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HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1964 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Neil Griggs
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 12, 1964 - No. 1
It's greetings and best wishes to all clubs for a successful and trouble-free season from the area of rice and fruit. We, here in Griffith, are confidently anticipating a good season, but we are fully aware that the nine other clubs have similar ideas. So, for the good of the code and our League, we can only hope for a rise in standard and many closely contested games.
Our new coach, Peter Morris, (South West Gippsland League), is doing everything we hoped for, and in two trial games has inculcated a real team game, in which he is being ably assisted by Bob Little, a former Dandenong ruckman and captain.
The firsts' team was not over impressive in winning at Berrigan, but there was a big improvement when we easily beat Finley last Sunday. Ian Crewes and Vic Hathaway have greatly boosted our playing strength, while John Foley (from Leeton) showed against Finley what a grand player he is.
Other newcomers, Bob Smyth (Picola), Murray Shaw (Geelong Grammar), Peter Booth (North Albury) and John Kupsch (ex-Collingwood), also shape like lively recruits. Next Sunday for our first comp game we travel to Ganmain, and what a toughie it will be against the present glamour team.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 19, 1964 - No. 2
Showing their pre-season trial game form was as good as it seemed, Ganmain proved too good for us on Sunday, but despite a 20-point loss, we were pleased with our team's performance and confidently expect better things in future games.
After seeing Tom Carroll in such devastating form, District Councillor, Ron Hutchins, will probably start preparing his speech for the Country Championship presentation.
Ron "Banjo" Pattison, strongly criticised the previous week, gave a vastly improved display at Ganmain, to rate as one of our best. He took the honours in his duel with Bill McCaig.
Our seconds enjoyed a good win and their solid finishing effort augurs well for future games. Several of the team, including Ray Davies, Bob Smyth and Peter Booth, revealed such good form that they will keep the first graders on their toes.
It was pleasing to play a third 18 game at Ganmain. Our hurriedly organised team of young players didn't fare too well, although quite a few showed promising form. However, 22 "keenies" made the trip and that's something worth encouraging.
Our schoolboys have been training under Len Sexton and Peter Morris and are expected to do well in their competition.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 26, 1964 - No. 3
A big crowd saw a splendid game last Sunday, in which Griffith pleased by the way they wore Turvey Park down to win. Playing his 150th game for Griffith, Vic Hathaway was given a big ovation as he ran through a guard of honour comprising Griffith and Turvey Park players.
Gordon Browne, tried at fullback, won the Club shirt award and the merit of his performance is shown by the fact that Rex Burge could only kick three goals. Bill Biron rucked brilliantly and was well supported by Jim Eley and our rovers also were at their best. It was pleasing to see Ian Crewes showing some of his form that won him the Best and Fairest award in two competitions last year. He should improve steadily from now on.
Turvey Park were too solid in the seconds, to win by 25 points. Ray Smith showed a lot of promise, whilst others to do well were Mick Bridges, John Kupsch and Fred Gambell.
Our schoolboys were away to a good start, beating Whitton in all three competition games - under 12's, 45 to 18; under 14's, 129 to nil; under 16's, 59 to 26, to greatly please their coaches.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler May 3, 1964 - No. 4
Another game - another win, and we are in the four and hope to stay there.
Ariah Park-Mirrool tried hard, but the "Bloods" were too fast and solid to gain a percentage boosting win.
Judges for the various awards had a tough job, as everyone played well. Vic Hathaway won the club award and the first Birds Eye fell down, amongst other places, on the half back flank, where Vic was missed.
Fancy leaving Len Sexton out of the SWDFL team ... what next? No Santa Claus, perhaps.
Gordon Browne kept Barry Walker down to a few kicks ... no goals; so he is going well for a stop-gap fullback.
Our second 18 set the tempo for the day with a mammoth win - 140 to 9.
In his first game this year and just back from his honeymoon, Bob Tyndall showed good form, while Bob Carroll, for four goals, won five pints from two ex-players. Peter Booth showed keen sense with 11 goals from everywhere, and others to play well were Col Geddes, Ray Smith and Gordon McDonald. Bad day for our schoolboys on Saturday, with only 14's winning, but all three games were close.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler May 10, 1964 - No. 5
In possible our best ever performance on the tricky ground at Grong Grong we maintained our ranking and boosted our percentage with our second 82-point win in two weeks.
The only disturbing factor in a brilliant exhibition was the way a lot of easy goals were "bombed" by bad kicking.
As one of the keenest followers said, however: "While the ball is up our end, the other team cannot score."
The judges had a hard time sorting out the weekly trophy winner from a very even team, but ended up with a popular elect in Jim Eley. Vic Hathaway, Len Sexton and Bill Biron also must have given the two SWDFL selectors, who were present, food for thought by their brilliant efforts. Like a lot of others, full forward Mal Brauman did not kick well, but his four goals should keep him up near the top of the goal-kickers.
The second 18 couldn't settle down, and had to battle all the way to win, and hold second place. Best players were Peter Booth, Ray Smith, Sid Robins and Gordon Brennan. Our schoolboy teams had a bye, but most of the players had a solid training run and should be ready for their next game.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler May 17, 1964 - No. 6
Leeton gave us a fright last Sunday, with their good football in the first half, but they couldn't maintain the pace, and we got on top after half time. Len Sexton, Ian Crewes and Peter Morris were all in good form, but Jim Eley and Vic Hathaway were fairly quiet, and Bill Biron took some time to warm up after a week in Melbourne at a trade school.
Johnny Bortolazzo was lucky he didn't have a cold, for he has a mighty sore nose for a few days - the result of a "shirtfronter" in the first five minutes of the game.
Sheer determination won a tough game for our seconds, and it was a feather in their caps to be the first team to beat Leeton.
John Kupsch played his best game to date, as did Gordon McDonald (Ex-Ardlethan), while others to show pleasing form were Peter Booth, Lachie O'Dwyer, Ray Smith and Bob Woolnough.
The Aussie Ruler sold well last week, with everyone waiting to see Reggie McCudden's winning team. If those who reckoned they could summit a better one, do so, there will be a run on Birds Eye products in Griffith.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler May 24, 1964 - No. 7
The team repeated their Leeton effort last Sunday, but after an even first half it was all Griffith, and they scored 112 to 37 in the second half. Our best players were Ian Crewes, who really turned in a "blinder". Some said "Pal" had a blonde incentive to lift his game, but he has been improving every game and his exhibition was not unexpected.
It is debatable which of the "centres" - Len Sexton or Peter Box - covered the most territory, but "Secco" certainly lasted the game right out to undoubtedly take the honours.
His five goals should see Mal Brauman maintain his place amongst the goalkickers.
Narrandera won the seconds game with pace and teamwork, and this young side played like potential premiers.
Our seconds disappointed and were never able to cope with their opposition. Best were Fred Gambell, Kevin Phillis, Bob Woolnough and Gordon McDonald.
The social committee provided players, committee and supporters with hot soup and curry and rice after last Sunday's game and followed with a social, and enjoyable functions such as this keeps team spirit at a high level.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler June 7, 1964 - No. 8
Although the rain kept away it was bad luck conditions were so bad underfoot for last Sunday's Inter-League games, as a grand exhibition seemed assured. The SWDFL players had the incentive to win and did so, and despite "wise words" from the critics it seems unlikely there will be many changes in the team for June 14.
Our three players, Vic Hathaway, Ian Crewes and Len Sexton, played well and should hold their places, and will likely be joined by Bob Little, possible the best ruckman on the day. Bill Biron also rucked well and could also be considered.
We had a lot of good players against Coolamon in the last competition game, with possibly the best being John Foley, Ian Crewes and John Walsh. Peter Morris caused some worry with his leg injury, but visited Melbourne at the weekend and reported fit on Monday. Although only a few of our seconds played well, the team nevertheless played well against Coolamon and had a big win to hit top place on percentage. They will need to be on their toes, however, to retain their place with three tough games coming up.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler June 21, 1964 - No. 9
By Neil Griggs: It was a thrill to see the SWDFL win the championship semi-final against North Central at Narrandera last Sunday.
The enthusiasm and will-to-win of our players was good to see, and it was pleasing for Griffith fans to see our five players all do their share towards the win.
In all tributes to the team, coach Bernie Sculley must not be overlooked. His guidance was invaluable, and he had the support and confidence of all players. It was bad luck for our rover, Ian Crewes, that an injury at Ardlethan kept him out of the big game. He will have a hard job getting back against Barry Connolly, Peter Morris and Terry McGee.
Our last competition game against Ardlethan was a pretty torrid affair and, in addition to Ian Crewes, we lost "Banjo" Pattison.
Ardlethan are gaining a reputation as "bad men", which is a pity, for they have a good team, and could still win a lot of games by concentrating more on football. Ardlethan seconds (a good team) had an easy win over our disappointing team, which was best served by Colin Geddes, Tony Collins and Fred Gambell.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler June 28, 1964 - No. 10
Although we defeated Whitton by 50, the lack of match-play and the slight easing up at training had some effect, and the team did not play as well as they can. Peter Morris promised the players two tough training runs this week.
Star of the game was Len Sexton, who played one of his best games ever for Griffith.
Local fans were pleased to see Ian Crewes back in the team after injury, "Pal" turned in a brilliant first half, but faded a little towards the end. He will be fitter next week.
Mal Brauman maintained his place amongst the goal-kickers with five, but his kicking still needs a little tidying up.
The 2nd XVIII game was a thriller and the draw was a fair result. Bad kicking (19 shots to 14) proved costly for us. Our best were John Kirkwood, Bob Smyth and Col Geddes.
The lucky SWDFL delegates made everyone happy when they drew the "big plum" in Melbourne. Let us hope, with maximum support, it is the success it should be.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler July 5, 1964 - No. 11
It was "black" Sunday for the Red and Whites at Narrandera last week, with two defeats and two descents down the comp ladders.
Narrandera were just too good, and we haven't the excuse of a bad umpire - pity they are not all like Gambetta, who would be a good man for the championship final.
Len Sexton was, again, our best player, even though he had to get most of his kicks the hard way.
With Jim Eley absent and Bob Little injured early in the third term, Bill Biron, with a sustained and game effort, came right back to form, and it should help him retain his place in the rep team.
Mal Brauman failed to get a goal - he had plenty of chances, too, but kicked and marked badly, but there will be other days.
Our seconds gave us a bad start when they went down by 64 points. Best of the disappointing team were Tony Collins, Bob Carroll and Kevin Phillis.
Seems a good idea club gatekeepers operating for championship final. Wide publicity will be needed, however, to get all pedestrians through the turnstiles. Good luck to our team next Saturday - don't forget those cheer squads.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 19, 1964 - No. 12
What a grand exhibition SWDFL and Hampden League turned on for the big crowd last Saturday. It certainly was football worthy of a championship final and pleased even the many Rugby fan present.
Congratulations to all South West players on a wonderful performance, and a special word for coach Bernie Sculley for his grand job.
We, in Griffith, were proud of our four players, Len Sexton, Peter Morris, Vic Hathaway and Bill Biron, who played as we expected and all pulled their weight.
It was bad luck for Bob Little that he had to miss out through injury. He should be back on deck today.
It was rather strange with nothing to do on Sunday, although our players enjoyed themselves at a pleasant Sunday morning.
Coach Peter Morris is keen on such functions and, despite two recent loses, club spirit has never been higher.
Now that all the glory games are over, we can get back to serious competition football again.
We visit Ariah Park and hope to notch an overdue win. John Foley, however, will be missing and could also miss another couple of games following his heavy knock against Leeton. He will be a big loss.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 26, 1964 - No. 13
It was good to be winners once again at Ariah Park and it was a timely win, too, with strong challenges coming thick and fast.
The road down wasn't the best, but only "Silent Joe" Tyndall slid into the table drain and had to be helped back onto the roadway.
The ground, too, as seems usual when we visit the Park, was very wet, but the near-gale dried things up fairly well.
Our re-positioned team went well, with Len Sexton best afield. He is in grand form at present and a worthy leader in the T.V. award.
Peter Morris was always opening up the play and was well assisted by Bill Biron, Vic Hathaway, Ray Davies and Gordon Browne.
"All I want for Christmas is my four front teeth" is the song now lisped by Bob Carroll, thanks to the heroic spectator who "clobbered" him while he was being held after a bit of skirmish near the boundary. The K.O. merchant was discreet enough to be missing after the game ended. Only comment on 2nd XVIII - how can a team go so bad. We welcome Ganmain today for the game of the year.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 2, 1964 - No. 14
After two previous successive losses, there were a lot of locals who thought our win at Ariah Park was a "fluke". The "doubting Thomases" had their answer, however, when we downed Ganmain by a convincing 31 points.
Ian Crewes was top scorer for the game with 6 goals; Tom Carroll had to work hard for his three.
There was no best players for Griffith - it was a real team effort.
Point scorers in the Ron Dalla-Daroff suit award were Don Best 6, Vic Hathaway 5, John Foley 2, Bob Carroll 2, Les Collis 1, Bill Biron 1.
After the performance against Ganmain it seems the team has a good chance of winning the 20 Hickock men's jewellery sets, Mr Dalla offered to present to the team if Griffith wins the premiership.
It was a real tonic to see the determination and will-to-win that gained our seconds a long overdue win. Ganmain stopped a hat-trick by winning the thirds.
Griffith cheer squads turned up last Sunday complete with banners, streamers, etc., and this grand moral support was greatly appreciated by the players. Today we have our longest trip - to Turvey Park. Hope we see what Gissing Oval looks like when it is dry.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 9, 1964 - No. 15
By Neil Griggs: Gissing Oval again proved our hoodoo ground. With one win in eight visits, we should perhaps ask Turvey Park to play us on another ground on our next visit to Wagga.
After our good effort to defeat Ganmain we were pretty confident (take 2/1 was the quote), but the jinx prevailed.
Of course, 18 Turvey Park players also had something to do with our loss. They played really well and on the day deserved to win. They have only to maintain this form to finish the season in a blaze of glory.
Don Best was our only clear winner of the game, and the shirt judges had an easy task.
Don also secured the maximum points in the Ron Dalla-Daroff suit score award. Other points went to Vic Hathaway 3, John Walsh, Bill Biron 2 each, and Ray Davies and Bob Tyndall one each.
Without several more experienced players, our seconds were no match for the team Turvey fielded to ensure they stayed in the four.
It is Grong Grong-Matong at home today and, with the help of the cheer squad, banners, etc., we hope to gain another four points.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 16, 1964 - No. 16
The highlight of the game at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval last Sunday was the 10 goals kicked, in windy conditions, by Ian Crewes.
It was a notable effort - tops for the season, and Ian has now moved into second place to Tom Carroll on the goal-kicking ladder. Pleased supporters rewarded "Killer" with several pints and a variety of cigars.
Griffith were a vastly different team on the good surface and, although a little inaccurate early (1-8 for the first term) scored good goals as the game progressed.
Len Sexton, Vic Hathaway and Ian Crewes were our best three players and, with Terry McGee, should share the T.V. award points.
The bitterly cold wind saw most of the cheer squad huddled in cars, but they would have been out smartly in good voice had their encouragement been needed.
The second 18 recorded another win after a hard and scrambly game, with the wind upsetting both teams. Our best were Denny Dreyer, John Kupsch and Sid Robins.
Griffith and Grong Grong-Matong officials and players appreciated the co-operation of John Harvey, who offered to act for umpire Jenkins.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 23, 1964 - No. 17
Getting just the result we needed last Sunday, we are now back in second place, and everyone is confident that we can hang on to that double chance. It was a pretty lively game at Coolamon last Sunday, and the result was in doubt until the end, although we possibly finished slightly the better. Ian Crewes kicked five goals in the first half but apparently lost his radar after half time. He still, however, retains second place amongst the goal-kickers.
The Ron Dalla suit award points went to Bill Biron 5, Vic Hathaway 4, Don Best 3, Gordon Browne 2, and John Foley 1. With only two games to go, Vic Hathaway has a handy lead for this valuable trophy.
It is pleasing to see Mr. Dalla at Coolamon. Possibly, son John, one of our star 14 year schoolboy players, has got Dad interested.
Although the selected 21 players travelled to Coolamon, our second 18 again disappointed, seeming to lack enthusiasm, and Coolamon didn't have much trouble in winning.
The last home game on Sunday, and the cheer squad should get in some good practice for the finals.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 30, 1964 - No. 18
Without four regulars, Griffith with memories of Turvey Park, were not too confident against Ardlethan on Sunday, but things went our way and a good win, plus grand help from Coolamon, sees us now at the top of the ladder.
Everyone knew Len Sexton couldn't turn in two bad ones in a row, but he had some brilliant play by Vic Hathaway and Barry Connolly to really challenge him for the T.V. award in this game.
With little umpire control, the game was getting rather hectic by half time, but a joint approach by the two coaches at half time saw better control and some crowd-pleasing football in the second half.
A score of 19-9 doesn't read like Griffith, but perhaps the players are finding accuracy at the right time.
Bob Little continued his run of bad luck and an arm injury could see him a spectator for the finals.
Our sympathy and best wishes to Ian Gillett. He certainly has been an ornament to the code in the South West in the past five years. To the teams having their last game today ... better luck next year. To the other three finalists ... good luck and good football.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 6, 1964 - No. 19
By Neil Griggs: A Minor Premiership and a Gammage Medal on the one day gave the boys something to cheer about last Sunday night ... and cheer they certainly did when news of Len's Medal win came through.
Len Sexton had a brilliant year and, in every sense of the Best and Fairest award, he is a worthy winner.
A mighty effort saw us achieve our best ever win at Whitton, to consolidate our place at the top of the competition ladder and gain, for one year, the handsome Dal Williams Trophy.
All we need now to complete our season is the Argus Cup. Peter Morris has proved an able and inspiring leader and has the players right behind him as the "big ones" come along.
Highlight of the game at Whitton was the performance of Ian Crewes in kicking 12 goals - the season's highest game tally. "Killer" was in grand form and was a real match winner.
The club is pleased with the way the second XVIII has kept going right through to the last game.
They finished their season with a splendid effort, too, when they played on strongly to the siren to go down by four points.
A week's rest, then it's back to Whitton for the semi-final.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 13, 1964 - No. 20
Len Sexton has been kept busy the past couple of weeks acknowledging congratulations on his Gammage Medal and T.V. award wins. The telegram boys were also busy delivering messages of congratulations to Len and, of many, the one he most appreciated came from dual runner-up, Bernie Sculley.
Our congratulations to Geoff "Choco" Johnson (Narrandera) on his outstanding effort to annex the Lanham Medal.
With no game to last Sunday, Peter Morris let the players off with a light run Wednesday week, and it was followed by a steak night and a couple of gifts "niners". It was back to work again, however, on the Friday and, with three training sessions this past week, all players should be raring to go at Whitton today.
Bob Little has kept on training solidly despite his injury and is confident of taking the field against Ganmain, but will have to convince the selectors he has fully recovered.
Don Best has also been training brightly and he seems certain to be back in the team at Whitton. Last Sunday's semi-final was a little disappointing, but the wet, greasy conditions were against good football.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 20, 1964 - No. 21
There was a lot of pleased and relieved people about when the final siren (asthmatically) ended the game at Whitton last Sunday.
Griffith now go into the grand final ... the first time since 1952, and we are all hoping the success of that year can be repeated.
Les Collis turned in one of his best ever games with Griffith and, on most votes, was the team's best player. A repeat in a week's time, please, Les.
Peter Morris clearly revealed his value to the team with inspiring example and smart leadership and no player will be trying harder than he in the grand final.
Bob Little soon settled down after his absence through injury and as he finished as sound as a bell, he should do even better next time.
The Lady' Auxiliary (bless them!) came good with four dozen cans and a few kisses after the game - both appreciated by the players.
Despite a lot of rain, the ground was in very good order and the Whitton Club is to be commended on its match arrangement. The members of the Club did an outstanding job with what they had available.
As spectators today at Ardlethan, we expect to see a brilliant game. Our best wishes to both teams for a good and injury-free game.
HEY LOOK US OVER
Hey, look us over, the great red and whites. Second on the ladder and climbing for the heights.
Led by the 'Possum", eighteen as one. We'll never stop playing as a team until the pennant's won.
And we'll be aiming for the majors, not the behinds. We'll leave that to Walsh, he's got the biggest of its kind.
If you're looking around to find the budding premiers team so far. Look us over here we are.
I'm Bobbie Little, I'm Ian Crewes, I got my seven, was lauded in the news.
I'm silent Bill, I'm Goldilock's Jim, Kings of the rucks and making sure your cup's full to the brim.
And I am "Twinkle toes" Sexton, my gad I'm fast. Hurrah for my handball, I'm the horse and cart.
And right down to the sticks where Gordon Browne is waiting in fray "Out of bound Lad", so they say.
I'm "High Noon" Banjo, a tough nut to crack. My opposite number never has a chance to answer back.
And I'm back man Les Collis. I'm Vic Hathaway, long in the tooth but won't give the game away.
And if there's a word that rhyme with Bortolazzo, tell me pray, I'm a demon on my day.
I'm flankman Davies, I'm Donnie Best, Along with Chow Carroll, we're equal to the best.
I'm Siddie Robins, I'm full forward Mal, I'm keeping my mouth shut in case a pass comes from Pal.
So you praise us and laud us, a pat on the back, it's hasn't done since fifty-two, but this year we'll all star.
Look us over here we are, Look us over here we are.
