GRIFFITH CLUB NOTES 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 2, 1989 - No. 1
Riverina Football Record No. 1 unavailable

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 16, 1989 - No. 2
Welcome to season 1989. What a start for the Griffith Swans. First up a very hearty welcome to Les and Jenny Parish and their two small sons Christopher and Toby. The Swans committee know how fortunate they are to get a coach and player as good as Les, we wish them all the best in Griffith and know they will make many friends. Good luck Les.
Back to the game at Leeton, bad luck Under 18's, you almost had it - down by 3 points. Best players were Mark O'Connor, Mathew Cox and Robert Knox but a good effort by the team. Congratulations to Terry Bennett appointed Under 18's coach, welcome back Terry.
Second 18 opened their account with a good win. Great games from Scott Wade, Garry Waters and Jason Gladman, a good team effort. How good is it to see 1978 Second 18 premiership coach Kevin Kirkpatrick back on the job again, congratulations Kirk on your appointment as Seconds coach.
I doubt if there is anyone in Griffith who doesn't know about the 100 plus points win the Firsts had. What a team effort, everyone doing their bit. Just a mention for Danny Files and Brendan Guthrie, but one win does not make finals, so keep up the good work fellas.
Good luck to 1989 President Roy Agresta and his committee, another player carrying the flag. Well done, Roy. Up the Swans!

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 23, 1989 - No. 3
Great day last Sunday against Ganmain. Four big wins (more to come). The Firsts won by 9 points - could have been 40, but the boggy conditions which didn't suit. Best players were Gerry Toscan, Joe (Cool) Agresta, Darren Prest and Marty O'Donnell.
The Seconds won by 5 points after being up by 30 points half-way through the third quarter. Maybe a little bit more training, hey Kirk! Best players were David Taylor, Ricky Burdett, and Brett (see you in three months) McAlister.
The Thirds won by a big margin and coach Terry Bennett has been offered a coaching position at Collingwood Council next year. Best player were Jason Wadley, Mark O'Connor and Mathew Cox.
The Netballers played like women possessed and got up by one goal. Best players were Peta Bennett, Kathy Bottcher and Paula Tyson. Thanks girls, and many thanks to Kathy Bottcher and Mrs Dreyer. 
Today, Ariah Park-Mirrool. Let's make it three on the trot. Up The Swans! 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" April 30, 1989 - No. 4

Another good day for the Swans last week. The windy condition didn't suit either team, but the Swans were far too good on the day. One local sportswriter wrote - "They (Swans) had honest toilers all day in Parish, Bottcher, O'Donnell, Geddes, Biron, Agresta and Darrell Collins, but honest toilers never seem to get too far away in any competition - what a whole lot of cow manure!" Les Parish had about 100 possessions, Darrell marked everything in sight, Paul Biron and Roy Agresta were in great form across the centre, and Marty O'Donnell, Ian Geddes and Wayne Bottcher were outstanding all day. I think the sportswriter was seen at the Leeton-Turvey Park game not at A.P.M. What are football toilers anyway!
The Seconds had another big win in what was a lack lustre game. Terry Bennett pulled a hamstring chasing a 12-year-old footballer, Garry Waters had a top game along with Simon Henderson, Rick Burdett and first gamer Michael Catanzariti (4 goals). Well done Michael, and David Taylor was in good form.
More on the sports writer: The only reason Bennett and Agresta played was that two second eighteen players got lost on their way to the ground. Is the club supposed to drop Second Eighteen players who have trained all year, to play Under 18's, the ones who were sitting in front of T.V. - Up the Swans.
Today East Wagga and we are hoping to continue our good form and have another four big wins. Is that $10 Lotto ticket still on Ted? Good luck to both teams today. This column was written today by Roy Agresta.  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 7, 1989 - No. 5

All three grades up again, well done fellas. 
U18s playing a young, undermanned Hawks side, ran out big winners to boost their percentage. Many good players especially Mark O’Connor, Mat Cox, Jason Wadley, Robert Knox and Christian Files.
Second XVIII coach Kevin Kirkpatrick away at a wedding at the weekend called from down the coast to see how the boys were doing, great to tell him another good win, great efforts from Michael Catanzariti, Peter McDiarmid, Justin Barry, Peter McGrath and Justin Sanson.
What a great effort from the First XV111. Some of what used to be their top players down on the day, but the younger brigade going great guns, maybe not in the case of Ian Geddes who had a great game at full back, though kicking badly (25 points) and seemingly out-marked our boys with a gutsy display never gave up and so another win to their credit. Best players were Ian Geddes, Darren Prest, Craig Maher, Danny (6 goals ruck winner) Files and Joey (go Joe) Agresta.
Bad luck for the Netball girls when the game was called off mid-way through accident. Coolamon today boys and girls. 

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 14, 1989 - No. 6
Notes not available at time of printing  

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" May 28, 1989 - No. 7
Another good day for the Swans with Firsts, Seconds having good wins and the Under 18s a draw (very lucky).
The 1sts with Les Parish in great touch (6 goals). Mark Tyndall in great form on the wing. Paul Biron running into form in the centre and Toscan and Collins marking strongly around the ground they never looked like losing.
The Seconds had a big win and Kirk’s got them going very well. Best players were Garry Waters (again), Scott Wade, Lou Testoni and Shane Best.
The Under 18s never looked like winning, but got out of goal after the siren with a goal to Mat Cox. They will have to learn to play together for the full 100 minutes if they want to be a good team. Best players were Owen (I don’t know which one), Cox, Tony Butcher and Mark O’Connor.
The Netballers lost, but are improving. They had a big social day after the game with Michelle Maher winning the mug, last seen being carried home by Craig.
On the social side, very good night with the 120-club draw and Sixty’s Night.
The next function is on June 22 at the Golden Chop Sticks. Only 60 tickets, first in with money will get them. Tickets available today week. See Cathy Bottcher. Don’t miss out.
To Mary Collins from the Committee, supporters and many of your friends …. we wish you a speedy recovery. Slow down a bit Mary. 
Today, Narrandera. Let’s have four wins. Up The Swans!

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 4, 1989 - No. 8
It seems the wheels fell off on Sunday for the First XVIII, particularly in the goal kicking area. Narrandera's stars were at their best and didn't give the Swans too many opportunities, hopefully more players at regular training, don't leave it to the faithful few. Best players were Darren Prest, Robbie Owen, Darren McGown and Les Parish.
On the happier note Kirk's boys did it again and remain undefeated. Keep at it boys, our last premiership was in 1978 with Kirk. Be good if he does it again - a tribute to a great player. Best players were Roy Agresta (jnr), Garry Waters, Mark Cameron and Peter McGrath. A good team effort.
Under 18's didn't get their act together and paid the price when they were beaten. More dedication from some players to support the goers. Best players were Mathew Cox, Jason Wadley, Mark Owen, Tony Butcher, Phillip Crowe and Robert Kelly.
Netball girls still battling. Congratulations to those girls in there trying. The girls would like to say thank you to Ian and Jenny Geddes for the weekly mug for the best player, who last week was Belinda Berthon. How about a little support for the girls. Wander over and watch them. Let them know they have support from the club.  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 10, 1989 - No. 9

I guess you could say the day didn't start so well for the Swans sides, but what a finish. Under 18's were playing the top side in the league and it showed. I'm afraid some players are letting the coach and their team mates down by not training together regularly, you know together we stand, in this case win. Best players were Robert Kelly, Paul Young, Mathew Cox, Mark Owen and Chris Files.
Kirk's crew were all at sea and never got into the game, but like the Firsts they too will bounce back, bad luck to loose captain Garry Waters on three week holidays. Garry, one of the best players every week will be sorely missed. Best players were Mark Tyndall, Garry Waters, Shane Best, Mark Cameron and Scott Wade.
What a day for the Seniors, not given a chance by newspaper and radio, just shows those who know it all, don't. Well done team, every player giving their all and playing like a team we know you are. From a great team effort the award to Darrell Collins, pewter to Darren Prest, Danny Files great ruck work, Ian Geddes strong as ever.
Netball girls struggled on but couldn't quite make it. Pewter award to Dannielee Perosin, well done. 

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 18, 1989 - No. 10
If we thought the ground at Wagga was bad, imagine being at the MCG - lucky people washing the jumpers. Not the best day the Swans have had - all three grades down for the first time this season.
Under 18's let down by some players and had to play the game with 17 only, so slipped out of the four, but with some real dedication today, can get back! Good luck fellas. Best player last week: Mathew Cox, Chris Haggarty and Tony Butcher.
The 2nd 18 didn't improve the trend of the day with few players really showing their best form and Garry Waters was really missed. Well we're without him again today, so everyone else needs to give that little extra. Better players last week were Steve Best, Rickie Burdett, Michael Vaughan and Justin Sanson.
For those who know Ian Geddes they would not be surprised to know he was in hospital in Canberra on Thursday and then in Wagga playing a great game of footy as usual. The boys did well in the main game. Down early but only lost by two straight kicks in the end. We had our chances though. Best players: Darrell Collins, Ian Geddes, Peter McGrath, Martin O'Donnell and Darren Prest.
No games for the Netballers, Wagga has no team. Good luck today girls. Up The Swans!   
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 2, 1989 - No. 12

Notes not available at time of printing.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 8, 1989 - No. 13

In a perfect day for football, the First Grade recorded one of their best ever wins against APM. Andrew Romagnolo limped off (when doesn’t he?) with nine goals and winning the mug, after being continually fed by the likes of Mr. Parish, Presty and fellow ‘Travelling Wilbury’ Robbie Owen to name a few. The win was also remarkable that Darrel Collins was out injured. But the biggest highlight of the day when Greg ‘50’ Dreyer took yo the field to the deafening roar from the female section of the crowd.
In the earlier fixture, captain Kirk’s 2nd Grade star ship was lost in the ozone layer and the crew had to use the half time interval to adjust themselves with the ground, the football and themselves. The lack lustre win didn’t provide any boost and made many aware that massive improvements must be made to keep the spaceship on course to the finals. In a brilliant display Snowy ‘T’ Taylor back person come forward kicked three goals in the first quarter only to be equalled by ‘Bicycle Blacky the Cat’ who won the mug for the game.
Till next week, roger over and out.   

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 16, 1989 - No. 14
Last Saturday's game must have seemed like a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's "Birds" with the Griffith Swans portrayed as the actors continuously and repeatedly attacked by the EWK Hawks to finish the day not in the lead role, but as 'B grade Ronald Regan clones'. Robbie Owen was the main actor, winning the pewter of the day. In a never say die role as the tough rover, poor ol' Mr. Parish he must have thought he'd landed a part as General George A. Custer with guest appearance by Ricky 'T-Bone' Burdett as the Little Big Horn. No doubt he will regroup his players and emerge from the Wakaden Street studios today after a week of rehearsal ready to do battle against Coolamon.
In the midday show, Capt. Kirk's courageous crusaders from the cosmic went down narrowly, having to start the game without a full strength side and losing star full forward Steve 'Busta' Best with a shocking knee injury. We all wish Steven a quick recovery. Justin 'Top Gun' Sanson was so disturbed by the loss that he organised a 'Gym-Bob' instructor to train the ten players staying in his hotel penthouse suite until the early hours of Sunday morning. Meanwhile out on the seedy side of town, Justin Barry thought he'd bumped into the East Wagga cheer squad on a street corner and started trying to convert the mislead souls only to be told that they were a group of Hare Krishna. Best players for the day were Garry 'Muddy' Waters and Shane 'Bat' Best.
Two experienced campaigners who have served the club well over the years and someone - the younger players can take note of. T.B.'s tenuous teenagers tediously fought out a tense tussle to record an easy win and from all reports it was a refreshing trip home with T.B. reporting that a particular Bunderburg product proving most popular.
It was good to see Ian Wade and his wandering waiters put up (in cards) and everyone else reflecting on the previous days (and nights) conquests. Watch out for the video titled 'A Wicked Weekend in Wagga'. Up The Swans!  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 23, 1989 - No. 15

Notes not available at time of printing.  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 30, 1989 - No. 16
Notes not available at time of printing.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 6, 1989 - No. 17

Led by yet another awesome display of football by Mr. Parish, the First-grade side notched up a super win. The side has obviously benefited by the inclusion of Ricky Burdett who must rate a chance to take out this year's Quinn Medal. Rick's skilful play paid dividends bringing the likes of Darrell Collins, Joey Agresta, Jamie '40 plus' Bennett and Paul 'Spuds McKenzie' Biron into the game.
Meanwhile Kirk's Cosmos conquerors also had a good win and with the team going along so well Kirky docked the spaceship just long enough to take on a few more mid-season recruits, hopefully of landing a spot in the side come September.
A low point for the day was Capt. Muddy (Waters) injuring his knee. This leaves Shane 'Bat' Best as the elder statesman of the side and he led by example winning the pewter for a gutsy display. Newcomer 'Charles in Charge' Anderson took complete control of the forward line in a top game. T.B.'s 'Young Ones' completed a hat trick of wins for the day with Paul Young and Jason Wadley collecting the best player awards.
Justin Sanson would like to remind everyone that he kicked five goals some weeks back and it went unreported.
Ian Wade who was made honorary Mayor of Mathoura on Saturday, wishes to remind all that his annual auction sale will be held on Saturday, August 19. Contact 'Sheeds' on 622600 for details.

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 13, 1989 - No. 18
Bang, Pow, Zap. No this not the script from the new Batman movie, but only from the Under 18's encounter of a Bull pup kind - as there were more punches thrown than in a Mike Tyson fight. The budding young lads went down but coach Terry Bennett tells me they'll bounce back today. Mark Owen, Mathew Cox and Mark O'Connor surfaced from the mug as the better players for the day.
In the midday galactic "Thommo" was so serious about his part in Kirk's crazy space odyssey that he has had cosmetic surgery on his ear to assure him the part of 'Dr. Spock'. In his absence the crew was attacked by the weird Turvey creatures that hail from the planet Wagga, and this has left a gaping hole in the crew's ability to contest the up coming finals. Better players were Damien Scott and Shane Best, yet again.
Bogged down after the first quarter the First graders never could get their act going and went down. Mr. Ian Geddes showed that even 29-year old veterans can turn in good games. Having not collected four points for the game has the side in a up-hill battle to secure a finals spot.
Mr. Ian Wade's Auction is being held on Saturday, August 19 and it promises to be the biggest spectacular of its kind this decade. To find out more contact 'Sheeds' on 622600.  

 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 27, 1989 - No. 20

Amongst scenes never before witnessed outside the club rooms, master coach, legend, guru, call him what you will, Mr. Parish triumphantly led his side off the field after gloriously defeating the Wagga Tigers - an effort few outside the club thought possible. But here we are still in contention for the flag. This marvellous win was bigger than Kate Ceberano concert, and "H's" (Robert Harrington) 71-metre goal topped the day's excitement. Only a win today will put us in our first RFL finals series.
"TB's" lads kicked the day off with yet another win and Ol' Silver has his top guns firing at the right end of the season. Last weekends hectic training camp should see the guys record another win.
Even the return of raunchy Ricky Burdett, the Seconds failed to topple the Wagga side. "Beam Me Up" Scotty Wade won the pewter and made sure everyone at the ground knew about it. "General" (McAlister) also made a welcome return to the side after hijacking his employer's jet and going on a worldwide vacation for a couple of months.
Presentation Night will be held on Friday, October 6 and tickets go on sale from August 27. Please note, no tickets on sale at the door on the night. Until we meet in the finals, this is your reporter signing off.

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