GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 6, 1986 - No. 12
Last week the day started with Under 19's thrashing a depleted Narrandera side to the tune of 199 points. The young fellas were a picture to watch with Malcolm Williams winning the pewter, closely followed by 'Jim Bob' Bennett, Darren 'Prestigious' Prest and Darren Frank.
Playing like a man possessed that he is, Robbie 'Claude the ...... Crowe' won the pewter after weeks of trying and having a few quiet drinks on Sunday night he and young Muzza Murray somehow made it in a vehicle to Hanwood.
The 2nds game was highlighted by the return of Greg 'Whispers' Payne, the Sam Kekovich of Griffith, who is rumoured to have had that much ability that a well known taxi driver claims he was in his infamous star-studded West Torrens side, but only on the bench.
In the Firsts, Gerry 'Go-Go-Gadget' Toscan came out of his shell, in more ways than one, and won the man of the match award which included the new 'scenic tour of the social club's no man's land' award conducted late on Sunday nights by a number of ladies and is aimed at attracting young unattached people to the socials. Solar litty of the club's finer footballers have put their names down for the next social. 
Now back to the football .... Tosco's off-sider, young Shane 'The Coly Stud' McDermott put in a 'Warwick Capper' performance at full forward. Ducky O'Donnell did things that no mere mortal could have been capable of doing all round the ground but that has always been young Marty's style. Darrell Collins and his assistant tracksuit entrepreneur, brother Greg, played games we've become accustom to expect from these two. Robbie 'B.P.' Owen celebrated his engagement to Denise with a 'Tim Watson' style game while Harro' with his haircut had him talking about sheep all Sunday night and young Janet looking for the shearer seen with Harro last week. Romo who with his continuing injury problems consulted a Mrs. Vinnie Purger to seek treatment which without such soothing medication would have been forced to miss a few weeks of footy.  
Well, there you have a successful day at the footy. We all hope this week is just as successful in our attempts to tame the Lions.
Don't forget the 300 Club is being drawn tonight at 8 p.m. back at the clubrooms. Supper will be available. Come back after the game and hopefully celebrate.  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 13, 1986 - No. 13
Last Sunday at Ganmain was a day most of us would like to forget as it seemed like a nightmare from the moment the Under 19's ran onto the ground until the time the First Grade left the ground.  Mal Williams once again won the man of the match award for the Under 19s. 'Jim Bob' Bennett looked alright during the game but seemed more at ease in his part time job as chauffeur on Sunday afternoons. The only player worth mentioning was young Peter Lonergan who played his usual cool mature game.
The Second Grade encounter saw the dynamic debut of the infamous policeman Peter 'Jacko' Watson who took everyone before him including the man of the match award. Could he be the player to put the side back on the winners list? For the rest of the side, well ... there's always this week, isn't there boys!!!
The First-Grade game saw another prodigal son, Sid Williams win the pewter with Robbie Owen running a close second after overcoming every illness known to man to take the field and pick up over 30 kicks. Today we tackle the Leeton Redlegs ... let's make it three wins.  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 20, 1986 - No. 14
Last week saw the "Jacko 'n Psycho' (Watson and Trafford) show swing into action. They teamed up well in the Second Grade that they made Batman & Robin look like the Odd Couple. Fair dinkum these two generate more vibes than AC/DC. After compering 'The Terry Bennett Morning Breakfast Show' down at 'Norma Jean's Night Spot' they went onto play the way for a good win in the Second-Grade game. Backed up by Craig 'Marlon' Brand, Ritchie 'Reject' Turner, Mick 'Dynamite' Delahunty, Mike Thompson (whose laundry cost are smaller than Neil from the Young Ones) and of course Craig Murray who did a Bernie Quinlan impersonation at a shot for goal from 15-67 metres and failed dismally.
The real Young Ones - The Under 19s had a convincing win under Mick Foxall's guidance not allowing the opposition to score a goal for the entire match. Young 'Lois' Lane won the man of the match award with good games from Spanner, Dreary, Presty, Royaly, Gully, Roger Biron, Jim bob Bennett and Pete 'Townsend' Lonergan.
The First-Grade encounter cost us dearly with young Darrell having his number taken. His brother Greg 'Kimbies' Collins, who leaves his mark nearly anywhere he goes nowadays, put in a strong game as did Shane 'Reggies' McDermott, Greg Hill, Marty 'Man of the Match' O'Donnell, Gerard 'Babes' Toscan snr, Peter 'Daydream Jnr High School' Telford, The Albury Fire Breather, Harry Harrington, Snow 'Party' Taylor, and of course, Robbie 'Bruce' Bagatella who made kicking five goals seem as easy as selling tickets down at a Pizza Parlor on Sunday nights. P.S.: Watch this space next week for a review of the 'Swannies Revue' held on Friday night last.
This week another good win to consolidate our finals spot. Up The Swannies!   
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 26, 1986 - No. 15
No Under 19's game again last week. It was interesting to read an article in the Wagga paper recently concerning the umpire appointments for the finals. i.e.: 1sts 1 VFL with a AUL official; 2nds 2 AUL officials, and the Under 19's - yes, the usual 1 AUL official. Bad luck boys, you don't seem to be all that important. No wonder the Under 19's competition is in the state it is.
In another convincing win the 2nds had plenty of stars running around but none better than Blackbird and Fish Gut who turned in a super performance, and then what about the surprise of the day, our new swift rover Tony Shaw booted 4 goals in the first quarter, what a delight to watch. Others to do well were Tricky Ricky, Kingston Town and Ageto.
Apparently the Insurance officers in town are in a frenzy. Hoady Teddy wants to insure his boots after booting 3 delightful goals, one a left footer. The pewter was won again by Robbie "Claude the" Crowe, who again put it to good use after the game, but this time didn't have to rely on Muzza Murray to get him home.
Although the Firsts won their game against Ardlethan convincingly. it was not exactly brilliant football especially as several other teams had beaten the Stars far more convincingly. 'Muddy' Waters rest on the bench last week did him the world of good and he came back with a vengeance. Marty 'Bert Newton' 0'Donnell again showed his worth to Griffith and was closely pressing Stephen 'Lemons' Brooks, who won the pewter. Kevin 'Psycho' Trafford was called to the bench when Neil Bruce was still unable to take his place in the side due to his injury. Psycho finished the day with 9 goals, having played a full game in the 2nds where he scored 3 and then 6 in the 1sts. Welcome back Psycho.
In his first game with the Firsts, Peter 'Jacko' Watson showed he could well be an asset, particularly in the ruck. He did, however, find it a little cold in the back pocket. Greg 'Splash' Collins was another of the Swans to play booting 7 goals. However, the goal of the day must go to 'Harro' who put one through the sticks with plenty to spare from about 80 yards. One of 'Splash's' goals was not far behind either.
This week we meet EWK on a Saturday and as against the Tigers will not be able to field our strongest U19 side or 2nds side. It's about time the RFL decided whether it wants to be a Saturday OR Sunday competition or at the very least insist that those Wagga teams who have HOME Saturday play the same opponents on a Saturday for the return game. See how well they go fielding three sides when they have to travel to the other end of the League for a Saturday game.
Anyway, we'll do our best. Up The Swans! 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 3, 1986 - No. 16
More spectacular than the Royal Wedding, more exciting than the Commonwealth Games, no, not London or Edinburgh but Gumly Oval where we silenced critics and won against the odds including the taunting remarks of Simon Hicks to our captain-coach! The thrilling victory had many highlights including 'Hot Dog' Harry's (Harrington) 50 metre goal seconds from the final siren to clinch the match. While at the other end of the ground our own Randy Andy (Romagnolo) was busy restricting the King of Country Football, the legendary Trevor Sutton, to only six goals, an effort which won him the man of the match award (who was the player asking if there was a Wagga paper printed on Sunday). His efforts were ahead of the Royal performances by Ian Geddes, Garry Waters, David Alpen and Robbie Harrington.
Then the long trek to a distant hotel which many found to be a longer trip back to Griffith. A Mexican affair was added to the night before retiring to the Leagues Club and although Psycho's 'Git Me A Date' service was overbooked a certain player reportedly scored better in the after-hours than during the game.
In the 2nds, congratulations go to Mr. Tim Gooden on his 100th goal for the season. On our side of the ledger, not so good with players absent due to work, it was a gallant effort, especially from Craig Brand and 'Bat' Bestie. Others to fire up in the game were James Stillman, Mick Thompson and Andrew 'Race Horse' Smith.
The Under 19's had to field a depleted side and also went down. As a noted scribe reported last week, it was time someone decided on either Saturday or Sunday games as it has a devastating effect on a club such as ours, and on Romo who rarely awakens before 12 midday on Saturdays. This week let's exterminate the Grasshoppers. Go The Swannies!  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 10, 1986 - No. 17
The usual tactics adopted by several players before last Sunday's game backfired as the 1st and 2nd grades were humbled by Coolamon. These tactics had included several conscious players discussing the forthcoming game around a game of cards while others spent Saturday night sitting at home watching videos to gain a superior knowledge of positional changes! But the most dedicated were known to have devoted all Saturday afternoon giving donations to a worthwhile cause at a Coolah Street venue.
Amongst the gloom and doom on Sunday a little ray of sunshine did emerge through the rain when the Under 19's literally trounced their short-staffed opposition - good to see fellas. Chris Frank won the Man of the Match award although it was hard to fault anyone's game after such a convincing win. Another to play well was 'Pentridge' Prest who's driving antics have been known to land him in more trouble that Barry Unsworth could get him into during a bi-election.
Terry 'Disco' Duck' Bennett's 2nds lost touch with the four as they went down in a disappointing result, although 'Bat' Best's efforts were rewarded with the pewter closely followed Crowie 'The Stoned Crow'.
In the 1sts, a dashing young schoolboy named Davie Alpen showed his other team-mates what was needed to match Coolamon's efforts but too many didn't follow Dave's example and allowed Coolamon to run away with the win.
Despite the day's poor performances the Social, which was choreographed by the Bennett Family, nearly rivalled the No Talent Night with everyone doing their little bit and at one stage it seemed like the young Bennett team had taken over as Terry and his three charming daughters had the dance floor to themselves for a while. What would Jim Bob have said? I'm assured that the next social promises to be even better, so don't miss it.
A reminder of the Dinner Dance next Friday, August 15, 7.30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall, $15 a head for a 3-course meal and music supplied by that wonder band 'Nightshift'. Be there - should be fun - tickets from most committee members - and the hall will be heated - promise!
This week let's take the bark out of the Bulldogs. Go The Swans!   
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 17, 1986 - No. 18
Little did we think about three weeks ago that we would be fighting for our very survival in the four. At that time we were looking to finish in 2nd spot  - how unpredictable is football. We now find ourselves in the unenviable position of having to virtually play a grand final each week to finish in 4th spot. What a dreadful day last Sunday in Wagga.
The Under 19's were beaten and now have no chance of being in the four. Their cause was not helped when one of the selected players failed to turn up and did not notify the coach or selectors of his non attendance. This meant a reshuffle of the team and with Peter Lonergan out with illness left the lads a bit short on the forward line. They battled well all day and to their credit did not give up. Graham Robinson won the pewter closely pressed by Mal Williams, Peter Royal, Mick Foxall and Darren Frank.
The 2nds were beaten mainly in the first quarter. After half time we managed to outscore the Bulldogs, but we lacked a forward line. Adrian 'Azza' Andreazza played well in the ruck, but we miss our hard-working secretary (Mike Thompson), who was tripping the light fantastic in the bright light of Sydney at a wedding. Tony Dillon won the pewter followed by Peter Casey and Andrew Smith. The 2nds have also missed their chance of playing in the finals this year.
After a great start in the 1sts many of our players seemed to fade into oblivion. It was great to see Neil Bruce back in the side and his presence was  very obvious from the centre bounces, but the euphoria was short-lived as Neil again damaged the same hand and had to leave the ground. His place was taken by Shane McDermott but his time on the field was also brief as he dislocated a collar bone and took no further part in the game. It is doubtful whether he will play again this season. Hopefully Neil could be back for the finals!! In a game where we had few stars, particularly in the second half, the half back line stood out and deservedly Ian Geddes won the pewter as he led by example all day.
Good attendances at training this week and a positive attitude by the players will see us bounce back again this week and prove to all the experts that we are indeed contenders for the premiership NOT pretenders. Let's strip the strips off the Tigers! Up The Swannies!
P.S.: Don't forget the Auction on Saturday August 30. We still want donation of items. See Ian Wade 622600 or Ray Davies 626511. 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 24, 1986 - No. 19
The day had commenced quite well with a well-earned win for the Under 19's with young Dreary Dreyer livening proceedings up nearly as much as Hoot McGrath did after training on Monday. Young Peter Lonergan had sore fingers and arms from waving through nearly every goal kicked and was awarded with the pewter at the end of the day. Presty took time off from his car dismantling hobby to play a damaging part of the game along with Garry 'old Lois' Lane.
Terry's merry band of 2nds resembled some of the dances at Sunday's night disco, starting off in great fashion but fading out towards the end. Andrew Smith who has gone from boiled lilies to chocolates this year won the pewter with a fine game and Greg 'Whispers' Payne assumed his am Kekovich role, kicking a few goals. Claude Crowe's game was adversely affected by the fact that he was continually checking his truck to see no-one had started on his beer before the end of the match.
In the major attraction of the afternoon with 4th spot at stake, both sides put up a jolly good fight but when the final siren sounded it was those fellas in the yukkie Tigers jumpers who had the better result, hence taking the four points. Well not to dwell on the bad afternoon too much, Davy Alpen won the pewter.
A top night at the social followed which had the patrons looking like Sir Les Patterson by the finish. Congratulations to all involved in organising the event. Don't forget the Auction on August 30. If everyone in the club can donate one item we'll be laughing.
P.S.: Selectors please note. Large display of potential First Graders in both Under 19's and 2nd Grader's contrary to the silly comments in the Wagga Daily Advertiser last Saturday. Happy 25th Ducky! 

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