Match Preview - Griffith to reply on team play but should beat Ganmain

By JACK LUHRS

Griffith face an important test in their first away match of the season next Sunday when they travel to Ganmain for the second round of the South-West competition.

Winning both their trial games and last week's opening game against Whitton, all on the Ex-Servicemen's Oval, Griffith are on trial to hold their early season good form away from home.

Present indications show they should win and win well.

They thrashed the youthful and poorly conditioned Whitton side last week by 150 points whilst Ganmain were badly beaten by Coolamon.

Several team changes could have some affect on Griffith's play.

Bill Biron, who dominated the play against Whitton is unavailable and second 18 ruckman Col Holt who trained with the seniors during the week will possibly be promoted to replace him.

It also appears certain that Vic Hathaway has played his last game for Griffith - his appointment to Berrigan as assistant coach appears a forgone conclusion.

Another star player in doubt is defender Don Best, who may be unavailable over the Easter holidays.

Biron's absence will cause the greater concern with Griffith badly lacking in big, strong players. His rucking was superb last week.

However Ganmain look to be in bother also with the injury to their leading ruckman Yank Crouch. Crouch suffered an ankle injury at Coolamon and is in doubt for several weeks.

Should Hathaway and Best drop out for Sunday, their loss can be covered to some degree.

Rover Bill Tyndall and Les Collis are clever enough and in such god touch to win the ball freely around the packs.

Ray Davies should return for Sunday's game. His inclusion in the 2nd 18 against Whitton was a mystery but I understand it was to test a previous shoulder injury.

The big feature about Griffith's play this season is their great team game.

With few star players and sadly depleted by the loss of key men, Griffith have responded with a style based on combination.

Speed and fitness are necessary to carry this out and to date, the Red and Whites have had that in abundance.

The extra effort by players and a keen will to win has shown itself in all games to date.

Again Griffith will look to newcomers John Cramp, Allan Hudson, Norm Munro and John Snaidero to play an important part.

Munro worked the centre play well last week, Snaidero clicked on the wing and continues to improve.

Cramp and Hudson have yet to play poorly and both are in top condition.

Kicking 11 goals against Whitton, Len Sexton is bound to be a trouble spot for the Ganmain defence.

Possibly Ganmain's new coach Max Hetherington will oppose Sexton from the centre half back position. Hetherington played there against Coolamon but later moved into the ruck when Crouch was injured.

Both Gerald and Garry Carroll appeared for Ganmain last week but the moves on both players are in doubt.

Gerald is the centre of a dispute between Ganmain and Coolamon. He has been appointed 2nd 18 coach for Coolamon but Ganmain has refused his clearance.

Garry Carroll is coaching Marrar this season but is still with Ganmain until the competition starts in the Central Riverina League.

Both players figured prominently in last week's play, in a game reported as fiery and incident packed.

With the selection of both Griffith's and Ganmain's team up in the air, the days result could be a close one.

For the moment though, Griffith are the stronger fancied and should win the day well in both grades.

The Area News - Thursday April 19, 1962