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HISTORY IN RED AND WHITE
1963 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES - By Neil Griggs
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler April 14, 1963 - No. 1
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 will be amongst our best and most consistent players of the year.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler April 21, 1963 - No. 2
After a good display in two trials games our effort at Narrandera was disappointing, to say the least, but everyone is still optimistic regarding the season's prospects.
The players and Club were pleased to welcome former Narrandera rover, Jim Bloomfield, to the team. Narrandera tried hard to retain his services, and who can blame them? Jim is a classy player and an asset to any club. Jim played well against his old team on Sunday and promises better things in future games.
Ruckman Bill Biron was our star at Narrandera, turning in a magnificent performance. Bill dominated the rucks all day and pulled down some splendid marks and should have put his name amongst the early Gammage Medal point scorers.
John Forbes, making a comeback, took out Ted Withnell's shirt for the best Second XV111 player, and he, too, can be expected to turn in many more solid games.
It was pleasing to see the Second XVIII get up for a narrow and somewhat lucky win against Narrandera. This win greatly pleased coach Len Sexton, and should give the boys encouragement for future games. Incidentally, Len can take a lesson from this team in goal-kicking, for he missed quite a few "sitter" at Narrandera.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 28, 1963 - No. 3
Two wins over our old rivals, Leeton, sent our big crowd of supporters home last Sunday well pleased with the players' performance.
Len Sexton turned in a beauty, to rate as best player afield. Although he got caught a couple of times playing the field he was a real will-o'-the-wisp all day.
Shirt winners for the day were (coaches excluded) Bill Biron) first 18) and Ernie "Pouncer" Wade (2nd 18). Both are ruckman and each contributed a lot to their teams' win.
Bob Tyndall and Bob Spears also did their share towards the win as they respectively opposed Des Lyons and John Foley, and kept these two Leeton stars rather quite and out of the game.
It was a big loss to the first 18 when rover Bill Tyndall had to go off with a twisted knee early in the second quarter. Bill had been playing well and everyone is hoping the injury is not a serious one.
The barracking was like a grand final when our second 18 staged a "Bernborough" finish to win their game. This team certainly worrying their coach, Len Sexton, for they have won both games with a last quarter rally.
Leeton won the third 18 game very easily, as did Narrandera the previous week, but our boys are very keen and eagerly awaiting another game.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 5, 1963 - No. 4
You didn't need a ready reckoner to tally up our goals in the quagmire at Whitton last Sunday.
That 2-6 (18) would be our lowest total for many years, and if the box-on had happened earlier, the score may have improved, for our players showed much more spirit after the "incident" in the last quarter.
Fred (Mundy) isn't eligible for weekly shirt award, which went to Bob Spears, who went very well in the second half.
John Snaidero showed he is a good mud-runner with a good display until he was injured early in the third quarter and had to be replaced - just when he was on his way to winning his first shirt.
For a change, the seconds won their game at the start, kicking four goals in the first ten minutes, before the ball became waterlogged.
Frank Knox won the Second 18 shirt award, but was closely pressed as a soccer player by John Forbes and John Langlands.
Two newcomers, John Lane and John Langlands, played their first game with the seconds and both showed that it won't be too long before they are in the 1st 18.
Congratulations to John Deaton for his umpiring of the 2nd 18 game; he easily took the whistle blowing honours of the day.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 12, 1963 - No. 5
Thanks, Turvey, for two really good games on Sunday. We hope we can provide as much entertainment for your spectators when we visit Wagga and we hope too there is some more of that two goals start about that day.
It was a real team effort that gained us the win and it was hard to sort out the best players but the selectors made a well merited and popular decision when they awarded Ron Dalla's shirt to Fred Mundy.
Len Sexton also contributed a lot to our win but seldom has "Secco" kicked so badly and it looks as if he will have to see Col (Longabardi),about a new pair of footie boots.
Sid Robins pleased with some noticeable improvement last Sunday and has only to maintain the same rate of progress to be a regular in the first grade.
The second 18 game against Turvey was a thriller and we may have been unlucky losing three good players during the game. Junior Bob Woolnough was a popular winner of the shirt award.
Our keen third 18 players were disappointed at not getting a game against Turvey Park but, with a bit of luck, we will be able to arrange a game or two for them in the next four or five weeks.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 19, 1963 - No. 6
Two big wins and both teams moving up into the four made it a really good day for us last Sunday.
The "Stars" surprised and worried us a little up till half time, but they couldn't keep up the pace, and the doubts faded as the game progressed.
Although they play an entirely different game, coaches Fred Mundy and Len Sexton were the stars. Len roved to Fred and they combined brilliantly.
A few positional changes in the last quarter against Ardlethan saw Gordon Browne roving and there was quite a cheer when Gordon proved he didn't kick the ball out of bounds by scoring a goal.
Fullback Bob Tyndall and flanker Allan Smith were our best defenders last Sunday, especially in the first half when their mates were fumbling and handling badly.
Still a teenager, Malcolm Brauman continues to improve as full forward.
The 2nd 18 played well for their 79-point win, and pleased their keen captain, Jim Fielder, who was on the boundary with a leg injury.
Former Leeton star, John Walsh, had the best game of the season with the seconds, but on his showing it looks like being his only game with that team. He will be a big asset to the senior team.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 26, 1963 - No. 7
For the second successive year our visit to Ariah Park coincided with a deluge and it was a case of "water, water everywhere", but, unlike the ancient mariner, no one was thirsty - not for water, anyway.
Despite the benefit of pineapple and glucose, our players proved poor splashers and mud-runners, and maintained their away beaten record.
Bob Spears was easily our best water baby and his shirt award was very popular. A new guernsey, however, may have been better, as it is doubtful if his will ever be white again.
Newcomer John Walsh struck a shocking day for his initial first 18 game with Griffith, but showed enough to indicate he will be a decided asset in future games.
Neither team appreciated hanging around, with rain imminent, waiting for the umpires to arrive at Ariah Park, and it looks as if the "lunch break" at Narrandera will have to be curtailed a little for umpires going to outlying towns, especially for the next couple of months, with the days so short.
Johnny Forbes took the honours and the shirt award for the second 18, and for once everyone agreed with the selectors on both awards. Congratulations to Ariah Park-Mirrool seconds on their first comp win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 2, 1963 - No. 8
A good hard fought, cleanly contested, high scoring game rewarded the good crowd that turned up last Sunday in threatening weather, fortunately it only threatened, to see us win both games.
Bob Spears and Ian Gillett had a very keen tussle with Bob's spirited effort in the second half giving him the edge on the day.
Another beauty was that in the centre between John Walsh and Dick Pieper and the decision was a draw.
Don Best received the shirt for the best first 18 player - a popular and merited decision. "Matey" has been in rare form since his switch to the wing.
Young Fred Stevenson made an auspicious return to the second 18, after injury last season, when he rated our best player against Coolamon. Len Sexton predicts a big future for this boy.
Don Pannan too returned to the second 18 after injury and with another game or two and further training should recover the form that made him a first grade player last season.
John Walsh was our best sprinter in the Police Boys' Club Bonfire carnival last Friday night. A couple of speedsters were overlooked but they will keep until next year.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 9, 1963 - No. 9
Last Sunday was a noteworthy day as we achieved two firsts for the season - first away win and first win in the mud.
And mud there certainly was - almost as bad and smelly as Gissing Oval when it is wet. It was a pity because the game could have been a beauty given good conditions.
Former club president, Dick Bitcon, came down from Cootamundra to see his old team in action and, although it wasn't a very classy game, he at least had the satisfaction of seeing us win.
Both shirt winners, Gordon Browne and Fred Stevenson, played well and were popular picks in the respective teams.
Len Sexton, who has been off beam recently, should get some pointers in straight kicking from his second 18 forwards whose 7-4 in the conditions at Ganmain was a match winning effort.
Having his first game for several weeks in the second 18, Kevin Foley proved a real mud-runner and at centre wing was one of the team's best. Bob Carroll (first 18) was another who handled the mud well and his solid display almost pleased our best female barracker.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 16, 1963 - No. 10
We had no answer to Grong Grong-Matong's fantastic finishing burst, or their brilliant forward Kevin Coleman, and it was just as well the siren went when it did, or they would have won by a lot more.
Ray Davies turned in his best game of the year in a lively forward display, and his five goals all came from smart play, with good anticipation.
Shirt awards for the day went to John Walsh and Gordon Brennan, and they played really well for their respective teams, with Gordon pulling down some splendid marks.
The seconds had a torrid game and, in an exciting finish, Griffith just managed to win by two points, scored in the last two minutes.
John Lane had a run with the seconds and on his pleasing performance should soon be in the first 18 ranks.
Quite early in the seconds' game, two of our most consistent players - John Forbes and Fred Stevenson - tried to find out who has the hardest head and had to leave for hospital and some needlework.
Congratulations to all players who so splendidly put the SWDFL on the football map last weekend. After the two games they all should be able to handle Gissing Oval at its worst in future.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 23, 1963 - No. 11
Still the slump continues and another home ground defeat by poor "tourists" Narrandera (supposedly) has confronted us with a hard task to make the finals.
Don Best, after a bit of early fumbling, soon settled down and his consistently solid play won him the special award given by a keen fan for his game.
Bob Tyndall in his first game for several weeks, was quickly in top form, as also was John Cramp, after his three week absence. Both were amongst our few good players.
The players are still keen and optimistic, however, especially the second 18, which had 36 players available for selection this week.
Judging by their performance (26-72), however, it seems as if the selectors used the wrong pin. It was the team's worst effort - but you can only play as well as the opposition will let you.
Shirt winners last Sunday were John Lane (seconds) and John Bortolazzo (firsts), and, for once, nearly everyone agreed with the judges.
We were disappointed at no third 18 game last Sunday against Narrandera, who apparently had forgotten we had taken a team there. Our boys will get a game this week when we repay Leeton their visit.
GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 30, 1963 - No. 12
Leeton gave us a lesson in fast, play on football and non-stop backing up in three games last Sunday and their two competition teams impressed as likely premiers.
Let us hope our players benefitted by the experience.
With Bill Biron absent, Fred Mundy did a grand job in the rucks. He shaded all Leeton opposition including Des Lyons and must now come into reckoning for the game against Carlton.
John Walsh played a grand game against his former team whilst others who were prominent all day were Len Sexton, John Bortolazzo, Allan Smith and John Lane.
Young Fred Stevenson, after playing in the seconds, gained his first senior game when Don Best arrived late. He struck a tough opponent in the brilliant Ron Vivian, but was far from disgraced in a game display.
Slow to get going, the seconds lost their game in the first quarter whilst the third 18 should have learnt quite a lot in their big loss to a good Leeton team.
Shirt winners on the day were John Walsh and Kevin Phillis (a youngster with a bright future). It is Whitton this Sunday and we hope to show our supporters that we haven't forgotten how to win.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 14, 1963 - No. 13
Defeat by Whitton in the last competition game saw our faint final four hopes evaporate, but keen to stay as high up the ladder as possible, the team will be flat out to win as many of the remaining games as they can.
On the selectors' vote, our best player against Whitton were Malcolm Brauman (1st 18) and Denny Dreyer (2nd 18), and both sustained their good play right throughout the game and deserved their shirt awards.
Keen 2nd 18 player, Tony O'Brien, showed the benefit of conscientious and regular training by turning in his best game of the year and rating as one of our best players. The team looks for him for repeat efforts in future games.
We welcome back Jim Eley in the Whitton game and, on his showing, he will be very handy in the remaining games, especially now that our best utility player, John Cramp, has returned to South Australia.
It was a pity the weather was so unkind last Sunday. Our SWDFL team put up an excellent effort against the "Dark Blues", and their spirited play in the third quarter showed fans the style of football that won them the zone section of the recent country championship.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 21, 1963 - No. 14
With too many inexperienced players we were only able to pace it with Turvey Park for the first half last Sunday. With their pace, teamwork and will-to-win, the Bulldogs will be hard to beat for the pennant.
Thanks to the best two men afield, Fred Mundy and Len Sexton (I'm sure Ted Ryder will agree), we had plenty of scoring chances, but their rugged defenders were too solid for our youngsters.
The game was highlighted as being rough and there were a couple of incidents, but the distribution of frees - Griffith 34, Turvey 34 - is evidence enough that there were "villains" on both sides.
Their loss on Sunday put our seconds out of the four, but with a fairly easy draw they are still optimistic about qualifying for the finals.
On a heavy, tiring ground, Jim Eley put up a grand performance, in that when a couple of selected players failed to arrive he played two full games, and in each was amongst our best players. A date for Griffith players to remember - Friday, August 3 - the night of the Annual Club Ball.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 4, 1963 - No. 15
Ardlethan proved just a little too strong in our last competition game, so our losing sequence remains unbroken. It was some consolation, however, to win the second 18 game, as the win gives our team still hope of making the finals.
Shirt winners at Ardlethan were Mick Newman, with a grand performance, and John Schmetzer, whose vigorous non-stop football surely indicates he will be a first grader next year.
It seems as if the old timers are serious about their proposed game against our third 18 on Friday, 18th August, for quite a few have been training, and the demand for ligament oil has increased considerably.
From last Saturday's results, it appears as if Griffith's only football honours this year could possible come from the schoolboys. The three coaches, Len Sexton (12's), Gordon Brennan (14's) and John Walsh (16's, and chief coach for lectures, etc.), are very pleased and proud of their boys and expect them to do well in the finals.
It didn't take long for the South West reputation to be tarnished. On the day, Farrer were worthy winners.
Still, SWDFL won the schoolboys' fixture, so perhaps that gives us some hope of the future.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 11, 1963 - No. 16
Although defeated, we were pleased with our performance against Ariah Park-Mirrool - the team played with zest and spirit and it was their best effort for some weeks.
It was good to see Bob Spears back in action once gain. He asked for a change of position and was tried at full forward. Somewhat similarly shaped to leading goal-kicker, Rex Burge, Bob proved a sprayer, too, and this made it easier amongst the defenders.
Len Sexton has played a lot of good football in his three years with Griffith, but his exhibition last Sunday could have been his best. His king-size effort was a real inspiration to the players.
The second 18 remained in the battle for the finals with a good win, and their strong finish was encouraging.
Ron Pattison, who has not played for four years until this season , turned in a good game to win the shirt award, whilst John Lane's effort to take out the first 18 shirt award was a beauty.
Everything is going well with our Ball arrangements. Friday, August 16, is the big night, and it should be good-o.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 18, 1963 - No. 17
A good game, played in good spirit, despite indifferent umpiring, and a result that disappointed, but satisfied, both teams was the outcome of our visit of Coolamon.
It was nice to say on Monday, "At least we didn't lose" and, after seven straight losses, never has the old adage about "half a loaf" been truer.
Coaches Fred Mundy and Len Sexton were our stars, with the shirt going to Bob Tyndall, who occasioned "The Heap" a heap of worry with his fast bustling play.
The seconds gave their percentage a decent boost with their big win, and seem to be regaining their early season confidence.
Naturally, they had many stars with John Lane, Bill Tyndall, John Diggelmann (shirt winner) and Ron Pattison always prominent.
The schoolboys had mixed fortunes in last Saturday's zone preliminary finals, the under 12's losing to Leeton; but the under 14's won well, and it is hoped they get some moral support in their grand final game.
Today, Griffith "has been's" play the third 18, and a lot of definite retirements are anticipated when it is proved "the old grey mare ain't what she used to be".
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 25, 1963 - No. 18
The sympathy of the Griffith Club was conveyed to the bereaved Carroll and Rutland families on Saturday, but again to them goes the sincere condolence of this club.
With no games for us this weekend, there is little to write about.
Congratulations to our schoolboy teams on their good performances during the season.
The under 14's deserve special mention for their sterling effort in last Saturday's grand final, when they were narrowly defeated 49-43 by Narrandera.
A contingent of 29 from the 14's and 16's teams travelled to Sydney on Friday for a visit as guests of the Peakhurst Schoolboys' Association. Apart from other activities they will play a game against a Peakhurst team.
Unfortunately (our second 18), forfeits, although points on the board are no help with percentage and the loss of confidently anticipated percentage from last Sunday cause just about ruin to their chances of qualifying for the finals.
It all depends, however, on our next game and, with Grong Grong-Matong still with a chance of qualifying, the seconds game could be the main attraction next Sunday.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 1, 1963 - No. 19
We hoped to end the season with a win, but Grong Grong-Matong had other ideas and, with local knowledge of the tricky ground, proved just too good.
After taking a long time to settle down, our seconds came good in the second half and their strong finish just got them into the four.
"Whittonites" was very evident, and most of the players were worrying too much about the game at Ariah Park to concentrate on their own football.
Bob Carroll (1sts) and Jim Eley (2nds) won the last shirts, both playing well under difficult conditions, and Fred Mundy and Len Sexton won the Craven Filter trophies.
Our schoolboys reported a "super" time when they returned from Peakhurst on Monday, and they all wanted to know "where are we going next year?"
Congratulations to Des Lyons and Graham Hughes on their fine achievements in winning this year's Gammage and Lanham Medals.
Best wishes to the four clubs in the first 18 finals. With so little between them, we look forward to some bright and exciting football. Best wishes also to the other three teams in the seconds, with a warning: Look out for Griffith!
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" September 8, 1963 - No. 20
What a year it has been for draws - four in the 1st 18 competition during the season, and now one in the 2nd 18 semi-final.
This semi was a grand game, and either team would have been unlucky to lose.
There is no need to elaborate about Jim Eley being one of the best players - he stood out like "Knobby's Lighthouse".
Another one today, please, Jim. Once he settled down, Doug Koehler infused plenty of drive into our attack and we expect a lot of him at Matong. We had a couple of casualties last Sunday in Ken Stevenson and Jim Fielder. "Ripper" had a badly gashed hand (10 stitches), and will be an onlooker today, but "Big Jim", following his collapse after the game, appeared OK after his return home.
With a two-hour trip; a 10 o'clock start for Sunday's re-play, we are concerned that some of our players could still be somnolent.
The 1st 18 game was a disappointment (not to Turvey Park supporters, perhaps), and we hope for a much keener contest today. It could eventuate, too, as, after their brilliant exhibition last Sunday, neither of today's teams will be keen to meet a fresh Turvey Park next Sunday.