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1968 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Swan
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 14, 1968 - No. 1
Greetings to all clubs and players in what could be a hard, tough season in more ways than one if the drought doesn't break soon.
Our high hopes for 1968 were dimmed recently with the loss of Bob Prenzel (Wagga Teachers College) to Wagga and some white anting by Whitton that lost us Brian and John Fitzpatrick and we are now minus three of our good defenders.
The old adage about "people who live in glass houses, etc." should be borne in mind by clubs such as Whitton, who, when Leeton's rather vitriolic letter about Griffith trying to sign up Ross Elwin (which club wouldn't if they had the chance) was read at the League meeting, joined with other clubs in castigating Griffith's action ... at least we extended Leeton the courtesy of notice of intention to interview.
However, let us get back to the "game of the people".
We have had some very good games (3) against Finley last Sunday and all players should be fit for the first comp. game against Coolamon today.
We hope soon to commence building an amenities block (club rooms) at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval to join Leeton in really first-class facilities.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 21, 1968 - No. 2
The closeness of the scores-maintained interest in the opening game last Sunday until the last quarter when Coolamon tired and Griffith took over to win by 20 points. There was nothing to rave about in the standard of play, Griffith in particular handling and kicking poorly most of the day. Ron O'Neill was kept rather quite for the first three quarters but showed his worth when most needed with three really good goals in the last quarter to clinch the valuable early points for Griffith.
Kevin Fruend also found goals pretty hard to get and had to be satisfied with three for the day with Phillip Smith taking the honours for their duel. Quite a few of our players had their bright moments but Geoff Martin went well right throughout to rate as our best with Ray Smith and Kevin Kirkpatrick possibly best of the others.
The Second's game, in which quite a few of our thirds had a run, was a pretty ragged affair and best in our winning team were Max Eldridge, David Hall and Ralph Robins.
Angie Maloni became engaged last weekend, and the best wishes of players and supporters go to him and Maria.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 28, 1968 - No. 3
Despite all their training on a lush green surface and even in teeming rain on Friday, the Griffith players were hopeless on the Grong Grong sand track and handled the conditions like hobbled ducks.
Turvey Park has a "secret weapon" in the black mud of Gissing Oval but teams visiting Grongie will find the deep sand just as hard to counter.
No excuses though as Magpies are not beach birds and the result shows they went OK in the conditions.
One Griffith player, Sid Robins, also proved a beach sprinter. In fact, he rated as best afield and as one Griffith player remarked after the game, "They didn't beat Griffith, they beat Sid Robins. He was the only one playing in our team".
There were other Red and Whites also getting a few kicks, but "Bones" took all the honours and was unchallenged for major points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award.
Our Seconds too, found the sand a problem but managed to keep the flag flying with Mick Newman, David "Monty" Forrester, Wal Clark and Wayne Robins doing well. Let us, however, forget Grong Grong and concentrate on three wins against Leeton today.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 5, 1968 - No. 4
In a complete reversal of form our team turned on some really good football to beat Leeton last Sunday.
You can't go on form can you; in three rounds Leeton beat GGM, GGM then beat Griffith and then Griffith beat Leeton.
One pleasing feature of our play was some effective handball which initiated many scoring moves.
By popular vote Kevin Kirkpatrick rated our best and took the 3 points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award. Ron O'Neill got 2 points and Frank Conlan one. John Canduso and Wayne Robins showed the worth of the Third 18 competition.
Both were Thirds last year but on Sunday with the Firsts, both played well and are potential footballers of the future.
It was "even stevens" in the early games - Leeton winning the Thirds and Griffith the Seconds.
Our best in these games were Trevor Reed, Graeme Rennie (Thirds) and Mick Newman and Wal Clark (Seconds).
Although young, our Thirds lack nothing in enthusiasm and 24 turned up and somehow were given a run this, the team's first game this year.
How do they pick them! Geelong's defeat of Richmond last week won Bob Spears a goodly supply of schooners.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 12, 1968 - No. 5
A typical hard, rugged Griffith-Whitton game with plenty of give and take by both teams was unfortunately culminated sensationally when a spectator "hooked" the unsuspecting" Ron O'Neill as he came off the field.
It was a regrettable incident but fortunately Ron proved durable and has fully recovered.
The late withdrawal of John Foley and Roger Thom caused a flurry amongst our selectors at Whitton but luckily, things worked out.
Kevin Kirkpatrick again controlled midfield to rate as our best and collected another three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award. Geoff Martin, not far behind, received two points and Ron O'Neill one.
In a tough keen game our Seconds won 63-43 with David Hall, Bob Carroll and Harry Moses doing well and an unofficial Thirds game, we won 84-12 with Trevor Reed, Grant Luhrs and Peter "Chatter" Greedy best.
Our Aussie Rules players almost scooped the pool in the athletics at East Griffith school Mardi Gras last Saturday night, winning the relay with John Candusso, Wal Clark, Darryl Collis and John Scott and the sprint with Max Eldridge first, Candusso second and Clark third.
Congratulations to First 18 ruckman John Higgins who celebrated his 21st birthday last Saturday night. A good time was had by all.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 26, 1968 - No. 7
It was a black day for Griffith at Ardlethan with defeat in both games. No excuses, however, as the bright "Stars" were too good in both games. Once again, in a team that played well in spasms, Sid Robins was our best and most consistent.
Votes in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award were Sid Robins 3, John Foley 2, Bill Biron 1.
In the Seconds game Ardlethan started off like a cyclone and had 7-4 on the board before our players knew the game had started.
That was too much start for our team for whom in a mediocre effort the best were Barry Noonan, Ray Smith, Mick Newman.
A fortnight ago our under 14 and under 16 schoolboys teams travelled to Queanbeyan for games against that centre winning the under 16 and losing the 14's. Robert Griggs (14's) and Jim Rolfe (16's) won the trophies for the best players in their respective teams.
Geoff Martin retained his unbeaten record in the hempen square when he convincingly beat a highly rated Sydney Middleweight at the Police Boys Club's Tournament on May 11, to make it 5 wins in 5 fights.
Congratulations to our six players who made the SWDFL squad - they all merited their selection also to Ron O'Neill who performed well in his enforced role of official runner.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 2, 1968 - No. 8
Containing their good form of their previous game Ganmain were too good last Sunday and we slid down two places on the ladder to sixth which calls for some stocktaking and a lot more life and purpose in our football if we have any ambitions at all this season.
Their win had a special significance for Ganmain as it was their first victory at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval in 8 visits.
Only in the last quarter did our players show sustained activity and while it was a hopeless chase a strong finish, at least gives some encouragement for the future. Good 100-minute players in Red and White were hard to find but the judges for the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award sorted them out as follows: - Don Best 3 points, Kevin Kirkpatrick 2 points Darryl Collis 1 point.
Our Seconds also disappointed to lose by 47 points with our best David Hall, Ray Smith, Wal Clark.
The Thirds provided the one bright spot in the day by winning by one point on the bell after some atrocious kicking (2-11).
It's Narrandera today with the loser suffering three defeats in a row and it is a long time since that happened to Griffith or Narrandera.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 16, 1968 - No. 9
Another three losses at Narrandera should be ample proof that something drastic will have to be done if our teams want to do any good this season. The First XVIII showed some improvement and had their chances of winning spoiled by some bad kicking in the last quarter. Best player and taking the three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award was Bill Biron, who was well supported by Bob Spears, 2 points and John Foley, one point.
Our Seconds and Thirds were not in the race with the strong Narrandera teams.
All preliminary arrangements for our new clubrooms at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval have been concluded and work on the new building will soon commence and everything should be ready for next year. Jim Eley, the works boss, needs all the help he can get on this big project and will look to all players for plenty of co-operation.
Congratulations to all SWDFL players, their coach and selectors, for the splendid performance at Yerong Creek last Sunday.
The win in the main game may have upset the "knockers" but it certainly was a big boost to the League.
It's Turvey Park today and here is hoping we can get back to the winning ranks once again.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 23, 1968 - No. 10
The lane eventually had a turning, and we found the bend last Sunday when we hit the "high spots" against Turvey Park. The Bulldogs may have been unlucky, but a few positional changes worked wonders, and our best performance of the year was certainly a morale booster.
Continuing his good form of Yerong Creek, John Foley, rated our best but he had many strong supporters in a really good team effort. "Cuz" won himself another three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award for his grand performance and from many good players the award judges sorted out Ron O'Neill for 2 points and John Scott one.
The Second's game was very keenly contested with Turvey gaining the points by a more determined finish. Les Hodson, in his second game of the season, was our best, with others to do well being John Peters, Mick Newman and Warwick Collis.
Turvey Park unfortunately had to forfeit the Thirds game, but the enthusiastic "Secco" was not to be denied - he lent Turvey nine players, and a game of sorts was played, and some pleasing potential revealed.
We have two "easy" games coming up - Ariah Park-Mirrool today and Grong Grong-Matong, but with wins in both (how optimistic can you get) we should become a real threat for the premiership.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 30, 1968 - No. 11
It wasn't really easy, but we did manage to topple the Bombers at Ariah Park by outstaying them in a fast, tough game. Griffith fans were worried in the third quarter when we were outscored 34-1, but after their rest period the team staged a Bernborough eight goal finish to make all their supporters happy.
Our kicking 17-6 in such conditions was the match winning effort, and it came mainly through good unselfish teamwork.
Turning in a sizzling exhibition of roving, Kevin Kirkpatrick was our best and took the three points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award from John Foley (2) and Darryl Collis (1).
Bill Tyndall in his first game with Griffith this year justified the selectors faith and played well throughout. He will be very handy.
To make it a really good day the Seconds and Thirds also won. Best for the Seconds: Les Hodson, Mick Newman, John Walsh and for the Thirds: Glenn Mackenzie, Gary Gardner, Denis Tyndall.
Today Bill Biron plays his 200th first grade game with Griffith. He has been a grand player for many years so let us give him a big hand as he leads out the team. Last week's star player was Kevin Kirkpatrick - brilliant and tenacious rover.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 7, 1968 - No. 12
Although still only in fifth place, morale in the Swans' camp is sky high after wins over the top two teams and we expect to make that elusive four soon. Our thanks to the G.G.-Matong players for their co-operation in the small ceremony to mark Bill Biron's 200th game - hope we can do the same for them one day.
Last Sunday we squared the ledger with the Magpies and our win was just as conclusive as was there's on the inland beach at Grong Grong.
Another splendid team effort in a tough, crowded game, in which our star was Sid Robins, with Darryl Collis a close runner-up. Points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award, went to Sid 3, Darryl 2, Bob Spears 1.
Players to show out in the Seconds big win were Les Collis, Ray Smith, John Peters, Mick Newman and John Walsh.
No games for the Thirds last week, but these keen youngsters were out in force for a kick prior to the seconds game.
It was pleasing to see a good roll-up of players and supporters at the after game social last Sunday at which a presentation was made to Bill Biron of his long and worthy service as a player.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 14, 1968 - No. 13
The opposition from Leeton last Sunday was not quite as tough as expected and we were able to advance our percentage about 10% with an 85-point win. The key to a mighty team effort was the complete control of the centre by John Foley and he was very well supported by Phil Smith, Darryl Collis, Ron O'Neill, Kevin Kirkpatrick and John Candusso.
Naturally enough for his grand performance, John Foley added another three points to his tally in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award, with Phillip Smith getting 2 and Ron O'Neill 1.
The seconds also won their game well after a ragged start but although they boosted their percentage a little, they still remain a game out of the four. In a tough game our best were Gary Owen, John Langlands, Les Hodson, John Peters.
Leeton, unfortunately, have withdrawn from the third 18 competition.
The new clubrooms are a credit to the Leeton Club and most of our players and officials accepted the invitation to inspect them after the game. Our new amenities block is away to a good start and works boss Jim Eley hopes the big roll-up at working bees continues so that the building can be finished this year. We welcome Whitton today and hope for a game free of any unhappy incidents.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 21, 1968 - No. 14
Whitton without Bob Little were a rather tame Tiger and although the scores didn't truly indicate the play we won rather easily.
Once again "Cuz" Foley dominated the game from the centre. Frank Conlan turned in his best game of the year, and Bob Spears tried to steal some of Peggy O'Neill's thunder with four neat goals. John Foley increased his lead in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award with another three points with Frank Conlan collecting two and Sid Robins one.
Our Seconds, despite some atrocious kicking, also won by a century margin, the best in a good team effort being Garry Owen, Ray Smith, John Crump and Stuart Patterson.
Without a game, 26 of our Thirds turned up early for a 13 a side practice trial and showed some lively play.
Griffith mathematicians received a lot of satisfaction when the Aussie Ruler (the league's official programme) confirmed their figures last week that Griffith, not Ganmain, held third place on percentage.
It's Ardlethan today and this game could show if Griffith are good as their last three wins indicate - we think they are, but the final siren will tell the tale.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 28, 1968 - No. 15
A 38-point win over Ardlethan last Sunday and as their prized scalp was accompanied by a considerable amount of tin mine town money everyone here was happy after the game. Our half back line played a leading role in the win and were seldom beaten especially in the second half. For his brilliant performance at centre half back, Sid Robins added three more points to his tally in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award with fellow defender Frank Conlan collecting two points and Kevin Kirkpatrick one.
Umpire Dalglish saw none of the niggling that went on behind play except one instance when Bob Spears was unlucky enough to be caught retaliating. The 'umpy' wasn't "with it" either as he paid only one 15-yard penalty all day.
A much-improved showing by our Seconds gave them a much-needed win. In his first game with Griffith, Ray Schodde showed promising form and should prove a handy gain. Others to do well in a good team effort were Gary Owen, Angie Maloni, David Hall.
Our Thirds in a man-sized job made it three wins for Griffith with Denis Tyndall, Glenn MacKenzie and Jim Riggs playing well. Our annual Ball is next Friday night, and Bob Carroll still has a few tickets left for anyone interested.
Last week's star player: Sid Robins - outstanding exhibition at centre half back.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 4, 1968 - No. 16
Conditions at Ganmain were pretty damp last Sunday but they were no damper than the hopes of the many Griffith supporters in that nerve testing last quarter. It has been said by a lot of those stay-at-home hats the sigh of relief that came from Griffith fans when the siren went, came through Radio 2RG loud and clear.
Well, it was a relief to win this one as it allowed us to square the ledger with Ganmain and as Phil Gehrig graciously said after the game, we would have been unlucky to lose (but oh how close we went to it).
Frank Conlan and Kevin Kirkpatrick shared the honours as our best but the major points in the Co-op / Ernest Hillier suit award went to Frank with Kevin collecting two points and John Candusso one.
In his first senior game Ray Schodde revealed promising form in the ruck and he should be a real asset.
Under the conditions, although they were not so bad, the highlight of the game was the accurate goal kicking Griffith 14-4 and Ganmain 13-6.
Although defeated our Seconds really tested the comp. leaders and pruned their big percentage a little while the Thirds turned in another lively game to give us two wins in three games.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 11, 1968 - No. 17
Thanks to Grong Grong-Matong we managed to reach No. 1 spot sooner than anticipated but I suppose we should also thank the umpires - they all seem to be helping Griffith this year if you can believe all you read and hear.
Our game with Narrandera started off in a pretty hectic style but local umpire Hughes effectively dampened the "ale" man's (Lipscombe) over-enthusiasm and then, when Narrandera lost Jim Bloomfield and Cecil Lyons early in the second quarter they seemed to lose heart.
There were good players aplenty in our team, but the loan of a crystal ball allowed the judges to sort out Roger Thom, Sid Robins and John Foley for the 3, 2 and 1 points in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award.
It was pleasing to see Roger Thom and "Bicardi" Scott hit top form in their best effort of the season.
A good strong effort saw our Seconds beat Narrandera in a lively game. Our best was Gary Owen, Ken McCudden, Harry Moses and Les Hodson. The Thirds, who tried hard and had good players in Graeme Rennie, Denis Tyndall, Jim McMahon, failed by four points.
Our annual Ball last Friday was a beauty - too many contenders for "the belt" for a winner to be decided.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 18, 1968 - No. 18
The experience gained and the manner in which our players handled the worst wet weather ground in the comp. will stand our players in good stead if we have to play our semi on the bog called Gissing Oval. It didn't take Ron O'Neill long to get the six goals needed for his 100, midway through the second quarter in fact and his achievement was well applauded.
As usual recently we had many good players from whom the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award points went to Frank Conlan 3, Ron O'Neill 2, Reg Higgins 1.
The Second 18 played well to defeat Turvey Park by 51 points with perhaps most noticeable Ray Smith, Wal Clark, John Higgins, Max Eldridge.
Our Thirds gave us the hat-trick with their 47 to 7 win. Good players in a team effort were Bob Wilson, Val Suine, George Duncan, Terry Higgins and Denis "The Menace" Tyndall.
Our 14- and 16-years schoolboys' teams each won their preliminary finals last Saturday and were confident they could do well in the finals against Narrandera yesterday.
With no Rugby opposition for the first time this year we expect a record crowd to see the big game today and we anticipate sending them home happy with our second win of the season over Ariah Park-Mirrool.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 25, 1968 - No. 19
By Swan: In a thrilling grandstand finish last Sunday, A.P.-Mirrool may have been a little unlucky not to share the points, but we had the score on the board at the siren and that's what counts. For once our forwards had an off day and the missing of so many deliberate shots from marks and free almost cost us top place - hope this inaccuracy was just a passing phrase.
As it was, we won our 10th game in a row and if fortune smiles on us, we hope to go on and make it 13 straight before the season ends.
The Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award points went to Bill Biron 3, John Scott 2 and Sid Robins 1.
The Seconds won their game with a devastating burst in the second quarter when they outscored A.P.-Mirrool 54 to 1. They finally won by 51 points and after a long struggle have made the final four.
A.P.-Mirrool could only muster 4 players for the Thirds game, so we let them four and after a good game won 58-33.
The under 14 schoolboys team became the first Griffith team to win a premiership for a long time when on Saturday last, they defeated Narrandera in the Leeton Zone Finals. Congratulations to these youngsters - hope their win was a forerunner to another one or two this year.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 1, 1968 - No. 20
We won at Coolamon somehow or other, but our win assures us of the minor premiership trophy.
Our players who played somewhere near expectations could be counted on one hand but as coach Ron O'Neill said, "thanks goodness we have got that bad one out of our systems before the finals".
The team has had some pretty tough games lately so there probably had to be a letdown and that day we hope was last Sunday. From a handful of good players, the votes in the Griffith Co-op-Ernest Hillier suit award went to Darryl Collis 3, John Foley 2 and David Hall 1.
Our Seconds going out percentage conscious slammed away madly at goal to kick points galore 148-2 costing our keen supporter who gave 150 points start a schooner.
Max Eldridge led the goal kickers, with 10 but he also sprayed them high, wide and handsome.
In a scratch game our Thirds let us down, only 13 turning up and the Coolamon 16 years team with the help of a couple of "seniors" Blue Patterson and Bruce Lucas were far too strong. The Coolamon team which won the Wagga Zone premiership were without their veterans, would on their showing, do quite well in the third 18 comp. next year.