Griffith's Season in Review  - 1961

Finals football at last! After eight years of endeavour and disappointment we finally won our way into the finals with a magnificent late run which saw us win 4 of our last 5 matches. It was a close struggle all the way through, with Turvey Park, Leeton, Narrandera and Ariah Park-Mirrool, all maintaining a strong challenge. On the Sunday before the final round matches, the leading positions were: Narrandera 52 points 128.2%, Leeton 48 124.9, Turvey Park 48 122.9, Griffith 44 120.0, Ariah Park-Mirrool 42 117.8.
By winning 54-46 at Narrandera, we made sure of fourth place and in doing so propelled Turvey Park and Leeton into the top two final ladder positions. Both teams having recorded massive wins against Ardlethan and Grong Grong-Matong respectively to edge out the Imperials on percentage. 
It was a remarkable season in many ways. Who, for instance, will ever forget that final competition match played against Leeton at the Showground. Jack Luhrs​ broadcasting live on 2RG radio certainly got himself off on the wrong foot with Redlegs fans over a kicking incident involving Brian Fell and Bob 'Chow' Carroll. In his on-the-spot description and later in his summing up, Luhrs made frequent use of the words “Fell deliberately kicked Carroll.” But Jack, who calls 'em' as he sees them on this occasion won plenty of praise from Griffith fans. 
Finally, extracts from G.A.R.F.C. minutes book of 1961 noted: “In opening the meeting the President, Dick Bitcon extended a welcome to Len Sexton and expressed disappointment that both teams had been eliminated in the semi-finals. The teams and the Club however had a good year – one which was highlighted by Vic Hathaway winning the Gammage Medal for the second time a feat which brought honour to the player and his Club. Fred Gambell, Len Sexton and Frank Conlan had also gained recognition for efforts on the field. The players and Club had also taken an active part in the Boys Club and Festival Gymkhanas, and he congratulated all participants on their efforts.

(Compiled by Trevor Harrison).