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HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1963 SEASON
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GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler April 14, 1963 - No. 1
By Neil Griggs: Sunday sees the curtain rise on another SWDFL season and, from early reports, indications are that another interesting and successful season seems assured, with some keen tussles between many even teams.
From the Griffith Club goes our best wishes for a trouble-free, successful season to all other Clubs. May their players be not too disappointing and may they have few calls on the new Injured Players' Scheme.
Here, in Griffith, we are pleased to have back with us after a short absence, Mick Newman and Bob Spears, and on their form in trials games they will be decided assets.
John Langlands, too, is another newcomer to the team, and he too, has shown pleasing form.
If Len Sexton has his way, Jim Fielder will help him as captain of the Second 18. Jim did have ideas of retiring, but found the call just a little too much, and should be an ideal leader of the Seconds.
New coach, Fred Mundy, is a strong, vigorous player, and a grand high mark, and has gained many friends with his performances to date.
Gordon Browne, our very solid back pocket player, has successfully recovered from his cartilage operation, after last season and has been playing with great dash and judgement. In fact, in his first game, after cricket finals, he shared with John Bortolazzo, our best player honours, and indications are that be will be amongst our best and most consistent players of the year.
HIGH MARKS and FUMBLES
By Neil Griggs
The "High Mark" for this week goes to Bill Biron for his sterling performance at Narrandera last Sunday. Bill was unbeaten in the rucks and throw-ins and only needed a little more support to reverse the result of the game. If he can continue in this form throughout the season Bill will assuredly poll heavily with Gammage Medal votes.
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Gordon Browne won the first of Ron Dalla's shirts for the best and fairest first 18 player last Sunday and it was a well merited award (even though Bill Biron was my pick) as he defended brilliantly all day and his teamwork with John Cramp frustrated many Narrandera attacks. Gordon has been playing well this season and was one of the few Griffith players at Narrandera to maintain consistent form.
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The Griffith second 18 greatly pleased their coach Len Sexton, and the Griffith supporters with the way they battled out a ragged game to snatch a win in the last few minutes. The win should be the right tonic for the team and their enthusiasm and interest should be greatly increased.
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Making a comeback after missing last season John Forbes quickly revealed that he didn't get too rusty during his spell with a lively , solid performance at Narrandera last Sunday that won him the first of Ted Withnell's shirt awards for the second 18 this season. Johnnie is a busy, tenacious defender who never stops trying and his efforts should be an inspiration to his team-mates.
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Jim Bloomfield had his first competition game in the red and white guernsey against his old team Narrandera last Sunday and rated amongst Griffith's best players. Jim himself, I know was a little disappointed with his effort and says he will do much better in future games. If he does improve he certainly will be an big asset to the team, and the Club is confident he will be.
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Promising young second 18 player Don Pannan who was verging on selection in the first 18 looks like being an onlooker for a few weeks as a result of a broken thumb sustained at Narrandera last Sunday. This is bad luck for Don and the team for he is one of the most promising of the Club's younger players.
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The Griffith Club had to find a substitute for goal umpire Bob Ledwidge at Narrandera last Sunday as he was still feeling the effects of an injury sustained at Finley a couple of weeks previously. As with expects to be back again shortly waving the white flags for, he hopes, many Griffith goals.
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Interest amongst the schoolboys is at a high level and with large attendances at training each Wednesday afternoon, three keen and enthusiastic age division teams should be fielded for the first Leeton Zone competition games this Saturday. To date a copy of the draw has not been received but it should be available for publication in Friday's Advocate. These keen youngsters who play under the banner of the Police Boys Club merit the support of parents and senior players and Club officials and it is hoped anyone interested in helping to attend to their needs will not hesitate to contact Gordon Browne, Const. Hodge or any member of the Griffith Club.
Advocate - Wednesday April 17, 1963