GRIFFITH NOTES: "Riverina Football Record" June 13, 1987 - No. 10 

Next Sunday we'll be saying 'Thank God for the Salvo' - last Sunday the 2nds were saying 'Thank God for the U19s'. It was fortuitous for them that AP-M doesn't field an U19 side because they desperately needed to fill in when the long weekend, weddings, 21st, bar mitzvahs and injuries and a multitude of other excuses depleted the numbers in the 2nds.
There were a couple of comebacks which made Lazarus hardly worth a mention. Joe Catanzariti came out of retirement as did the mercurial Ian 'Sheeds' Wade, and both played full games - the latter did, however, appear to be lacking match practice but was later heard to say that he could have got more kicks but was being his usual unselfish self! 
However, the inclusion of such talent did not help and in a game which never reached any great heights, the 2nds went down to AP-M. Lou Testoni played well in the ruck and Shane 'Bat' Best was again solid in defence and won the pewter. The younger brigade acquitted themselves well, but the main problem seemed to be the lack of a forward line. A goalless third quarter told the sad tale.
The First Grade took the field without Robbie Owen and Richie Turner - both sidelined with injuries and we hope they'll soon be back. Their injuries gave Bob Berton a chance in 1sts after several good games in the 2nds and young Roger 'Biro' Biron received the big promotion.

The game started at a cracking pace with all players fully committed.  For the second week Mark Tyndall played well - a much improved player from last year which shows the benefit of being able to train every night. Bob Berton's nerves would have been calmed a little by his goal in the first quarter and a win seem assured.
However, it was not to be and despite the dogged determination of Mal Williams, Darrell Collins, Wayne Bottcher and Marty O'Donnell we again let a winning lead be whittled away and finished the day with a deficit.
At the time of writing, it was not known who, if anyone, had got the pewter. It was certainly not announced in the rooms after the game. There will obviously have been a great deal of soul-searching done and it is hoped some of the problems have been sorted out.
Today we take on the Wagga Tigers and it would be nice to repeat last year's effort and come away with the points.

The 2nds will again be struggling for numbers as is usual against Tigers.

Notes No. 11 >>>