STRAIGHT UP THE CENTRE 

 With VIC HATHAWAY 

The climax of six months of hard work will be seen at Narrandera Sports Ground on Sunday.

Ariah Park-Mirrool will meet Griffith in the South West grand final, and I'm going for Griffith to win.

I think the wide open spaces at Narrandera will suit Griffith, allowing them to use their faster flankers and wings, which Ariah Park have been able to smother on the smaller grounds.

Don't forget that Ariah Park has had four hard games in recent weeks.

Griffith is reasonable fresh and has beaten Ariah Park three times this season.

The last two wins were by four and a point.

On a fine day I think Griffith will be too fast.

* * *

Many interest will be where Ariah Park places its key players.

Last week Vernon Drake played at centre half forward.

In previous games against Griffith Sid Robins has always had the call over him in that position and Drake has shifted away.

Another interesting one will be Ricky Quade plays.

Last week they ended up with Jim Prentice at full forward.

I don't think Ariah Park will need to have Prentice out of the ruck, where Griffith is strong.

* * *

Reg Higgins, who dislocated his elbow, has been training for the last couple of weeks.

It was feared at one stage as though he wouldn't play again.

If Higgins is passed fit he would have to come back into the team

He has been playing very good football this season and when out of the team his drive from centre wing was badly missed.

* * *

Griffith is in the box seat this week.

With both teams in it means they can play those not selected for the firsts, in the seconds.

Griffith will meet Ganmain in the seconds and Griffith, it will be remembered, caused an upset when they beat Ganmain in the second semi.

With a full team Griffith has a very good chance of winning its first seconds premiership.

To do it, they will have to straighten up their kicking.

They have done plenty of attacking but waste chances in front of goal.

Source - The Area News - Friday September 20, 1968