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 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!

Notes No. 12 >>>