GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 26, 1988 - No. 11
Nothing will convince this scribe that there is any benefit to Saturday football when you looked around Robertson Oval last Saturday. As in previous years we were struggling to field sides and it is history now that for the first time ever we were forced to forfeit the Under 18's . . . not an enviable decision I'm sure. As most people are aware the majority of our U18's are also playing U16's on Saturdays and were not available.
Many thanks to those U18's who made the trip to Wagga and enabled us to field a 2nds side - they were helped out by some of the regulars who were carrying injuries and those players are also to be commended. We were also undermanned in the official capacity because of work commitments by our regular goal and boundary umpires, runners, timekeepers etc., and a special mention must go to the our Secretary who was prepared to pull on the shorts and run the boundary - good on you Greg 'Two Can' Wade and our Treasurer (Ffiona) joined the small band of females runners for the day - and enjoyed the experienced. Well it certainly wasn't won of our better days on the paddock.
The 2nds started well and were still in touch at half time, however, fitness told in the second half and with the fog coming down and slippery conditions, the Tigers gained the ascendancy. 'General' McAlister was without doubt the best player and the opposition score would have been far higher had he not played at fullback. He was heard to say after the game that he'd had more kicks in that game game than he had for the whole of the season in 1sts. It's hoped that this week will see him back in the 1sts and fully fit. Other players to try hard Youngy (Paul Young), Matty Cox who the stepped up and played his first game in seniors, Bellie (Brian Bellincanta) and the mercurial Frankie Morgan.
The 1sts scoreline was definitely a case of the score not being indicative of the game. We were in there for the ball most of the time but were unable to capitalise and couldn't get the ball past the half forward line. We managed to contain the Tigers to just 14 goals - four less than they scored against Turvey Park the previous week. At no stage could they string together three or four goals in their usual fashion. Andy Dobson was without a doubt the best player and won the mug. He was always in their battling hard and is certainly an acquisition. Great to see Robbie Owen back out there in his headgear. Not the best game for you to make your comeback in Robbie but welcome back anyway! Darren Prest at fullback repelled many attacks and kept the opposition honest. Greg Dreyer, Shane Best, Darrell Collins, Drew Hicks and Dave Johnson were the better players.
The netballers had the bye. Aerobics have now commenced on Tuesdays at 5.30 pm at the Clubrooms and any ladies are welcome. $2 a time. Today it's the Grasshoppers and we hope the conditions are better than they were at Kindra Park last year. Come on Swannies - let's win this one! 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 3, 1988 - No. 12

Well conditions at Kindra Park last week were a great improvement on the previous year when we played that memorable draw in what was close to being a soccer game. The conditions, however, did not do us much good as Coolamon proved too strong in all grades - the only victors being the netballers who won in convincing fashion.  Again we were struggling for numbers in the Under 18's and although they struggled hard and fought it out to the end they were well beaten.
The 2nds enjoyed a good start and they were also down on numbers and had to rely on four of the U18's to step up and play full games again in some cases. Special mention must go to Ricky Sellers who played a full game in the 18's, at least three quarters of the 2nds and then backed up to run the boundary for the club!! The Hoppers proved just too good and we were soon overpowered. Gino Favero won the pewter, while 'Moose' Irvin, Roy Agresta, Frankie Morgan and Brian Bellincanta were sound performers.
Welcome back to the fold after some years to Gary Howe. The W.A. 'connection' are heading off. It's too cold here apparently. They have proved their worth both on and off the field and we will miss them, although their stay was brief.
After the game against Tigers it was easy to see that the Seniors had a point to prove and they came out determined to do just that. They teamed together and highlighted the deficiencies in the 'Green Machine' and were leading by 3 points at the half time break. Johnno (Dave Johnson) dominated the rucks and won well around the ground while 'Pancho' Prest and Drew Hicks were on top. 'Siggy' Signor, 'Duck' O'Donnell, Darrell Collins and Ian Geddes had the advantage over their opponents. The half time break was our downfall as we failed to maintain the pressure we applied in the first half. Dave Johnson won the pewter (again) while Darrell, Pancho, Besty, Ian and Hicksy were good contributors.
The netballers returned to the winning list with an 20-10 victory. Rosemary was outstanding while Louy, Miss Fifty and Rachel supported her well.
This week it's the Bulldogs at home  (first time for five weeks - what a draw!!) and a continuation in form will be needed to test the scraggers in all grades. Non-availability for this week will hit us hard but remember what we did to Turvey this time last year - let's give them a run for their money and hopefully make it a long trip home for them.  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 10, 1988 - No. 13

Today fortnight we say ‘Thank God for the Salvos’ - last Sunday against Turvey Park it was a case of ‘Thank God for the U18s’! Without them we would have been in a heap of trouble. With several of the more regular First Graders unavailable through work commitments, sickness, and holidays, we had to call on the younger members of the club to fill in, and they did that admirably. Although on the scoreboard we were beaten very convincingly it was another case of the score not being indicative of the game.
Again we fell down at the CHF line, but elsewhere on the field the young ‘cygnets’ put it in with the best of them and at times some of the Turvey ‘champions’ were found wanting. Ian Geddes was our best at fullback and again our best players came from Pancho, Fifty, Ducky, Burdy, and first gamer, Brian ‘Belly’ Bellincanta.
The 2nds didn’t fare too well either but all players tried hard which is all that Bat asks. They too had to reply on a few of the U18s to play a second game in order to field a side and this is extremely disappointing considering that we were playing at home. Roy (Agresta), the Best Brothers, Jamie Horne and Gary Waters were the better players.
The U18s were behind the 8 ball from the start because had lost a lot of their best players to the 1sts. It was good to see ‘Lonno’ out their again and his experience will assist the younger ones in the next few weeks. Matt Cox and Jamie Horne were again dominate and although they were soundly beaten they displayed a great deal of courage and didn’t give up all day – young Butch put in a gutsy performance and despite his size was in everything – what a good little footballer he’s going to be.
The Netballers were in it until a controversial umpiring decision saw one of their numbers sent off the court. With one player short for the remainder of the game Turvey was able to capitalise and finally won 24-17.
This week it’s off to Ariah Park – now’s the chance for us to get a couple of wins – hopefully three counting the netballers. The U18s get the rest this week – although the way things are panning out it would appear that if they are available they’ll be needed for the 2nds and the 1sts again. Let’s get in there and make a really good trip home. Up The Swans! 

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GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 17, 1988 - No. 14
Last Sunday saw wins to the Seconds and the Netballers while the Seniors were swamped after half-time to go down by almost seven goals. Our depleted Senior side seems more fragile with injures to Tricks, Hoot, Youngy, Pin and Belly throughout the game. Hopefully all will be right today. Our first half was satisfactory, however we should have been three or four goals ahead instead of one. Ducky 'half-full' O'Donnell won the pewter while Ian Geddes, 'Pancho' Prest, Darrell Collins, Shane Best and 'Spanner' Spencer were handy throughout.
The Seconds put together a gutsy win after being up and down all game. Slippery conditions prevailed early in a closely contested match which saw the lead change many times. Jimbob Bennett put in a pearler while the ever-reliable Roy Agresta picked up many possessions. 'Tiny' Sheppard who had to leave early to go to the game did well while 'Thommo' Thompson, Justin Barry, 'Buster' Best, and Garry Waters were better players in a team effort. Sheed's Wade made a comeback and immediately made his presence felt.
The netballers returned to the winners list in a very close win. Paula 'pops' Tyndall, Rosita, Simple and Miss Dreyer were all in good form. Head hard Louise Hawkins was stunned.
This week Leeton make the journey to our home ground. A big effort by all teams will be required to make today a success.   
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 24, 1988 - No. 15
What a miserable day it was last Sunday, but I suppose we shouldn't complain it's about the first bad one we've had all season. After the overnight rain the ground was rather wet although we were fortunate that the Ex-Services Oval is one ground in the RFL which does drain well. Needless to say, however, conditions were not all that pleasant for the young Cygnets. Again the Under 18's consisted mainly of Under 16's and we are truly grateful for their support.
At the end of day we were the winners although there is a possibility that we could lose the game on protest when we put Moose (Irvin) back on for the last couple of minutes after he had been sent from the ground - we were of the opinion that the umpire had signalled 10 minutes, but apparently this was for the whole game. His Leeton counterpart who was also sent from the ground at the same time is also believed to have gone back on. Anyway tribunal decisions will be made on Thursday night and even if we lose the points the boys will have the satisfaction of knowing that they won the game on the day. The best players were again Tony 'Butch' Butcher, Jamie Horne, Ron 'Moose' Irvin, Matt Cox, Scotty McCann and they were all given a great deal of help from the rugby league patron Greg Keenan, perhaps a chance we can convert him!
The Seconds again were battling to field a side and were again helped out by some of the Under 18's who backed up for a second game. They were never in the hunt but tried hard. The pewter went to Roy 'my name's not Frankie' Agresta and he was assisted by Mike 'Thommo' Thompson, the new bearded one Frankie (Morgan) and several others who were new faces.
It was one of those days when everything went wrong in the Senior side. With Peter 'Hoot' McGrath sidelined through injury and Brendan Guthrie and Darren Prest still shaking off the effects of the flu and a couple still not available through holidays and work commitments, the selectors themselves were having a headache or two when faced with the task of fielding an effective 20. And the Swans were taking on the Redlegs, no less and the Glen Kinchie trophy was at stake.
Once again 'Ducky' O'Donnell called on the younger players to fill the gaps of those injured, sick or still on holidays. Jamie Horne, who backed up from the U18's did a sterling job on the half forward flank. Jamie Bennett, another called on to help out in a crisis, performed well while on the ball. The late changes no doubt rattled the team and the morale of the squad was certainly not at peak when we left the change rooms but to the credit of the whole team they fought it out to the final bell against the more fancied Redlegs. Dave Johnson was again among our best, while Ian Geddes, when moved to fullback, was rock solid in defence, but it was that little terrier Greg Dreyer who won the pewter. He didn't, however, make the most of it after the game - most unusual. 
Let's get behind Ducky this week and repeat the first round dose in today's game against East Wagga Hawks.
The netballers seem to blow hot and cold and went down to Leeton. However, all girls played hard and fairly and quietly! A farewell was held for Rosemary who leaves Griffith for Geelong - has been transferred. Her goal shooting will be sorely missed but it is hoped that she will be able to return for the finals. Good luck Rosemary. In the meantime, the girls have to get back on the winning streak - today should be the day. There will certainly be feathers flying when the Swans play the Hawks. More spectators are wanted - its a good game to watch and the girls appreciate the support. 
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" July 31, 1988 - No. 16

Last week saw our woes continue with all sides defeated except the Under 18's who won on a forfeit. The 1sts were well and truly beaten at quarter time with the Hawks kicking 12.3 and that was without Trevor Sutton! We held them goalless in the second quarter which was some consolation, however the damage was done. The game didn't reach any great heights after that as the soft going and heavy ball took it's toll. Ian Geddes played four solid quarters and collected the pewter. He's the Stephen Silvagni of the Swans. Ricky Burdett, Dave Johnson, Darrell Collins, Mal Williams  and Greg Dreyer were better players.
The 2nds saw a very close match which could have gone either way. Probably the difference was their great man (Bob Berton) at full forward. Every player put in and we nearly collected the four points. The return of 'Splash' Collins (3 goals) gave the boys something to aim at. Mark O'Connor (an U18's) won the pewter and Frankie Morgan, Roy Agresta and Justin Barry were the better players.
The netballers went down by a few goals with several new faces in the team. As the finals are coming up, a settled team who support each other will be required to win in September.
Don't forget the players trip away  - money to Hoot or Roy. There aren't many seats, so it will be first in best seated. There will be a Trivia Night at the Club rooms on Friday, August 5. Remember you are also asked to support the Swans night at the Hotel Griffith on Saturday, August 13 - Jimmy & The Bobcats. Bring all your friends.
The Swans vote count will be held on Saturday, Sept 10 at the Club rooms. Presentation Night will be on Friday, Sept 17 at the Ex-Services and the Auction Day is Saturday Sept 17 at the Woodside Hall. Keep these dates in mind and please support them - it will all be of benefit to you in the long run.  
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 7, 1988 - No. 17

Our dismal run of outs continued at the Lions home ground last Sunday with losses all round except for one of the netball games which was a draw. The Seniors went down by 12 goals after being even early on at quarter time. We broke even in most positions on the ground but lost ascendancy as the game progressed. Dave Johnson was best big man on the ground by far. He played four quarters and was always a worry for the Lions. Ricky Burdett on the wing did well. Newcomer Mark O'Connor stood out in his first game and has a bright future while Ian Geddes, Mal Williams and 'Duck' O'Donnell battled hard all day.
The 2nds were  outclassed by the home side in a match that failed to reach any great heights. Justin Barry won the pewter in one of his best displays for the year. Again the terrible twins, Frankie Morgan and Roy Agresta were among the best players  as were Warren Bellincanta and Justin Sanson. - the latter, however, lost a few points(!) on the bus trip home.
The Under 18's also went down in the early game but considering we had the same travelling problem of not enough players - 16 to be precise, the youngsters battled well. Darren Maddison won the best and fairest award and he was ably supported by Tony Butcher, Robert Knox, Garry Lodding, Scott McCann and although both were injured, 'Moose' Irvin and 'Lonno' Lonergan did their best. Our appreciation to all these young kids who are mostly Under 16's and play both Saturday and Sundays, knows no bounds.
The Netballers had to play two games on Sunday to make up for their extra draw against Tigers who don't have a team. They drew the first but lost the second. The time off between the games had a detrimental effect. Paula Tyndo, J.D.  'I never go out' played well.
The Trivia Night last Friday night was a great success. Don't forget the night at Norma Jeans next Saturday - bring all your friends to Jimmy & The Bobcats.
 

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 21, 1988 - No. 19

Congratulations to see the Under 18's on another determined effort with the odds stacked heavily against us. Jamie Horne once again won the Biron & Kuypers award and was called on for the 1sts for his efforts. Scott McCann continued to improve each week and his game against Narrandera put him among the award players for the first time.
A great effort on the part of Christian Files - a game of Rugby League for his school on Wednesday, school sport on Thursday, participation in the football carnival for his school on Friday, best player for the Swans Under 16's in their preliminary final on Saturday and to top it off, ran the boundary for the 2nds and 1sts on the same day! Let's hope the well-earned rest for him and the rest of the team pays dividends for today's game against Turvey Park.
The 2nds had a win against Narrandera. It was a fairly scrambly game and very low scoring in the first half. however, they showed a lot of determination and were able to come away with the points.
Several of their goals were kicked by one Glen 'Bulla' Harrison. Back for the weekend and apparently hasn't played football for about four years. He was certainly lacking the proverbial match practice in the first quarter but like riding a bike, you never forget how and all his old skills came back to him.
For a while it looked like he was going to win the mug but fortunately for the club he didn't but stayed on afterwards to show that he has lost none of the social attributes either.
The pewter went to Justin Barry for the second week in a row and deservedly so. He was supported by Frank Morgan, Mick 'Thommo' Thompson, Roy 'The Spitter' Agresta, Justin Sanson - but it was a real team effort.
For the 1sts - another Sunday, another sad story. We started slowly having only 2 goals on the board at half time. Splash Collins made a welcome return, and it was delightful to see the big fellow's one handed 'specky'.  After half time we outscored the Eagles to go down by less than four goals. Dave Johnson was close to best on the ground again and won the pewter, while Craig Maher, Ricky Burdett, Darren Prest, Marty O'Donnell, Greg Dreyer and Ian Geddes did well. With just two games left against the top sides plus two byes we have to stick by Ducky and Darrell.
The netballers went down and seem to have lost all cohesion they had in the beginning. It is to be hoped that it comes back before the finals. See if you can repeat the first-round effort against the Bulldogs today and win on their home turf.   

GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" August 28, 1988 - No. 20
It's been a long year and today sees us host top team Wagga Tigers. Last week the Bulldogs had too much class. However, we never gave in which was good. Darrell Collins had over 40 possessions while Mal, Johnno, Rookie, Justin, Bellie, Horny and Pancho done well.
The 2nds also did well with what they had. Rooster, Frankie, Blob, Gurd and Rickey were better players in a good team effort. Again, we are deeply indebted to the younger brigade as several of them backed up and played again in the 2nds and the 1sts. The Blues (oops sorry - the Wade) brothers made a great team running the boundary line for the 2nds - it was obvious that Sheeds hadn't seen the sun for a while!
The netballers were soundly beaten, and it was a game they needed to win. Thanks to Rosemary for making the trip back from Geelong for the game - shame it was all in vain. The netballers, after looking like premiership material early, faded and like the Melbourne Demons, lost those games which they should have won and then the last 3 games became grand finals. Next year girls!
Sunday's after game function had its moments. Good to see Thommo in form. Dorinda was really happy! Mal applied the tackle on the night and nearly got reported! Thommo's wasn't bad but they didn't think he'd get up. Spanner thought he was in Wakedan Street, while Roy 'the special' Agresta put all his money on one filly. The President's report was interesting and Romo still had visible traces of his effort in the last quarter of the seniors - he was near the back of the bus too! Splash's start to Sunday game was where he left the night before. Just because today is our last game for the season doesn't mean the functions stop.
The players have their trip away next weekend and we trust they will all come back in one piece. Vote Count on Sat, Sept 10. There will be a Pig-on-the-Spit on Sat, Sept 17 at the Club rooms - you can watch the VFL Preliminary Final - $6 a head and buy your drinks. Presentation Night is on Friday, Sept 23 at the Ex-Servicemen's Club, 6.30 pm, $15 head. The Auction is on Saturday, October 8. Please support all these functions we need as many of you there as possible.

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