DOWN MEMORY LANE

The following article is from the D.A. – Monday 3^rd October 1977 – by Peter Baker.

BOMBERS TAKE A NOSE DIVE – HAYES GUIDES TURVEY TO FLAG SUCCESS

The Alan Hayes success story in Riverina Australian Football left its mark on Turvey Park Club yesterday as he guided the side to its first South West League pennant for 14 years. Hayes who missed the grand final because of stretched shoulder ligaments saw his side win the grand final flag from Ariah Park-Mirrool Bombers by 17.14 = 116 to 14.13 = 97 at Narrandera Sportsground. Hayes leadership on the field was taken over by ruckman, Keith Miller who was ideal in the role as he had several difficult situations to handle in a spiteful grand final. Miller was instrumental in the victory, particularly in the first quarter as Turvey Park laid the basis for victory by piling up a good lead. Adding support to Miller was rover, Peter Cerato who gave the side a lot of drive from around the packs with his courageous play. His roving partner, Peter Daniher, also played a significant role in victory by lifting his game in the second half. The display of these three, were just part of what was one of Turvey Park’s best team efforts of the season. The Bombers never gave up trying but some of their players were not consistent over the four quarters and Turvey Park had more class in various positions. Twice during the game the Bombers looked to be heading for a big defeat only to come back strongly. Turvey Park established their match-winning lead in a sensational opening in which full forward, Greg Verdon, kicked his only three goals of the game and Centre half forward, Peter Dowdle, ruck rover Mark Lambert and half forward, Warren Purcell, booted one each to run up a score of 6.2 =38 after 20 minutes. The Bombers started on the road back after an incident in which Turvey Park’s halfback flanker, Jeff Siebels, appeared "stiff armed" as he charged through the centre at top pace. Siebels was unable to take his free kick and later in the quarter left the field. From the bounce APM raced the ball goal-ward for half forward flanker Peter Manning to notch the side’s first six pointer. By quarter time APM had made the score more respectable and were only 19 points in arrears. Turvey Park switched Rod Clark onto a half back flank and brought on Peter Grentell who played a handy role on a half forward flank kicking three goals. The Bombers captain-coach Jim Prentice, was constructive in the first half with intelligent handball and centre half forward, Mark Newton, was the side’s main avenue to goal. The Bombers looked like threatening for the lead in the first 10 minutes of the third quarter when they produced their best passages of football of the game. They faced a deficit of 26 points at halftime and their efforts yielded goals to full forward, Glen O’Brien, rover Terry Haddrill and Newton as the side scored 3.3 = 21 to nil in the early part of the third quarter. This left them five points behind but steadying goals to Cerato and ruckman, Ian McKenzie, restored Turvey Park’s grip on the game by three quarter time. The Bulldogs always looked good in attack, particularly when Miller was able to clear the ball from packs and centre, Mark Fraser and wingman, Neil Reaper and Phil Rowley were a good source of drive. Turvey Park got a serviceable game from Rod Clark when switched to a half back flank to replace Siebels and together with centre halfback, Mick Daniher and his brother, Geoff Clark, as the other halfback flank and back pocket Ray Posselt, gave a good four quarter effort. The Bombers defence stood up well with fullback, Bruce Weise and back pocket Jamie Gordon, sound all game and centre halfback Noel Fairman, had a keen tussle with Turvey Park’s centre half forward, Peter Dowdle. Another robust player for APM was half forward flanker and follower, Peter Manning, while Newton and O’Brien looked dangerous whenever the ball was kicked high to the Bombers forward zone.

Turvey Park 17.14 = 116 defeated AP-M 14.13 = 97

Goals: Turvey Park; G Verdon 3, P Grentell 3, P Cerato 2, M Lambert 2, I McKenzie 2, W Purcell 2, P Dowdle 1, P Daniher 1, P Rowley 1

Ariah Park-Mirrool; G O’Brien 5, M Newton 4, P Manning 2, R Yandell 2, T Haddrill 1

Best Players: Turvey Park; P Cerato, K Miller, P Rowley, M Daniher, R Posselt, G Clark, P Daniher

Ariah Park-Mirrool; B Weise, J Gordon, P Manning, M Newton, T Haddrill, G O’Brien, J Prentice

Below is a set of four articles that appeared in the D.A. commencing the week of Friday 22^nd August 1952. They relate to challenges between Ganmain and The Rock Football Clubs.

100 POUNDS CHALLENGE "RULES" AT THE ROCK ON SUNDAY - Friday 22^nd August 1952

One of the glamour matches of this season’s Australian Rules in Riverina will be played at The Rock on Sunday. It will be between Ganmain and The Rock. The Rock missed out on a semi-final place in the A&DFL by less than half a point. Ganmain was beaten by only four points in the first semi-final of the SWDFL. The teams appear to be evenly matched. Three Cookardinia players of known repute will play for The Rock. They are K and R Bunyon and big Jim Sone. Tim Robb and Des Donkin should also star for The Rock. For Ganmain, "Dooley" Carroll who played for St. Kilda, is one who will draw many spectators. He is still one of the best rules players in NSW. Former Carlton player and later NSW representative, Clinton Wines, will lead Ganmain. Another NSW man is Len Brill, Ganmain’s fast winger. Ron Bunyon, this season’s best and fairest in the A&D League has been signed on by Nort Melbourne for next season. Bunyon, just over 20, 5’10" tall and 12 stone, is a grand utility player. Ganmain: C Wines (capt), G Carroll, K Gumbleton, JB Carroll, A Brill, F Murphy, L McPherson, I Brill, M Carroll, JD Carroll, McPherson, J Crouch, A Roy, R Eisenhauer, Bill Carroll, N Thompson, A Carroll, A Crozier, P Keogh, A Keogh. The Rock: T Robb (capt), J Warren, J Frater, L Gerhardy, L Curtis, E Wright, D Donkin, D Thompson, D Taylor, G Elliott, C Bauer, G Hodges, K Michael, R Upton, J Vennell, B Hunter, J Newton, B Lowrie, K Bunyon, L Sone, R Bunyon, C Huskings.

THE ROCK BEATS GANMAIN - Monday 25^th August 1952

The Rock, at home, was just too good on the day for Ganmain yesterday. The scores being 10.16 = 76 to 57. Under adverse conditions on a water soaked ground and a very strong wind, both sides gave the large crowd a very spirited, hard hitting exhibition. The game proved that good football can be played under any conditions. The marking of the wet, heavy ball was remarkably good. Ron Bunyon, the Baz Medallist, gave a great performance for the winners. Local umpire R Creighton gave the players every opportunity to please the crowd with their hard hitting style of play. The Rock’s defenders had the edge on t eGanmain forwards. Sone and Vennell dominated in the rucks. Wines and Robb, respective coaches, were in fine form and D Durnan held some nice marks. Goals – The Rock: Robb 5, Newton and Donkin 2, Sone 1. Ganmain: Wines 4, Brill 2, Durnan and Crozier 1. Best – The Rock: R Bunyon, Vennell, Robb, Newton, Sone, Elliott and Hodges. Ganmain: Wines, Durnan, Crozier, Brill, J Carroll, McPherson and Bill Carroll.

RETURN 100 POUNDS RULES MATCH AT GANMAIN - Saturday 30^th August 1952

The Rock Australian Rules team has accepted a challenge by Ganmain team for a return match with a 100 pounds side stake. The game will be played at Ganmain tomorrow. The home club is more than anxious to reverse last week’s result and re-coupe the 100 pounds, already paid over to The Rock Club. However, The Rock team will again pin its hope on the skill and leadership of captain-coach, Tim Robb and are confident that last week’s wide margin was a true indication of the respective merit of the teams. The Rock officials said last night that given fine weather, a gate of up to 100 pounds could be expected for Sunday’s match.

GANMAIN WINS 100 POUNDS RULES CHALLENGE - Monday 1^st September 1952

The Ganmain Australian Rules team, with a brilliant last quarter, defeated The Rock in a return 100 pounds challenge match played at Ganmain yesterday. Ganmain won by 26 points. The game provided the big crowd present with football of a very high standard and up to the start of the final term it was either team’s game. Fast, open football, with brilliant marking, was played from the first bounce, with Ganmain showing much better understanding in their forward line. Wines, Ganmain’s captain, gave a grand exhibition at full forward and kicked 12 goals for his team. Scores - Ganmain 19.11 = 125 def The Rock 14.15 = 99 Goals – Ganmain: Wines 12, Crozier 3, Walsh, Piper, Brill and Gumbleton all 1 The Rock: Robb 5, Vennell 3, Donkin 2, Hodges, Wight, Newton, N Taylor all 1

An article from the Daily Advertiser – Monday 29^th September 1975 – by Peter Baker

LEETON TO HOIST THE 1975 SOUTH WEST FLAG

Leeton became undisputed top dogs of the South West League by outclassing Turvey Park Bulldogs in the grand final at Narranderra Sportsground. There was only 18 points in the game at the finish – 19.14=128 to 16.14=110 – but the losers kicked two goals in the last minute to make the margin appear more respectable. Leeton’s display clearly showed they had too much class, experience and strength and too many match winners for Turvey Park. Turvey Park can take laurels for one period during the game – the last 20 minutes of the third quarter when it looked like Leeton’s condition might give way. Leeton produced all the skills when the pressure was on in the first two quarters and again in the final stanza when Turvey Park was expected to shine. The game was marred by a vicious brawl which lasted about four minutes, in the second quarter. It began when Leeton half forward flanker, Peter Kellahan, was ironed out after he had taken a mark. All the players were in the fight and boundary, goal umpires and trainers tried to separate them. Just as the main brawl was broken up another flare-up occurred and Leeton full forward, Ross Elwin, was treated after he had blood flowing from his eye. These were the only spiteful incidents in a game which fittingly ended one of the most keenly contested South West League competitions in years. Leeton hit the front 10 minutes into the first quarter with a behind smartly followed by a goal by John Rees and they were never headed again. Further goals by forward pocket, Tom Doolan – who together with Rees and other rovers, John Powell and Bruce Harrison, were dangerous players in the first half – and Elwin had Leeton in front 27 to 7 midway through the first quarter. Two goals late in the first quarter by Turvey Park coach, Graham Miller and centre, John Wright, eased the situation but the side’s defence was in trouble when centre halfback, Neville White who made a solid opening, hurt his ankle. White carried on at centre halfback with his ankle heavily strapped and was one of Turvey’s best players in a very ragged defence. Turvey Park drew to within a point of Leeton 10 minutes into the second quarter with goals by full forward, John Shearer and Miller but then the winners cut loose, with the style of play that stamped them the better side. They had many good players as Harrison, ruckman Ron Vollenburgh, wingman Barry Lang, centre Greg Lashbrook and Kellahan who finally received his 15 metre penalty after the brawl had been broken up, kicked goals to give Leeton an unbeatable lead of 34 points. Turvey Park were still doing well but had no counters in defence although in attack Miller was still doing well for his side and his two goals late in the second quarter were valuable. Leeton completed the first half on top with Harrison and Rees booting majors to make the difference 34 points. The Leeton rampage did not stop there as within five minutes after resumption from halftime Harrison and Peter Slattery had booted majors to increase the lead to 48 points. It was Turvey Park’s effort in the next 20 minutes of the third quarter that led the large crowd to believe Leeton’s two week’s break may be starting to catch up with them. They appeared to falter and Turvey Park’s small men, particularly rovers Peter Taylor, Peter Daniher and Dean Files, centre John Wright and wingman Bill Zanoni began to create openings. Turvey Park had reshuffled their defence at half time and the move of Rod Clarke on to the halfback flank, alsomade a difference as he cut Kellahan out of the play. Turvey Park centre half forward Peter Dowdle who had been kept quiet again by Leeton’s John Evans, started the goal spree at the 11 minute mark. Ruck rover, Don Begg got two majors in a minute and Miller who was now at centre half forward, added another and the margin was now only 22 points. The managed to make it 19 at final changeover but when Leeton got breathing space and their backmen, Ray Trebilcock, Evans and Jim Lyons started the last term with renewed enthusiasm to thwart Turvey Park.

Final Scores: Leeton 19.14 = 128 def Turvey Park 16.14 = 110

Best: Leeton; B Harrison, J Rees, R Trebilcock, P Kellahan, J Powell, J Evans, J Lyons, C Trevaskis

Turvey Park: D Files, G Miller, P Taylor, J Wright, M Daniher, K Hay, N White

An article from the Daily Advertiser – Monday 4^th October 1976 by Peter Baker.

BYRON WINS TOP UMPIRING AWARD

Riverina Umpires Association’s Umpire of the Year, Kevin Byron, will control the $2,000 Peter McCullough Riverina Championship between Ganmain and North Wagga at the Football Fiesta at Maher Oval next Sunday. Byron won the top umpiring award by one vote from John Stout. Another major highlight of the evening was the life membership of RUA bestowed on senior vice-president, Mr John Doherty. Doherty has been an official of the association since 1964 and has controlled more than 200 games, including 70 senior matches. He is only the second person to be granted life membership of the association.

It would be interesting to see what some umpires consider the best and fairest player in a game. The aggregate votes in the Gammage Medal have bought forward some startling figures. For instance take a look at the list of players and the number of best and fairest votes they polled this season: Gammage Medal: J Prentice 3, R Campbell 5, T McPherson 3, G Leech 3, K Miller 10, M Daniher 4, K Vaughan-Niven 4.

Two players who are sure to figure prominently in the $2,000 Tooth’s Long Kick Competition are Tony Stirling of Ardlethan and Greg Perris of Ganmain. Perris and Stirling kicked some great long goals in the South West finals series. Ganmain’s champion handball expert, Joey Daby, will be attempting to win the premier prize of the Football Fiesta – the $7,000 Torana Hatchback donated by Wagga Motors. Daby, like many other footballers, will be trying to score five right handed and five left handed passes or handballs through the centre wins the Torana. Daby and some of his Ganmain team mates have thrilled the crowds this year with their accurate handballing this season.

An article from the Narrandera Argus – Wednesday 11^th October 1976.

Several other events conducted as part of the Football Fiesta attracted good fields and a great deal of interest. Richmond rover, Bruce Monteath whose winning effort sent the ball 69.72 metres, won the $1,000 long kick event. The next three placings went to VFL club Carlton defender Geoff Southby with 66.73 metres, Carlton utility David McKay with 65.95 metres and Shepparton East player Stan Jacques with 62.53 metres. The handball competition was won by a Rugby League competitor, Turvey Park player, Peter Mortimer. Second place to Griffith’s Bob Greenwood, third place to Turvey Park League player Peter Eisenhauer and East Wagga player Greg Watt. Only four teams took part in the 4 x 400 metres relay event which was won by the South Melbourne team of John Blair, Francis Jackson, Colin Hounsell and Mark Browning.

An article from the Daily Advertiser –Monday 30^th August 1965.

WEIDEMAN WON GAMMAGE MEDAL

Coolamon coach Peter Weideman has won the Gammage Medal for the Best and Fairest player in the SWDFL for 1965. Coolamon club completed the double when reserve grade ruckman, Ken Sheather, won the Lanham Trophy for the Best and Fairest in that grade. This is the first year for sometime that coaches have been allowed to participate in Gammage Medal voting. Weideman’s win is virtually his second best and fairest award in succession. He won the Boag Medal in the Doleraine League in Tasmania in 1963 and in 1964 he was unable to win the award because coaches were debarred from the Gammage Medal. Coolamon club were holding a barbecue when I broke the news to Weideman last night and secretary, Ron Farrell, then made the announcement to the assembled players and supporters. Weideman played his last game with Coolamon yesterday and experts voted him the best on the field. Weideman, who polled 28 votes, won by two votes from Turvey Park rover, Robbie Nolan. Other leading vote getters were J Bloomfield 20, I Williams 18, F Thompson, B Rist, T Carroll, F Hodgkin and W McCaig 16. A feature of the voting is that three Ganmain players each polled 16 votes. In the Lanham Trophy leading players were; K Sheather 15, R Nettleback 12, D Stoll, T Reynolds, D De Mamiel 11, J Guthrie 10.

An article from the Daily Advertiser – Wednesday 1^st September 1965.

HODGKIN IS THE WINNER

Frank Hodgkin, Ganmain centre half forward and assistant coach has won the Rava-Advertiser Philips TV award in the South West League for this year. Hodgkin, two points in front before the final round last Sunday, clinched the contest with a brilliant display against Grong Grong-Matong at Grong Grong. Hodgkin got 28 kicks in that match and earned himself three votes for his display. His closest rival, Griffith centre half forward John Foley, also earned three points for his display against Turvey Park. Hodgkin earned top points in eight of the eighteen matches during the season. Foley earned major votes in seven matches. Turvey Park rover Robbie Nolan and Gammage Medal winner Peter Weideman tied for third place, three votes behind Foley and two votes ahead of Jim Bloomfield of Narrandera. Hodgkin will be presented with the Philips television set before the grand final at Narrandera on September 26^th.

SOUTH WEST LEAGUE LADDER AT END OF HOME AND AWAY ROUNDS IN 1965

TEAM POINTS

Griffith 64

Ganmain 60

Ariah Park – Mirrool 56

Leeton 44

Coolamon 36

Turvey Park 32

Narrandera 24

Ardlethan 20

Whitton 16

Grong Grong – Matong 12

NARRANDERA CREATE HISTORY BY WINNING 3 FLAGS

Leaving no doubts that they were the outstanding team of the season, Narrandera proved far too good for a gallant Griffith to win the1972 South West League premiership at Narrandera yesterday. Settling down after a slow and tentative start, Narrandera stormed away from the Swans early in the second quarter and were never fully extended after half time to win by 50 points – 15.14 = 104 to 7.12 = 54. September 10, 1972 will go down as the day Narrandera created South West history by winning all three premierships. No Club had ever achieved this previously and there were not many who believed Narrandera would be equal to the challenge yesterday. Their thirds went through the season unbeaten, the reserves lost three times and the firsts won 19 out of 20 games. The only time Narrandera were beaten was in the 12^th round at home by 14 points against Griffith. After thrashing the Swans by 56 points in the second semifinal and nearly as big a margin yesterday, it makes one wonder what happened on July 2. Even though Griffith played enthusiastically to lead by six points at quarter time, there was always the feeling that Narrandera would forge ahead once they moved into top gear. Play had not been going five minutes when Narrandera coach, Jeff Hemphill switched himself into the ruck, sent Kevin Male from a half forward flank to centre halfback and alternated assistant coach Ron Brown and Tom Powell as ruck rovers on the opposite half forward flank to Rodney McCallum. These important positional changes could not have paid better dividends because Male played a tremendous game against Griffith’s crack centre half forward Bruce Forbes. Hemphill who did not seem to e 100% fit, took many towering marks al over the ground and kicked four valuable goals when spelling in the forward pocket. The Imperials also got away with playing Bill Robins at centre half forward when he should not have been allowed in the team. Robins started to limp after about 18 minutes and his injured left knee had become an embarrassment long before half time. Remarkable, even though he was assisted from the ground at half time, he returned after the long interval only to be replaced by Rodney Brett during the third quarter. Narrandera won the game in the second quarter by kicking 6.5 and keeping Griffith to only one point. The Imperials hit the front when rover Robert Murrell goaled after eight minutes. Full forward Victor Hugo did likewise two minutes later, Brown, McCallum in the 15^th and 18^th minutes respectively and Narrandera were well on their way to victory. Griffith had veteran Robert Thom, battling his heart out in the ruck, Kevin Kirkpatrick a tower of strength at centre and Harry Sanson starring on the halfback flank. Even though the Swans were holding Narrandera in the air, the Imperials were able to take telling marks, while they also benefited from greater overall strength in the ruck. Forbes could not exert any marked influence on play, Phil Botten battled for kicks at full forward against a close checking full back in Peter Sheather and Martin Jackson was seldom given the ball on his half forward flank. This was hard to understand because Darryl Collis and Roger Milne were too good on the centre wings for Ted Clarke and Murray Townsend. Botten was taken from the field in third quarter and replaced by Phil Smith but it remained a mystery why Jackson, a proven full forward was not swung to this position. The general standard of play improved after half time when players in both teams displayed much better marking and drop kicking to create scoring moves. Griffith also came back into the game strongly through maintaining a big advantage across centre and Vic Wilson creative on a half forward flank. Narrandera’s young centreman Stephen Margosis who had played soundly, did even more damage when he played wide of Kirkpatrick and combined very effectively with McCallum. Given plenty of open territory in which to move, McCalum showed his ability by kicking five goals straight in opposition to a classy halfback flanker in John Candusso. Hemphill made a wise move when Robins left the ground, himself going to full forward and giving Hugo his head. Showing why South Melbourne regard him as a VFL player in the future, Hugo did some brilliant things in the ruck and at centre half forward. Griffith trailed by 26 points when Jackson goaled six minutes into the last term but Narrandera sealed victory with two goals from McCallum in quick succession. McCallum kicked his third for the quarter in the 22^nd minute before Hemphill who could hardly walk, joined in the picnic by taking two great marks for two goals near the finish. A highlight of the game was the outstanding exhibition by VFL field umpire, Mike Henry. The way in which he exerted his authority the cople of times in which tempers began to boil was an object lesson to everyone. His physical fitness and ability to sprint when play moved quickly, together with the consistency of his decisions, were hallmarks of a very fine field umpire.

Final Scores: Narrandera 15.14 = 104 defeated Griffith 7.12 = 54

Best Narrandera: K.Male, S.Margosis, R.McCallum, G.Ward, V.Hugo, J.Hemphill

Griffith: K.Kirkpatrick, H.Sanson, D,Collis, G.Owen, R.Thom, R.Milne

Editors Note: Narrandera Football Club is celebrating their Centenary this weekend so I though it appropriate to put this article in this week’s program. May I take this opportunity to congratulate the whole football club on all their past premierships and indeed every success for the future.

We will return to he wrap up of the South West League v Farrer League in next week’s Footy Record.

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Below is the article from the D.A. on Monday 24^th May about the Inter-League game held on Sunday 23rd May, 1965 – S.W.D.F.L. v Farrer Football League.

FARRER WERE OUTCLASSED BY THE COUNTRY CHAMPIONS

South west took out the main Inter-League match at Narrandera yesterday by 47 points – but only after Farrer had a one point lead at half time. In the first two quarters of the game, Farrer played like giant killers. The side only began to wilt in the final stages of the game when they were obviously tired after the South West’s strong third quarter onslaught. South West started the game quietly, Waters scored a behind and a Peter Weideman goal in the first few minutes of play. South West received a rude shock when Harry Gardiner took a goal and Rex Burge scored soon afterwards. Farrer were attacking with great zest and their forwards were running all over the South West backline. The Farrer side soon had the South West bamboozled – South west players found that their opponents had got away from them and Farrer seemed to have loose men everywhere. The first quarter was all Farer’s side. The second quarter provided the most exciting period of play. After Farrer had kicked to a lead of 12 points at quarter time, South West realised they would have to fight back much harder. Fight back they did, so that the term produced a full 25 minutes of top football. Three times in the quarter the scores were level. At half time, South West had reduced Farrer’s lead to one point. Following half time South West made a number of changes. The main one was the shifting of Geoff Sharp into full forward from the ruck. Tom Carroll who played a poor game and kicked badly, had been thoroughly outclassed at full forward by Farrer fullback Ray Parr in the first two quarters. The duels between Parr and Sharp in the final quarters became a highlight of the match. Farrer’s success in their attack during the early stages of the game had been largely due to their superior play along the wings on the wide ground. South West on the other hand, had been trying to take the ball down the centre and had found their way blocked by the Farrer halfback line of Mazzocchi, Slater and Lane. Revising their tactics, South West began to meet Farrer on their own ground, out in the wings. Barry Rist on one of the half forward flanks, until the third quarter had a quiet match but now came into his own and marked and kicked accurately from the side of the field to score a couple of good goals for his side. In all, the South West side kicked nine goals in the quarter, with ruckman Kevin Coleman racking up four majors. By halfway through the quarter, it was obvious that South West were playing with the skill for which they were renowned. In the final quarter, South West severely out marked Farrer for the first time in the match. Whereas Farrer had loose players everywhere in the first quarter, in the last term it was the South West who had this advantage. Despite a last minute stand by Farrer, especially after Jacko Reid replaced Col Morrow and scored two goals and a behind, it was apparent from early in the term that South West would run out the winners. In the reserves South West 19.22=136 defeated Farrer 5.5=35.

SWDFL 2.1=13, 7.4=46, 16.10=106, Final Score 20.12=132

FARRER 3.7=25, 6.11=47, 9.15=69, Final Score 11.19=85

Best SWDFL: W Thripp, P Weideman, B Waters, F Hodgkin, M Kruse, B Rist, K Coleman

Best FARRER: B McKellar, R Parr, B Little, F Slater, F Mazzocchi, R Barber, M Breust

DOWN MEMORY LANE

The following is an article from the D.A. on Friday 21^st May, 1965. It is a preview of the Inter-League match that was to be played on Sunday 23^rd May at Narrandera.

FARRER OUTSIDERS BUT IT WILL BE NO PUSHOVER

Although the Farrer side goes into Sunday’s Inter-League game very much the underdog, they could spring a surprise on South West as they did two years ago when the match was last played at Narrandera. Last year playing on the small Robertson Oval ground, South West easily gained the upper hand in the final quarter to take them to a 20 point win. Farrer supporters and players still have memories of the game of two years ago when Farrer came from underneath to topple the mighty South West side. The Farrer selectors on Wednesday night said they were quiet confident the side they had chosen could cause an upset on the wide Narrandera field again this year. The South West side has already played together, when it soundly defeated a NSW team at Narrandera on April 26, five weeks ago. The composition of the team to play on Sunday varies little from that victorious side. Only three new players have been bought in and positional changes have been slight. Farrer on the other hand have had only one run as a side and that was at training on Wednesday night at The Rock. South West, however, can’t afford to be complacent and Coach Bernie Sculley certainly won’t let them. They have to win impressively on Sunday to be regarded as possible Country Champions on Queen’s Birthday weekend, when they have to face Waranga North East first up. Ruckmen will play a very important part in the game. Sharp, who was rarely beaten for the ball in the NSW game, is going to be a difficult player for the Farrer ruckmen to overcome. Conway, Coleman and Lyons have also shown themselves to be star ruckmen this season. There has been a general improvement in the standard of the followers in the Farrer League this year and from a large number of "possibles" the selectors have chosen Bob Little, Alan Tipping, Keith Pike and Don Hall. The main danger for Farrer appears to be in the roving department. Farrer’s rovers are good in the league matches but Sunday will show whether they can stand up to the elusive play of star South West rovers Ross Reiher and Bruce Waters. Ron Barber and Harry Gardiner, former roving partners for Culcairn are two of the most experienced rovers in the League. The selectors have obviously taken into consideration the fact that they have played together on numerous occasions before and are hoping that the combination will again click. Both teams have retained the full forwards who provided such sturdy bulwarks in defence last year. Fred McGregor, in that match, completed blanketed Tom Carroll at full forward. South West fullback, Max Kruse, also "pulled a sheet" over his opponent, The announcement by Wagga coach, Fred Mundy, that he has a leg injury and will be unable to play on Sunday, leaves a serious gap to be filled in the Farrer side. The selectors were due to meet last night to choose a replacement for Munday. However, team captain Frank Slater said yesterday afternoon he thought there were two main possibilities for Mundy’s replacement. The shifting of forward pocket Don Hall to full forward and the bringing in of the 19^th man Martin Bourke to the pocket, or the upgrading of the second 18 full forward Rex Burge. The success of the Farrer half forward line will have a very big bearing on the outcome of the match.

THE TEAMS:

S.W.D.F.L. FARRER

B: G Nye, Max Kruse, Bill Thripp B: K Pike, R Parr, M Breust

HB: Vic Hathaway, W Kember, W McCaig HB: F Mazzocchi, F Slater (C), G Lane

C; P Harrison, L Sexton, N Morrow C: C Roberson, B McKellar, M Guthrie

HF: B Rist, Frank Hodgkin, Peter Weideman HF: C Morrow, W Harrington, C Griffiths

F: G Sharp, T Carroll (V-C), B Waters F: H Gardiner, F Mundy, R Hall (V-C)

Rucks: B Conway, K Coleman, R Reiher Rucks: R Little, A Tipping, R Barber

19^th: R Pieper, 20^th: N Anderson 19^th: M Bourke, 20^th: J Reid

Editors Note:
I will have a full report on this game in next week’s edition of Down Memory Lane

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Below is the article from the D.A. – Monday 21^st September 1970 – re: the SWDFL Grand Final

COOLAMON WINNERS AND TRIUMPH IN SOUTH WEST GRAND FINAL

Coolamon outclassed Turvey Park to win the grand final of the South West competition yesterday by 42 points after leading almost throughout. The gate takings were $3,108. Rising out of a football wilderness lasting more than a decade, Coolamon grandly won their first South west League premiership since 1959, defeating Turvey Park at Narrandera yesterday. Giving a scintillating and at times brilliant exhibition during a match winning second quarter, Coolamon were untroubled to emerge victorious by 42 points – 18.21=129 to 13.9=87. The turning point of the match came in the time-on period of the first quarter. At the 26^th minute mark centre half forward Peter Slattery made no mistake from 60 yards out to give Coolamon, kicking to the western end against the breeze, a six point lead. One minute later rover Phillip Curtis raised both flags from an accurately angled kick in the forward pocket and 90 seconds later, Slattery goaled again when free kicked from a long way out. This meant that when the second quarter began Coolamon were going with the breeze having just kicked three quick goals to establish a morale boosting lead of 18 points. In the following 31 minutes the Grasshoppers were to put the result beyond all doubt. Winning handsomely in the ruck and repeatedly taking the ball away from the centre bounce, Coolamon time and time again charged through the disorganised Turvey Park backline. Slattery led the way at centre half forward, while bearded Charlie Moses ran riot on the flank. To complete a dominant line, Gerard Bradley chipped in to create a loose man on his flank and the Bulldogs were powerless to stop the ensuing onslaught. By the time the halftime siren sounded, Coolamon led by a huge margin of 65 points and Turvey Park seemed headed for a crushing defeat. While the Grasshoppers piled on 8.6 of which Moses kicked three and Slattery two, the Bulldogs added only 1.1. Turvey Park players knew they would receive a tongue lashing from coach Graham Ion during the long interval and some will long remember Ion’s address. Treating the Bulldogs with almost sheer contempt, Coolamon came out in the third quarter and, going against the breeze, immediately increased their lead with a goal from centreman Johnny Kew. Understandably, the Grasshoppers relaxed the pressure at this point and Turvey Park raised some hope of a last quarter fightback by kicking seven goals in 22 minutes. Doing better in the ruck through Doug Campbell and gaining drive from Ion and Laurie Pendrick, the Bulldogs played passages of good, direct team football. Catching the Coolamon backlines playing too confidently, the Bulldogs showed they were capable of producing premiership football. Three goals from the boot of full forward John Shearer and a couple of lucky shots that raised both flags, enabled Turvey Park to reduce their leeway to 43 points at the last break. While the Bulldogs outscored Coolamon 7.1 to 3.3 in the third term, there was never any doubt in the last quarter that Coolamon would win comfortably. Turvey Park could penetrate the Grasshoppers magnificent halfback line of Peter Elliott, Allan Hayes and Geoff Parmenter, while Graham McPherson was a fine defender in the back pocket. Coolamon started to blaze away in the forward line early in the last quarter. The resulting inaccurate kicking was the only thing that saved Turvey Park from being beaten by at least 1o goals. Injuries the Bulldogs took in their hard fought win in the preliminary final against Griffith took their toll and several players stopped to a walk. The final siren gave Coolamon a well deserved and impressive win by 42 points. One of the outstanding features of a high standard match was a top class umpiring exhibition of VFL senior umpire Peter Sheales. In command from the first bounce until the final siren, Sheales seldom gave a doubtful decision. His authority was never challenged because each and every player knew exactly what he was expected to do.

Final Score: Coolamon 18.21=129 defeated Turvey Park 13.9=87

Goals: Coolamon P.Slattery 5, C. Moses 3, J.Hayes 3, P.Curtis 3, K.Maloney 1, J.Kew 1, L.Rynehart 1

Turvey Park: J.Shearer 4, J.McNammara 2, R.Nolan 2, J.Hawke 1, L.Pendrick 1, M.Hill 1, G.Ion 1

Best Players: Coolamon: C.Moses, P.Elliott, P.Slattery, J.Kew, A.Hayes, G.Bradley

Turvey Park: G.Ion, J.Hawke, N.White, J.Ashcroft, J.Egan

I trust that all readers enjoyed this trip down memory lane over the last two weeks. We will be back again next week with some more interesting articles from yesteryear.

Hawke back for Turvey Park’s premiership bid.

Turvey Park have regained their best and fairest winner for this season, veteran rover Johnny Hawke, for tomorrow’s South West League grand final against Coolamon at Narrandera. Coolamon’s hopes of winning their first premiership since 1959 soared when Gammage Medallist Allan Hayes was named at centre half back. Hayes’ anticipated return forced out an unlucky Noel O’Brien who has to make way for Peter Elliott and Geoff Parmenter. The Grasshoppers decided to risk ruckman Ken Sheather even though he has been troubled since the second semifinal with a sprained right ankle. Should he be a late withdrawal his replacement is almost certain to be experienced ruck rover George McKelvie. Coolamon have chosen McKelvie, Dick Pieper, Tony Rudd and O’Brien as four reserves from which their 19^th and 20^th will be selected. Not having missed a senior game this season, half forward flanker Rudd seems assured of being one reserve but the remaining position and the possible honour of playing in a premiership team, remains a three-way contest. Turvey Park selectors gambled on youth, height and pace in taking more than two hours to finalise their team. Having played at fullback and on a half forward flank this season, Cec Noack will tomorrow be used as a ruck rover changing with Michael Hill in a back pocket. Noack will partner young Bill Rolfe in the second ruck, while Hill receives a well deserved important opportunity of being sent into the first ruck with assistant coach Doug Campbell. The Bulldogs’ will start Hawke on a half forward flank, replacing Robert Iverach, who has been named at centre half forward in the Reserves grand final team. This means that Hawke, Johnny McNamara and Robbie Nolan will be alternated in a three pronged roving division, with Laurie Pendrick on the other half forward flank. Following his fine performance in the preliminary final against Griffith, Barry Conway will start at centre half forward. Easily the heaviest player in the grand final at 17 stone, Conway has an advantage in weight of more than four stone over Allan Hayes. Although he did not train at top pressure, wingman Noel Morrow moved well enough to be selected. Morrow will have a final fitness test at Gissing Oval early tomorrow morning and with further treatment today and tonight, is expected to be passed fit. Reports yesterday afternoon were unanimous that Narrandera Sportsground would be in top class order for the three grand finals. Coolamon coach Jim Hayes would not hear of defeat last night, saying that the Grasshoppers would not be playing any special match tactics. "We will win the premiership because we are the better team" Hayes commented. The Grasshoppers’ coach added that Turvey Park would be flat out establishing a worthwhile advantage in any department and would be a tired team towards the end of the game. "If anything, we could be a little too confident but I have no doubt that we will win quite easily", Hayes concluded. On the other hand, Turvey Park coach Graham Ion remained calm and confident that the Bulldogs’ would cause an upset. Tonight, for the second week in succession, the 20 players in the first teams will hold a "council of war" at Ion’s home. This is where the Bulldogs’ will discuss and decide tactics for tomorrow’s grand final. Ion believes that Coolamon are not unbeatable and that Turvey Park are capable f doing what not too many people expect them good enough to do – win the 1970 premiership. While not under estimating Turvey Park’s great team spirit and will to win, I remained convinced that Coolamon will complete an outstanding season by winning the grand final.

Coolamon Turvey Park

Backs: G Mcpherson, L Crocker, B Bradley Forwards: R Nolan, J Shearer, W Rolfe

Half-backs: P Elliott, A Hayes, G Parmenter Half-forwards: L Pendrick, B Conway, J Hawke

Centres: R Lucas, J Kew, L Rynehart Centres: N Morrow, G Ion (capt) J Egan

Half-forwards: C Moese, P Slattery, G Bradley Half-backs: T Morris, R Hardwick, N White

Forwards: D Graham, J Hayes (capt) K Maloney Backs: C Noack, J Ashcroft, M McGinn

Rucks / Rover: K Sheather, R Tonacia, P Curtis Rucks / Rover: D Campbell, M Hill, J McNamara

19^th/20^th: A Rudd, N O’Brien, R Pieper, G McKelvie 19^th / 20^th: R Robertson, L Shinn

I will have Ross Ingram’s report from Monday 21^st September 1970 on who won this SWDFL Grand Final in next week’s issue.

Editors Note: The Coolamon Football & Netball Club will be holding a re-union of the 1970 Premiership Side and the 2000 Premiership Side this weekend. We trust that you all relive both these flags and have a great weekend. It commences Friday night at the Royal Tavern, then game day at Kindra Park followed by the Re-union Ball at the Sports Club on Saturday night. It will conclude with a recovery at The Bottom Pub on Sunday. A great weekend is assured.

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