HIGH MARKS AND FUMBLES

By Neil Griggs

The Griffith Red and Whites were away to a really good start in the 1967 season on Sunday when, at Ariah Park they achieved a hat-trick of wins over Ariah Park-Mirrool. All wins were clear-cut and decisive and the officials and supporters who made the trip had every reason to be pleased and encouraged by the pleasing exhibitions of their three teams.

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It took all three Griffith teams a little time to settle down in the conditions at Ariah Park last Sunday as they were just the opposite to the lush green springy conditions of the Ex-Servicemen's Oval. With no water supply and no recent rain to help out the ground, despite a lot of work by officials prior to the first game, was hard and dusty which allied with the rather warm weather provided difficult and testing conditions. That the Griffith teams and their opponents also were able to turn on attractive pleasing exhibitions was definitely to their credit.

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Many of the Griffith players and officials at Ariah Park renewed acquaintance with Ian "Killer" Crewes who is now an assistant coach with the Bombers. Killer is still rather streamlined and if he can produce more of the brilliant football he showed early in the game he will cause many opposing teams a lot of worry and possible win himself a place in the SWDFL rep. team.

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Young Ralph Robins in his first full game with the Griffith first 18 showed that it will be not long before he joins his brother Sid as one of the Swans top players. Taking over the vital full forward position he, naturally enough started somewhat nervously but soon settled down and five goals in his debut is a performance of which he can well be proud. A lot more will be heard of this lad in the not too distant future.

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The new menswear department of the Griffith Co-op Society in association with Ernest Hillier has donated a suit for the best first 18 player this season. An Ernest Hillier suit is a really worthwhile trophy and the Club and players concerned appreciate the generous donation and there is no doubt the competition for it will be keen.

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Coach Kevin Kirkpatrick won the first major award (3 points) for the above named Co-op - Ernest Hillier suit by his brilliant exhibition at Ariah Park. Several spectacular marks highlighted Kevin's game and allied with his fast play-on football proved an inspiration to the Griffith team. The other points scorers were Mick Newman (2 points) and Mal Russell (1 point).

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Griffith's new assistant coach, Wayne Bromley found conditions somewhat different to what been used to at Ariah Park and had lot of trouble to settle down. He did however show some glimpses of good form and no doubt he will do better in his next game at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval against Coolamon next Sunday.

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The Griffith second 18 had a convincing win at Ariah Park and in contributing to that win several players gave notice they will be challengers for a place in the first 18 before the season ends. From Sunday's play the number one contenders would be Max Eldridge, with Darryl Collis and Ray Smith not far behind. All three have youth and a lot of potential in their favor and even if they do not quite make the grade this year they will prove very handy replacements if the need arises.

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Griffith started the day at Ariah Park by a clear-cut win in a ragged third 18 game. The Red and Whites took the field with only 15 players (a poor show) and it is to be hoped a full team is available for the next game at Ganmain on Sunday week. Highlight of the game from the Griffith angle was Jim Portolesi's 6 goals gained by a keen exhibition of forward play from a player who has good potential as a full forward.

Riverina Advocate - Wednesday April 12, 1967