VFL)
Match report: Rain clouds did not scare the Australian Rules football and their supporters on Sunday last. The steam train carried a good load from both Griffith and Leeton into Narandera where the first semi-final of the Kinlock Cup competition was played before a £29 gate. The ground being very soft after a good fall of rain, the ball became very greasy, but with this drawback both teams adapted themselves to the conditions and gave a fair display to those who witnessed the match.
A Melbourne League country umpire (Jack McInnerny) had control of the game and gave satisfaction. The shooting for goal by the Griffith forwards was very much astray and in the third they kicked 12 behinds straight. This was a weak link in the Griffith team. Leeton secured 13 kicks for goal and Griffith 30.
McWilliams Challenge Cup - Sunday August 7, 1938 at Narandera Sportsground
Narrandera def Griffith
Match report: Griffith footballers braved the elements on Sunday to fulfil their engagement for the McWilliams Cup but were short of several players. The heavy rain which had fallen over night, together with the light showers during Sunday, made the playing field a quagmire and conditions unpleasant for the players. Narandera won very easily.
LDFA Second Semi Final - Sunday August 14, 1938 at Griffith Showground
Narandera .... 3.7 .. 3.8 .. 6.16 .. 7.18 (60)
Fivebough ..... 0.0 .. 4.6 .. 4.8 .. 7.10 (52)
Goals: Narandera: Audley Hunt 2, Kevin Anderson, Jack Hardie, Sam Lawrence, Harold Lake
Fivebough: Alan Mitchell 2, Alan Helson 2, Roy Poulsen 2, Jack Gladman
Best players: Narandera: Perc Bushby, Stan Day, Les Perry, Toby Black, Athol Charlesworth
Fivebough: Jack Gladman, Pat Cartwright, Alan McCormack, Ron Luhrs
Narandera: Frank Malcolm (capt), Perc Busbby, Jack Hayes, Kevin Anderson, Sam Lawrence, Toby Black, Keith Mulholland, Harry Adams, Blue Terry, Jack Bynon, Jack Hardie, Alan Headlam, Harold Lake, Athol Charlesworth, Jim Cottle, Audley Hunt, Stan Day, Beres Turner, Les Perry
Fivebough: Cec "Scroggs" Hopley (capt), Jack Gladman, E. "Pat" Wilson, Wattie Fuller, Alan McCormack, Alf Geltch, Roy Fuller, Jack Geltch, Jim O'Callaghan, Len Byrnes, Ron Luhrs, George O'Sullivan, Alan Helson, Harold Lonnie, Alan Mitchell, Pat Cartwright, Roy Poulsen, Tom Renouf, Keith Reberger, J. Mangelsdorf, Frank Wilson, Wilbur Bell
Umpire: J Kinnaird (VFL)
Match report: Playing the second semi-final on the Griffith Showground, Narandera showed better teamwork, and managed to hold the advantage throughout the game to win by 8 points. The special steam train from Narandera and Leeton was overcrowded, about 350 supporters of both clubs making the trip. There will be greater interest taken in the concluding games to decide who will win the pennant. In a day of glorious sunshine, with a clear sky and fresh breeze, a record crowd watched the semi-final. The delegate's meeting was held at the Hotel Victoria. All clubs were represented, with the exception of Darlington Point.
The main discussion was on what ground the Final and Grand Finals were to be played. After a six-all vote with the Chairman deciding the issue, Leeton secured both games, Griffith were much in favour of playing on a neutral ground, Narandera preferred.
LDFA Preliminary Final - Sunday August 21, 1938 at Leeton Showground
Fivebough .... 2.6 .. 4.7 .. 5.9 .. 6.10 (46)
Griffith .......... 2.1 .. 4.3 .. 7.5 .. 9.7 (61)
Goals: Fivebough: Pat Wilson 3, Jim O'Callaghan, Alf Geltch, Alan Helson
Griffith: Jack Langtry 4, Bill Brown 3, WH Thompson, George Wade
Best players: Fivebough: Alan McCormack, Ron Luhrs, Jack Geltch, Alf Geltch, George O'Sullivan
Griffith: Alf Anstee, Bruce Dawes, Eddie Forrestal, WH Thompson, Hector Robinson, John Smith
Fivebough: Cec "Scroggs" Hopley (capt.), Jack Gladman, E. "Pat" Wilson, Wattie Fuller, Alan McCormack, Jack Geltch, Roy Fuller, Len Byrnes, Jim O'Callaghan, George Dare, Ron Luhrs, George O'Sullivan, Alan Helson, Harold Lonnie, Allan Mitchell, Pat Cartwright, Alf Geltch, Tom Renouf, Keith Reberger
Griffith: Alf Anstee (capt.), W. H. Thompson, John Smith, Bill Brown, George Wade, Jack Hutchins, Hector Robinson, Bob Hutchins, Jack Langtry, Roy Besley, Bruce Dawes, Stan Green, Jim Parker, Reg Hutchins, Eddie Forrestal, George Redding, Fred Savage, Charlie Gladman; Arthur Inman
Umpire: R A Smith (VFL). Gate: £40/12/0
Match report: Witnessed by a large crowd at the Leeton Showground, Griffith showed better football throughout the game and finished with a margin of 15 points at the final bell. Their prospects of winning the premiership next Sunday looks very bright and the 1938 pennant will probably be brought to Griffith for this season. The gate takings were very satisfactory amounting to £40/12/-. Bob Smith from Melbourne had charge of the whistle.
LDFA Grand Final - Sunday August 28, 1938 at Leeton Showground
Narandera .... 0.1 .. 1.2 .. 3.5 .. 4.5 (29)
Griffith ........... 2.1 .. 3.2 .. 3.6 .. 6.10 (46)
Goals: Narandera: Audley Hunt 3, R. P. Joyce
Griffith: Alf Anstee 2, George Wade, Eddie Forrestal, Reg Hutchins, Jack Langtry
Best players: Narandera: Allan Headlam, Stan Day, Audley Hunt, Les Perry, Perc Bushby, Frank Malcolm, Toby Black
Griffith: Alf Anstee, Eddie Forrestal, George Wade, Snowy Thompson, Hector Robinson, Fred Savage, John Smith, Hutchins Bros.
Narandera: Frank Malcolm (capt.), Perc Bushby, Jack Hayes, Kevin Anderson, Toby Black, Sam Lawrence, Keith Mulholland, Les Perry, R P Joyce, Jack Bynon, Jack Hardie, Alan Headlam, Harold Lake, Stan Day, Athol Charlesworth, Jim Cottle, Audley Hunt, Beres Turner; Blue Terry
Griffith: Alf Anstee (capt.), Walter H. Thompson, John Smith, Bill Brown, George Wade, Jack Hutchins, Hector Robinson, Bob Hutchins, Jack Langtry, Roy Besley, Bruce Dawes, Stan Green, Jim Parker, Reg Hutchins, Eddie Forrestal, George Redding, Fred Savage, Charlie Gladman; Arthur Inman
Umpire: Edward White (VFL). Goal Umpires: J Bourke (Leeton) and E Poynter (Whitton). Gate: £58/13.6 (programmes sales).
Match report: On Sunday at Leeton Showground, the Griffith Australian Rules team won the Kinlock Cup, which carries with it the Championship of the Area at the Australian Rules code and became the first Griffith winners for 12 years. Scores were 46 to 29 in Griffith's favour. A big crowd saw the game, despite the fact that the weather was anything but favourable for football of any code. The display of both sides could hardly be faulted and indicated that both Narandera and Griffith rose superior to the conditions. The premiership was the result of a long fight for Griffith, which came from the bottom of the points ladder, and after five consecutive defeats, produced form which took them through eight straight victories. Mr. Edward White of Melbourne controlled the game, but the slowness of some of his decisions surprised the crowd, which paid a gate of £58. In the dressing room, Mr. Paddy Cairns presented a cup for the best player in the Griffith team. Nothing could separate Alf Anstee and Eddie Forrestal so these two players will receive a trophy each. This was a fine sporting gesture by Mr. Cairns.
Leeton Knock Out Carnival - Sunday September 4, 1938 at Leeton
First Round: Mirrool 47 d Barellan 9, Faithful 34 d Binya 17, Ganmain 45 d Griffith-Narandera 25.
The following players represented Griffith-Narrandera:- Alf Anstee, Fred Savage, Bob Hutchins, Roy Besley, Hector Robinson, John Smith, Bruce Dawes, Jim Parker, Snowy Thompson (Griffith); Perc Bushby, Alan Headlam, Athol Charlesworth, Les Perry, Toby Black, R.P. Joyce, Jack Hayes, Audley Hunt, Jack Hardie, Kevin Anderson (Narandera).
Second Round: Leeton 76 d Ariah Park 27, Ganmain d Lake Cargellico on forfeit, Mirrool 27 d Coreen 15.
Semi-Finals: Faithful 22 d Leeton 15, Ganmain 30 d Mirrool 9.
Final: Ganmain 11.8 (74) d Faithful 2.2 (14).
Umpire: J. Kinnaird and J. McInnerny, of Melbourne
Match report: Ideal weather favoured the Leeton District Football Association's Annual Knock-out Carnival, which was held on the Leeton Showground on Sunday last. The assembling of nine teams from a wide area of the Riverina, before a record attendance for knock out carnival, the gate takings being £I78/ 9/ 0, gave a tremendous boost to the Australian National Game of football in the district. The dry roads and the beautiful sunny day were an incentive for the visitors to travel by cars. The takings on the trains, particularly the Temora special, suffered as a result of the road traffic. The players from Ariah Park and other towns on that line motored across, as it saved them time. The Temora train brought in 134 passengers (including 85 from Griffith), while the Junee train unloaded 430 (including 107 from Ganmain and 166 from Narandera). Every match saw football of a high standard and played in a true sporting spirit. The outstanding team, of course was Ganmain, who won the three games by superb football and being in the pink of condition. Their stamina was outstanding in the final match when they had a runaway victory and collected the first prize of £40.
McWilliams Challenge Cup - Sunday September 11,1938 at Griffith Showground
Griffith ........... 5.19 (49)
Narandera .... 7.5 (47)
Match report: For its perseverance in trying to regain the McWilliams Cup which it lost to the Narandera team several seasons ago the Griffith team was on Sunday last rewarded. By kicking 5 goals 13 behinds (49 points) to Narandera's 7 goals 5 behinds (47 points). Griffith won a closely contested game by two points. Excitement was tense a minute or so before the final bell, when Jack Hardy, of the Narandera team, had a free kick in front of the sticks. A goal meant victory by four points for his learn, but he only managed a behind. Alf Anstee and the Hutchins boys were among Griffith's best players, while Alan Headlam, 'Chooda' Hunt; Les Perry, Stan Day, and Perc Bushby were outstanding for Narandera. At the conclusion of the match, Mr. Mark Pearson, president of the Narandera Club, handed the McWilliams Cup to Alf Anstee, captain of the Griffith team, congratulating him and his team mates on winning it, Messrs. Anstee and Jack Inman (president of the Griffith Club) responded.
GRIFFITH VICTORY BANQUET
The Premiers of the Kinlock Cup competition were tendered a first-class banquet in C.W.A. Rooms, Griffith, on Wednesday last, September 14.
Well attended by supporters and representatives of various sporting bodies, function held in those parts for years.
The ladies put on a grand spread which included meats, salads, trifles, fruit salad, etc., and a large quantity of liquid refreshments.
The toast list was a lengthy one, put through by their capable president, Mr. Jack Inman, at the rate of one a minute.
The Griffith team was toasted most enthusiastically, all the speakers being most eulogistic about the sportsmanship of the players, their teamwork and will-to-win.
The runners-up Narrandera, wore high praised for their play, Mr. Athol Charlesworth, of Narrandera, responding to the toast.
The individual trophies won by Alf Anstee (captain), and Eddie Forrestal were presented by the donor, Mr. Paddy Cairns, of Leeton.
The trophy for the most improved player was won by Johnny Smith, the presentation being made by Mr. Jock Ritchie.
Bob Hutchins received the trophy for the 'Best and Fairest Player.'
Prominently displayed were the Kinloch Cup and the McWilliams Challenge Cup, the latter being regained from Narrandera recently.
A special toast was accorded the Griffith Show Society for the assistance it had rendered the club in providing the use of the ground and appointments.
The President, Mr. Bradbury, responded. Mr. B. Davy, of Leeton proposed the toast, of Kindred sports, Mr. Ted Fromholtz responding on behalf of the Rugby Code.
Mr. Charlie Gladman proposed the toast of "past players" and Mr. 'Jack' Wood was amongst those who responded.
The toast of the Leeton District Football Association, proposed by Mr. Inman (chairman), was responded to by Mr. J. S. Palmer (president of the Leeton District Football Association).
The toast of the ladies, proposed by Mr. Bruce Dawes, was responded to by Mrs. Ida Inman.
A mappy finale was the handing out of the 18 souvenir dolls which surmounted the huge 'Red and White' Premiership cake, one to each player. (Murrumbidgee Irrigator - Friday September 23, 1938)
1938 GRIFFITH PLAYERS LIST
Alf Anstee, Roy Besley, Bill Brown, J. Burke, Jim Collis, Bruce Dawes, David H. Evans, Neil Evans, Jim C. Flattley, Eddie Forrestal, Charlie Gladman, Charlie Graham, Laurie Green, Stanley Green, Ted H. Harris, Leslie Hughes, Jack Hutchins, Reg Hutchins, Robert Hutchins, Arthur Inman, Jack Langtry, Jack Ledger, Jim Parker, George Redding, Hector Robinson, Fred J. Savage, Ernest Schmetzer, John Smith, William H. Smith, Walter H. Thompson, George Wade, Les Wardle, George Williams.
1938 SENIOR DEBUTS & FINAL SENIOR GAMES
Debuts: Roy Besley, Jim C. Flattley, Charlie Gladman, Charlie Graham, Laurie Green, Stanley Green, Ted H. Harris, Leslie Hughes, Jack Langtry, Jack Ledger, George Redding, Hector Robinson, Ernest Schmetzer, George Williams.
Final Games: Alf Anstee, J. Burke, David H. Evans, Neil Evans, Charlie Gladman, Charlie Graham, Ted H. Harris, Leslie Hughes, Jack Langtry, Jack Ledger, Ernest Schmetzer, Les Wardle, George Williams.
1938 LEETON & DISTRICT FA RESERVE GRADE
June 5: Narandera 4.6 d Leeton 1.2, Matong 34 d Grong Grong 17, Corbie Hill, bye
June 12: Leeton 29 d Corbie Hill 15, Matong d Narandera, Grong Grong, bye
June 19: Matong 12 d Leeton 6, Grong Grong 52 d Corbie Hill 38, Narandera, bye
June 26: Corbie Hill 31 d Narandera 28, Grong Grong 16.12 d Leeton 3.1, Matong, bye
July 3: Grong Grong 89 d Narandera 17, Matong 55 d Corbie Hill 17, Leeton, bye
July 10: Leeton 46 d Narandera 28, Matong def Grong Grong 6 pts, Corbie Hill, bye
July 17: Leeton 42 d Corbie Hill 17, Narandera 85 d Matong 52, Grong Grong, bye
July 24: Leeton 46 d Matong 3, Corbie Hill 47 def Grong Grong 42, Narandera, bye
July 31: Corbie Hill 31 d Narandera 40, on protest, Grong Grong 65 d Leeton 63, Matong, bye
August 14: Corbie Hill d Matong, 7 pts, Grong Grong d Narandera, 2pts, Leeton, bye
Ladder: Matong 5 3 28, Grong Grong 5 3 28, Leeton 4 4 24, Corbie Hill 4 4 24, Narandera 2 6 16
LDFA Reserve Grade First Semi Final - Sunday August 21, 1938 at Yanco
Corbie Hill 60 def Leeton 30
Report: A large crowd gathered to witness the match between Corbie Hill and Leeton at Yanco which was the first match of the semi-finals, resulting in a win for Corbie Hill, 60 to 30. Corbie Hill was the superior team throughout the game, splendid work being demonstrated by Hillites players McDonald, Hill, and E Gladman.
LDFA Reserve Grade Second Semi Final - Sunday August 28, 1938
Matong 9.12 (66) def Grong Grong 8.12 (60)
LDFA Reserve Grade Final - Sunday September 11, 1938 at Matong
Grong Grong 9.13 (67) def Corbie Hill 6.8 (44)
Report: The Hillites journeyed to Matong last Sunday, there to meet the Grong Grong "cockies." and after a very strenuous and clean game, the "Cockies came our victorious, defeating the Hillites 67 to 44. The Grong Grong team gained a 25 points lead in the first quarter, which the Hillites could not catch up. Approximately 600 people witnessed this great game. Outstanding play was performed by Hill, Fitzsimons and Nancarrow, for Corbie Hill. Source - Murrumbidgee Irrigator, Fri 16 Sep, 1938.
LDFA Reserve Grade Grand Final - Sunday September 25, 1938 at Narrandera Sportsground
Matong ............. 1.3 .. 4.5 .. 7.7 ..10.9 (69)
Grong Grong .... 2.1 .. 4.3 .. 4.7 ..9.8 (62)
Matong.— Paddy Walsh (capt.), Don, Cliff and Clem Ceely, Bert Anderson, Norm Bean, Desmond and Norman Donkin, Tom Woolnough, J. Hall, Bob and Frank O'Reilly, W. Cairns, C. Driver, E. Appleton, M. O'Connor, Vern and Lester Evans, and W. Ceely.
Grong Grong.— Alex McNeil (capt.), Joe and Ron Hazelman, Ern and Col Reynolds, Jack and Ray Cox, Cecil Kerr, J. Longford, John Schultze, Jack Sheather, L. Ratcliffe, A. O'Dea, J. and Pat Walsh, E Waite, Hugh Spencer, B. Stewart, and Bob Dryburg.
Umpire: Arthur Wickham.
Report: In a thrilling quarter, during which the tenseness of the struggle had the spectators on the tiptoe of excitement, the Matong team snatched a last-minute victory from the Grong Grong boys and became the premier team of the reserve grade football competition. This match was played on the Narandera sports ground on Sunday last. The play revealed some young players of distinct promise - players who should give good accounts of themselves in a better grade next season.
Throughout the game the scores were very even, excepting in the third quarter, when Matong led by three goals. In the first quarter Grong Grong scored 2.1 (13) to Matong's 1.3 (9), but in the second quarter Matong did better, scoring 3.2 (20) to Grong Grong's 2.2 (14). At half-time the score were 29 to 27 in favor of Matong. Matong outplayed Grong Grong in the third quarter, scoring 3.2 (20) to that team's 4 bhds., and commended the lat quarter with a handy lead of 18 points - 49 to 31.
A goal by Clem Ceely shortly after play resumed in the fourth term increased Matong's lead to 24 points, Grong Grong appearing to be in a hopeless position. However, Grong Grong was not lacking in grit or determination, and they set themselves for a great rally, during which they the Matong boys a busy time defending. In their dramatic dashes for the goal line, Grong Grong kicked four goals straight, and the scores were even - 54 all - with barrackers strenuously urging on the players.
Ever on the alert for an opening, Matong at last broke free, and when Bert Anderson sent the ball on to Tom Woolnough, that young player maintained his accurate kicking by raising two flags - much to the delight of his team's barrackers. Matong's grip on the game was further tightened by Woolnough kicking two behinds from the next two scoring shots. Grong Grong again invaded Matong's territory, and a behind by Jack Cox and a goal by Ray Cox put the team into the picture again, as Matong 's lead had reduced to one point. Excitement was now at fever point, especially when Ern Reynolds and Jack Sheather got the ball in close proximity to Matong's goal base, but Vern Evans marked near the goal and forwarded it to his brother, Lester. Don Ceely sent it further upfield, and Tom Woolnough clinched a fine move, and incidentally the premiership by kicking another goal - 69 to 62. Grong Grong made further efforts to score, but could not penetrate Matong's defence.
The final score were: Matong, 10 goal 9 bhds .. (69) to Grong Grong, 9 goal 8 bhds .. (62).
Matong's had outstanding players in Don Ceely, Tom Woolnough, Frank and Bob O'Reilly, Paddy Walsh and Bert Anderson. Special mention can also be made of the efforts of the Tonkin brothers - Desmond and Norman - the former being only 13 years of age. Clem Ceely and C Driver were also noticed doing good work.
Grong Grong's most prominent players were Ernie Reynolds, Jack Sheather, Hugh Spence, Coll Reynolds, Joe Hazelman, and Cecil Carr. Cecil Kerr is only a lad, but like Desmond Tonkin, was in the thick of the play, as also was young Pat Walsh (Grong Grong). Ray Cox was an alert forward. Little Ronnie Hazelman was Grong Grong's mascot.
This match was set down to be played the previous week, but was postponed owing to the death in a car accident of Mr. Harry Schultze. As a mark of respect, Grong Grong players wore black armbands. Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review, Fri 30 Sep, 1938.
1938 ARIAH PARK & DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Ladder: Methul 46, Wallaroobie 40, Mahda 36, Ariah Park 46; Mirrool 30, Tara 24, Mandamah 12, Beckom 0.
First Semi final - August 27, 1938 at Mirrool
Mahda def by Ariah Park, no scores available
Second Semi final - September 3, 1938 at Ariah Park
Methul ...... ...... 6.0 .. 9.2 .. 11.4 .. 11.5 (71)
Wallaroobie ... 3.3 .. 7.7 .. 8.8 .. 11.15 (81)
Match report: The second semi-final at Ariah Park last Saturday attracted a good attendance, and the gate takings of £35 was considered good. Both teams were fully represented, and conditions were ideal for football, though a strong northerly wind favored the southern goal. Winning the toss, Methul did not get going quickly as the Red and Blacks, who had two goals on the board before the Greens opened their account, and notched six goals on end, whilst Wallaroobie increased their score to 3 goals 3 bhds at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was strenuously contested, and Wallaroobie made desperate effort to gain the lead. They added 4 goals 4 bhds to 3 goals 2 bhds. and were seven points down at half time. The third quarter was a repetition of the previous ones, and there was little to choose between the teams, the back having a very bust time defending. Methul increased their lead to 14 points and appeared to have the game won by the last change, as the wind had practically ceased. Due no doubt to the Matong spirit, Wallaroobie threw all they had into the game and as they gradually over-hauled Methul, excitement was intense. The Greens strove hard with the game slipping from their grasp but the Red and Blacks finished strongly and ran out winners by ten points, the final scores being: Wallaroobie, 11 goals 15 bhds .. (71) to Methul, 11 goals 5 bhds ... (71).
The winners had a most even side, but Davis, on the back line, was a match winner, while W. Preston, Ceely, Brill and Stimson were always noticeable. For Methul, Kevin Guthrie (6 goals), Sid Hubbard, McCaig, Gilmore, Irvine and Guthrie Bros. were hard workers.
Umpire Welch (Albury) was not up to the standard expected, but he had a difficult game to handle.
Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review, Fri Sep 9, 1938.
Final - September 10, 1938 at Tara
Methul ............ 1.6 .. 3.9 .. 7.16 .. 9.10 (74)
Ariah Park .... 6.1 ... 7.8 .. 9.11 .. 9.14 (68)
Goals - Methul: K Guthrie 4, Matt Guthrie 2, A Brown, V McCaig
Ariah Park: H Harrison 4, A Murdock 2, J Crouch, H Coughlan, G Stimson
Methul: John Irvine (capt), Don., W. and S. Irvine, Kevin, Matt and Mick Guthrie, Jim and Vic McCaig, Alex Brown, Rupert Parmenter, Sid Hubbard, C Moncrieff, C Housden, G Casley, A Gilmore, Vic Mangeldolf, S. O'Dwyer and F. O'Dwyer (19th).
Ariah Park: Arthur Murdock (capt), Roy Walker, A Lawson, Les, Alf and Stan Schmetzer, R Harper, George Stimson, A Collins, Lloyd, Ron and Herb Harrison, Dick Keen, Bert Rollason, Jack and S. Crouch, R Coughlin, M Brooks and H. Coughlin (19th).
Match report: The Tara football ground, the scene of many stirring finals in past years, staged yet another stirring contest on Saturday last, when Methul and Ariah Park played the final. I previous years, the Greens (Methul) have been unable to produce the form in final games that they have displayed earlier in the season. Ariah Park have often been their stumbling block and last Saturday the Tigers looked repeating the performance when they were 23 points in front at half-time.
But Methul were like a new team after the long interval, and they confounded the critics with their dashing display. There was a splendid attendance, and the morning rains made the oval perfect for football.
The chief feature of the game was the splendid umpiring of R. J. Kinnaird, a Melbourne League umpire. His was the best display seen for many years. The "holding the man-holding the ball" rule was the easy rule, as it should be. The umpire was right down on the man with the ball, thus opening the game up. The game was never stopped for trivial breaches and towards the end the players were allowed a little more latitude, so necessary for such a trilling finish as the match was.
Kicking to the hall goal, with a light breeze, the Park ran up a commanding lead in the first quarter, scoring 6 goals 1 behind to Methul's 1 goal 6 bhds, seven scoring shots each.
The Park, from eight scoring shots in the second term, could only manage 1-7, whilst the Greens added 2-3. Many behinds came from hurried snapshots, the Greens striking the goal post on two occasions. Methul's most ardent supporters did not give them a chance at half time, when the scores were Ariah Park 50 to Methul 27.
Methul had a new lease of life when they came out in the third quarter. Attacking from the bounce, the ball was in Park's territory for most of the quarter. Gradually making up the leeway, the Greens played grandly, scoring 4 goals 6 bhds. to 2 goals 3 bhds, and were only eight points down at the last change.
The last quarter was worthy of a final, the players throwing all they had into the fray. Methul took the lead for the first time when Brown and Vic McCaig goaled with grand kicks, and in adding five more singles they had the much better of the play. Ariah Park could only manage three singles, but at all times were likely to snatch victory.
When the final bell rang the scores were: Methul, 9 goal 20 bhds .. (74) to Ariah Park, 9 goals 24 bhds .. (68).
The winners had a most even side and every man gave of his best, and we would not like to choose the best players. Ariah Park also had an evenly balanced side, and in many great players perhaps Murdock, Coughlin, Alf Schmetzer, Collins, Stimson and Rollason stood out a little. Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review, Fri Sep 16, 1938.
Grand Final - September 17, 1938 at Ariah Park
Wallaroobie ... 2.4 .. 4.12 .. 6.12 .. 10.15 (75)
Methul ............ 2.2 .. 2.3 .. 3.7 .. 4.8 (32)
Goals - Wallaroobie: W Preston 6, J McInnes 2, V Jones, Ceely
Methul: K Guthrie, A Brown, J Irvine, V McCaig
Wallaroobie: Jack Stimson (capt.), Ken and Bill Brill, Harry Netting, Jack McInnes, Gordon, Alex and Victor Jones, John and Bill. Preston, Mick, Keith and Jim Ceely, Ray and Tom Davis, Mat Ryan, Les Hewitt, Hugh McKinnon, Fred Newman and K Burns (19th).
Methul: John Irvine (capt), W., Don and Snow Irvine, Mick, Kevin and Matt Guthrie, C Moncrieff, G Casley, C Housden, Jim and Vic McCaig, Vic Mangelsdolf, A Gilmore, Alex Brown, Sid Hubbard, Rupert Parmenter, S. O'Dwyer and F. O'Dwyer (19th).
Match report: The football season was brought to a close last Saturday when, before the largest crowd for many years, which paid £50 at the gate, Wallaroobie won their first premiership, easily defeating Methul by 43 points. The winners are to be heartily congratulated on annexing the premiership, as they have battled along for years without much success. Playing in the Tara and District League in the years 1922-3-4, the club met with fair success. As stronger clubs joined up, and the league become the Ariah Park & District Assn., Wallaroobie joined a second-grade competition, embracing Beckom and District, playing there until joining the present body. Lack of players handicapped the club, and when it seemed that the club would have to disband, the League granted permits to obtain players from the Matong territory. A formidable team was built up in 1937, but too late to gain inclusion in the final four. This year, however, Wallaroobie and Methul were always at the head of the premiership table, and it was fitting that these two teams should contest the grand final at Ariah Park last Saturday.
The match was marred by a bad accident to Kevin Guthrie, who had a bone broken in his leg just as the three-quarter commenced. This brilliant and popular player and Methul's champion forward, was accidentally kicked on the shin. The game lost much of its interest after the accident.
After the splendid umpiring the previous Saturday, football patrons were astounded at the umpiring of S. A. O'Brien, (V.F.L.). From the start of the game, he practically allowed players to do as they wished; the play became ragged and congested, and players soon showed tempers and there was a couple of ugly incidents early, on Green player being treated like a wrestler at the Stadium.
Such umpiring is deplorable in a final, was the verdict of the League officials.
Winning the toss and kicking to the town goal with a steady wind, Methul did not get going as quickly as the Red and Blacks, who have always begun smartly, and they had a lead of two points at the first change - 2.4 to 2.2. The second quarter was hotly contested, Wallaroobie being hemmed in on the eastern wing for most of the term and a succession of singles were added before the right opening was found on two occasions. The best that the Greens could do was a solitary point, though numerous chances to score were thrown away. With a lead of 21 points at half time, Wallaroobie had reason to do well pleased with themselves. Though apparently a beaten side at this stage, Methul's position was hopeless when Kevin Guthrie was carried off, and the side failed to take numerous chances to score, adding 1 goal 4 behinds to 2 goals. Wallaroobie monopolised the scoring in the last term, and though Methul fought the issue right out, they were well beaten by a better side.
The final scores were Wallaroobie, 10 goals 15 bhds ... (75) to Methul, 4 goals 8 bhds ... (32).
For the winners every man was at his top, and Stimson, W. Preston, K. Brill, A. Jones and Davis were only slightly more noticeable than the other members of the team. For Methul, Mick Guthrie, Jim McCaig and Housden were a great trio and gave their best display for the season. Many of the other players were below form but tried tirelessly.
The popular President Mr. Stan Bryce, saw to the smooth running of the game, Messrs. Arthur Murdock and Alex Gemmell were the goal umpires. Wallaroobie supporters rushed the ground at the conclusion of the match, and there was much jubilation at winning their first premiership. The team returned to the town on a motor lorry with a large Red and Black pennant proudly displayed.
Congratulations, Wallaroobie!
Methul are also to be congratulated on their fine performances over a number of years. Since the present club has been functioning since 1918, with Mr. W. O'Dwyer at the helm, it has never missed being in the final four, and on every occasion has reached the final or grand final stages - a worthy performance. Source - Coolamon-Ganmain Farmers' Review, Fri Sep 23, 1938.