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1962 SEASON
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GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES by Neil Griggs
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler April 15, 1962 - No 1.
Today ushers in another season of the SWDFL and all clubs are, like us no doubt, full of optimism and enthusiasm. It is the wish of this Club that all enjoy a happy, successful and injury free season.
Two trial games, one against Finley, fast and open and one hard and rugged against Berrigan gave our players good match practice and they all should be reasonably fit for the hard competition ahead.
There was a debit, however, from the Berrigan game as in the first five minutes, our centre half forward, Kevin Rowston, suffered a broken leg in a simple accident. Kevin had been revealing brilliant form in the trial games and indicated this could be his best year.
Newcomers John Cramp, Allan Hudson, Norm Munro and John Snaidero have shown good form and should be assets to the first 18.
The second 18 also had quite a few promising newcomers, young and keen, and the team should be up amongst the leaders once again.
Vic Hathaway's long service to the Club and his unparalleled feat of winning two Gammage Medals was recognised at our annual meeting when he was honoured with life membership.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 22, 1962 - No. 2
Over the years, Griffith and Whitton have had many memorable tussles, but it was all Griffith last Sunday, to give us our biggest ever win over the Tigers. Our aggregate for the two games was 3 I 5 points and the hardest worked men of the day were the flag wavers, who had quite a busy day. Regular fullback, Bob Tyndall, was rather quiet early in his new position as full forward, but ended the game with four goals, and will certainly be given another trial at the spearhead. Newcomers, John Cramp, Norm Munro, Allan Hudson and John Snaidero, had an easy game for their introduction to S.W.D.F.L. football, but all pleased with a good exhibition.
Ruckman, Bill Biron, was the first winner of the "Whitmont" shirt, presented by Ron Dalla, and this will be a weekly award for the best player. Bill Tyndall must have been close up, for he and Bill Biron were the "stars" of the game. The new set-up with the Football Club and the Griffith Police Boys' Club combining with the control of schoolboys is proving most successful, and the training sessions each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon have been very well attended. It's Ganmain today, and the boys hope to return home with another four points.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" April 29, 1962 - No. 3
Without Bill Biron, Don Best and, of course, Hathaway, the team gained another resounding win at Ganmain and obtained further valuable competition and percentage points.
After 146 games, Vic Hathaway, with his record of two Gammage Medals, has joined the ranks of the "money men" as assistant coach at Berrigan. He has our best wishes, but will be greatly missed, for he is a mighty footballer.
John Cramp and Allan Hudson were our best at Ganmain, with grand exhibitions of non-stop play, and they are ably helping to fill the gaps in our line-up caused by the loss of Frank Conlan, Bob Spears, Kevin Rowston, Vic Hathaway, Allan Smith and Doug Koehler.
As our 18-26 would indicate, there was some inaccurate kicking at Ganmain, and chief offenders were Len Sexton and Bill Tyndall, but perhaps with a tougher game they will return to their usual concentration and reliability.
Our Seconds had a good win at Ganmain also, and good exhibitions came from Don Pannan, Denny Dreyer, John Diggelmann and Bruce Young. Fred Stevenson, from the schoolboys, had his first senior game with the seconds last Sunday, and should be a regular after an impressive performance.
GRIFFITH NOTES: The Aussie Ruler May 6, 1962 - No 4.
Football is a winter sport, and we certainly had our first taste of bleak weather last Sunday. It didn't affect the players, however, and they turned in a thriller for the big crowd present.
Both coaches, Len Sexton and Martin Bourke, were grand leaders, but perhaps tried to do a little too much running instead of kicking the ball.
The tussle between the rovers was a feature of the game. John Wright took the individual honours, but overall, the Griffith pair did the better.
Col Holt maintained his improvement and, on the day, rated best ruckman afield. John Cramp proved his worth as a utility player by rating one of our best from centre, deputising for Norm Munro.
Les Collis was the winner of Ron Dalla's shirt award as our best player. He has been playing well, and this could be his best season if he maintains this form.
The seconds' game was really hard-fought, with Turvey Park getting up right on the bell. John Diggelmann, Ernie Wade and Malcolm Brauman were amongst the best.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 13, 1962 - No. 5
Well, it had to come, and we were certainly "battered" from the top perch by some tough Magpies on Sunday.
The Griffith room after the game was like an army R.A.P., with the trainers working overtime attending to bruises, bumps, etc., but fortunately most seemed minor injuries.
We could perhaps use Turvey's excuse of too many "stars" out of touch, but the real reason for our loss was the ruthless use of weight and strength by the United's in a game easily crowded on the small ground.
Don Best, almost decapitated by a vicious "stiff armer", which would have been "marching orders" for any Rugby player, had trouble washing the dust down after the game, but expects no lasting inconvenience from the "flattener".
Despite the strong finish, our seconds gave their worst display of the season to suffer their second defeat in a row. Rod Potter showed great improvement, while under notice were Reggie McCudden) and Pouncer Wade.
Rumour has it that one or two ex-players are thinking of coming out of retirement to help the seconds, and it is hoped, if they do appear, that Jim Eley treats them gently for a week or two.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" May 27, 1962 - No. 6
Our win at Narrandera took us again to top place, but the victory was dearly achieved - the loss of John Anderson (dislocated shoulder) and John Snaidero (broken arm) being big blows to our future hopes.
Best players for our teams on the day were Gordon Browne (1st 18) and Reggie McCudden (2nd 18). It was Reggie's first football trophy, but his enthusiasm is such that it shouldn't be his last.
We feel all our players did well in the Farrer games last Sunday, with Len Sexton attracting most notice. Len, Allan Hudson and Bill Biron gives us three reps. in the team to go to Sydney, and they will be sorely missed in our vital game with Ardlethan. They have our best wishes, however, and we know they will do their share towards a S.W.D.F.L. win.
It was pleasing to see Jim Fielder, Doug Koehler and Jack Kloot back in training again, giving the club a helping hand to cover our crop of injuries.
Someone along the line slipped up with the schoolboy's knockout last Saturday. It was switched from Leeton to Narrandera, but the only teams that turned up were three from Griffith. The carnival was abandoned, but the promoters forgot to notify Griffith, so it's hoped they won't quibble about settling the £28 for the bus
.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 3, 1962 - No. 7
Leeton proved too good last Sunday, but the further losses to John Anderson, John Snaidero and Kevin Luhrs found the re-organised line-up unable to really settle down.
Jim Fielder had his first game of the season and, although a little out of touch, should regain his place in the firsts.
Doug Koehler and Jack Kloot also made their first appearance of the year, and the run with the seconds should benefit them greatly in their battle back to the first XVIII.
Norm Munro turned in his best game to date and we can probably look for some good efforts from this neat player in future games.
The second XVIII must be proving somewhat of an enigma to coach Jim Eley as, despite some good impressive training, they cannot reproduce those efforts in games. But perhaps they will come good and have Jim smiling once again.
Don Pannan turned in a grand effort to win last week's best second XVIII player, while his older brother, Colin, after an absence of two years, indicated with some bright play that he could soon be back in the firsts.
Best wishes to the SWDFL team in Sydney, especially our own reps - Len Sexton, Allan Hudson and Bill Biron.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 10, 1962 - No. 8
As expected, Ardlethan were too strong for our depleted team last Sunday, but the courageous effort of our boys was most heartening.
Bill Tyndall, in an inspiring example of non-stop play, won Ron Dalla's shirt award as our best player.
We only had three big men in the team, Colin Holt was assisted in the ruck's by Jim Eley (from full back) and Bob Tyndall (from full forward) and the "Stars" were too tall and too good in the air.
Ten regulars were unavailable for our second 18 and the line-up was no match for Ardlethan's strong team, who gave their percentage a good boost with a big win.
John Diggelmann won the award as our best seconds player, and as captain "Digger" set his team a good example with some sterling work in defence.
Others to do well were Fred Gambell, Ian Buck, Jack Kloot and Reg McCudden.
The game in Sydney on Sunday clearly illustrated that the SWDFL is "tops" in New South Wales, and it's congratulations to the players on some grand football.
Len Sexton's award as the best player is most gratifying and everyone is hoping he adds a shirt to his trophies on Sunday.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 17, 1962 - No. 9
Last Sunday's game was a beauty,and will go on record as one of the best in Griffith for a long time, with Coolamon contributing as much as Griffith to make it such a pleasing spectacle, both, of course, assisted by umpire Ridley.
John Cramp, in a new roll at full back, was the toast of the town after the game, as he turned in a dazzling display to be our best player.
Allan Hudson, fresh from his Golden Gloves title win in Sydney on Friday, again turned in his usual sound effort, highlighted by some spirited play in the stirring last quarter.
Good lively displays by rovers Bill Tyndall and Les Collis kept Coolamon rovers, from whom a lot was expected, out of the game, and their performance was a big factor in our win.
Another to do a grand job was Jim Fielder who, given the job of minding Ian Gillett after half time, kept the "Heap" very busy and nullified much of the drive he had been giving Coolamon.
Jack Kloot hit top form in the 2nds' game to be our best player with a solid, brainy exhibition.
Doug Koehler also revealed good form, while others to do well were Ian Buck (7 goals) and Denny Dreyer.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" June 24, 1962 - No. 10
A terrific game: a thrilling finish, and Griffith with four more comp points, but sharing the honours of the game with Ariah Park-Mirrool who, despite Ted Ryder's "kiss of death" selection, put up a sterling effort to just lose.
"All I want for Christmas is my three front teeth," should be Jim Fielder's theme song after losing them on Sunday. His "pepsodent smile" now has a big gap right in the middle.
Of a good even team, Bill Tyndall was our best last Sunday, and now has a new pair of shoes, a new shirt and a "fiddley" to remind him of one of his best ever efforts.
Featuring in a new role as centre wing, Doug Koehler turned in a classy effort in his first senior game of the year, and it seems as if "Coca" has played himself into a regular place in the first 18.
Allan Smith, playing only his second game of the season, showed by his game with the seconds that he has almost regained the form that saw him a regular member of the firsts last season. Others to do well were Fred Lodding, Paul Brown and Denny Dreyer.
The players' committee's first barbecue was quite a success, but our apologies to our visitors for the hitch with the refreshments that saw them returning home thirsty.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 1, 1962 - No. 11
An "easy" game at Whitton - that's what everyone thought, but if they could have seen the worried Griffith expressions at three-quarter time, they would know that no game - especially the local "derby" - is easy in "Tiger" country.
Fortunately, our fellows were able to turn it on in the last quarter and, by outscoring Whitton 35-3, won by 10 points, but what a strain on their fans.
Ruckman Bill Biron, a good player all day, staged a Bernborough finish to nudge out a couple of strong challengers for Ron Dalla's shirt. Bill took the mark of the day in the time on period in the goal square with Griffith still two points down, but the ump said no. With five goals, however, Bill was top goal scorer for the game.
Another classic from Bill Tyndall and, week-in, week-out, he must be one of the best rovers in the competition.
SWDFL rep player Allan Hudson, with the N.S.W. boxing championship coming up, acted as 19th man at Whitton, and after prowling along like a caged lion for three quarters ran on to set the pace for Griffith's final rally.
Our seconds also had a harder game than expected, but still won well. Best were Frank Knox (Ted Withnell's shirt), Col Pannan, Jack Kloot and Denny Dreyer.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 8, 1962 - No. 12
For a change, there was no exciting finish to our game against Ganmain. It was an exciting game, however, and our thanks to the Maroons for a good solid work-out.
Doug Koehler, on the wing, was our best player with a neat and constructive exhibition that won him his first shirt.
Bill Biron was again tops as ruckman, and forward with four goals sending him further up the goal-kicking ladder.
Don Best seemed to have the ball on a string in the first half, and the way he anticipated and turned their attack must have had Ganmain thinking he was twins.
A very heavy knock just prior to half time had Don a little shaky for the rest of the game, but he still battled on to be amongst our best.
With an indifferent display, our seconds, with a two points loss to Ganmain, now have a hard job ahead to qualify for the finals.
Those who did best of a disappointing team were "Mumbles" Young, Bob Ramsay, Jack Kloot and Denny Dreyer.
We have our long trip to Wagga this Sunday and, although the "cockies" need rain, we would like, just for once, to see a nice, dry Gissing Oval.
SWANS CLUB NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 15, 1962 - No. 13
Of last Sunday, can we say, like Turvey Park at Griffith. "Too many players below form", or, without an alibi, "They were just too good". Whatever the comment, we missed out on four valuable points.
No rain for a fortnight, and Gissing Oval, soft and slippery - the "mud heap" must surely be worth four goals to Turvey Park.
Our best players came from the defenders, with Gordon Browne (back pocket) getting the pat as best player.
John Cramp, returning after three weeks absence though injury, starred at full back, while Jim Fielder again revealed what a capable substitute for John Anderson he is.
Accurate kicking kept the seconds in their game, but Turvey were too strong at the finish.
Our team missed Jack Kloot's strong play in the second half, he having been taken off at half time to replace the unavailable Don Best in the first 18.
"Lachie" O'Dwyer won the shirt for the best seconds player, with a good effort at full back, while others to do well were Denny Dreyer, Don Pannan and Rod Potter.
Young Ron Dreyer, having only his third game, distinguished himself with four goals, and could develop into a very good player with experience.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 22, 1962 - No. 14
With feathers ruffled, the Magpies came to Griffith last Sunday looking for a brace of wins - and how close they went to get it.
If we had lost, it would have been too late for the old "shoulda" excuse, but we won perhaps it can be said that we "shoulda" won more easily with better kicking.
Kevin Luhrs won the inaccuracy prize, his 14 kicks for goal, within 40 yards, returning but eight minors. Still, if he had kicked six goals, he would have been a champion ... and that's the way it goes.
Young Malcolm Brauman won his first best player Ron Dalla's shirt award with a brilliant display, and it certainly won't be his last such award.
Len Sexton, although keenly spotted, turned in one of his best games of the year, and although he missed out on the shirt award, won a hefty pat on the back from probably his severest critic, so he must have played well.
Depleted by promotions to the injury-riddled 1st 18, our seconds could not get on target against the Magpies, and by their defeat lost all chance of making the finals.
Col Pannan collected a shirt for his grand performance, and others to show out were Ernie "Pouncer" Wade, John "Digger" Diggelmann, Denny Dreyer and Don Pannan.
Players and supporters - don't forget the Club Ball on August 17.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" July 29, 1962 - No. 15
It was "footbrawl", not football, at the Ex-Servicemen's Oval last Sunday, and although not whitewashing the players, the umpire must cop most of the blame for his absolute lack of control.
Narrandera won the game in the first quarter with their dazzling play that left Griffith floundering, and took them to a 50-nil lead. It was a brilliant exhibition and Griffith had no answer.
For the second week in succession Malcolm Brauman won the selectors' "pat" as our best, and this youngster certainly has a bright future.
Many keen judges had Bill Biron as shirt winner, and he certainly turned in a "king size" performance in the rucks, and was one Griffith player to match Narrandera in the air.
Allan Hudson kept Peter Box rather quite in the centre and earned himself high rating amongst our best with his non-stop efforts.
Our seconds were outclassed by Narrandera, but they battled on gamely. Col Pannan was best, while others to do well were Allan Anderson and Frank Knox.
One of the highlights of the 1st 18 game was the kicking-in of the two full backs, and Jim Eley lost nothing by comparison with the long kicking Athol Jackson, and he had twice as much to do.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 5, 1962 - No. 16
Our loss to Leeton last Sunday gave them a double this season, and now we'll have to "pull up our socks" if we hope to make the finals.
Bill Biron won another shirt to add to his collection with a sustained rucking effort. He was to the fore all day and gave a grand display.
John Cramp returned to the team after several weeks absence to be one of our best with some spirited play from the fullback position.
Jim Eley featured in a new role as a long range goal kicking forward, but it was on the ball in the last quarter that he played his best football and provided plenty of chances with his strong play.
It was good to see vice-captain Don Best back after injury, and with this game under his belt should be almost in top form for today's game.
The seconds, although defeated by the strong Leeton 18, turned in their best display in recent weeks. Denny Dreyer won the best and fairest shirt award with some lively roving and good positional play. Others to do well were Col Holt (he would have been handy in the firsts), Ken "Ripper" Stevenson and Allan Anderson.
Bob Carroll reports good bookings for our Ball on August 17, so don't leave your booking too late - numbers are limited, you know.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 12, 1962 - No. 17
Our last home game of the season on Sunday saw us keep our final hopes alive with a win over Ardlethan, after a bright, entertaining game.
We were keen to turn on a good effort in this game for our many loyal supporters, and our thanks go to the Stars for their (not small) contribution to a most pleasing exhibition.
The selectors almost had to borrow Jack Luhrs' famed "Crystal Ball" to sort out our best player, but their choice of Bob Carroll was well received.
Len Sexton and Bill Biron turned in "beauties", as did Gordon Browne, Doug Koehler and John Cramp, and it was impossible to name a "passenger" in the team.
Although defeated, our seconds gave the classy Ardlethan team somewhat of a shock by outplaying and outscoring them in the second half.
Ernie "Pouncer" Wade was our best with a really good performance, and he was well supported by Fred Gambell, John Diggelmann and Allan Anderson.
Last Sunday was "Uncle Joe's" (Tyndall) birthday and he had his present in our win, while a "bit of folding", as of Griffith's win over Yenda in the "local derby" Rugby League game made it a happy day for our silent supporter.
GRIFFITH NOTES: "The Aussie Ruler" August 19, 1962 - No. 18
Defeat at Coolamon last Sunday was a bitter pill to swallow, as it put us out of the running for the finals.
Coolamon, however, were too good, and deserved their win. We wish them well in their fight for the pennant.
Len Sexton turned in a brilliant game and, by scoring six goals, put himself back at the head of the goal-kicking competition.
A "bottler" is the only way to describe Allan Hudson's performance at Coolamon, as his was a non-stop effort, full of determination, and for our team he and Len shared the honours.
A glut of injuries and illness saw our seconds' team much depleted, and Coolamon had an easy win.
Denny Dreyer won the award as our best player, but special mention must be made of trainer Jack (Mitchell), who "filled" a guernsey to help out.
As this seem likely to be our last contribution for the season the Club would like to congratulate Bert Schmidt on the improved production of the Aussie Ruler, and hope that, with the full support of all clubs, it will be even better next season.
Our congratulations to all teams in the finals. May these games be played in the true sporting spirit and bring credit to the SWDFL, and may the best teams be the 1962 premiers. ... My Tip - Narrandera; Ardlethan.