1965 GRAND FINAL REVIEW
Tocumwal Guardian, September 28th, 1965
Tocumwal Fail by 8 Points in bid for Premiership
Tocumwal failed by 8 points on Saturday against Berrigan to win their first pennant in 19 years. A shocking first half by the red and whites, following by a gallant second half fightback provided an exciting finish for the large crowd that paid 800 pounds admission.
Berrigan's success was their first premiership for 29 years and over the season had proved Toc's master, defeating them on all occasions by the slim margins of 4, 5, 7 and now 8 points.
The red and whites encouraged defeat when they performed so dismally in the first half and resuming 31 points in arrears after half time, little hope was given to their chances. However positional changes, coupled with a more determined side saw a brilliant fightback, getting to within 6 points in the final stages of the game.
Toc forwards, eclipsed all day, had chances in the dying moments of the game, but two points and a miss were the best they could manage.
Only for the stubborn defence in the first half by veteran fullback Keith Thompson, the deficit would have been much greater. He frequently cleared and his marking halted many forward moves. Julian Vise was the only effective forward Toc had in the first half and his two goals kept Toc in the game.
A brilliant third term by Des Watt consolidated Toc's fightback. He kicked four goals for the quarter to take the Riversiders within 14 points. He finished the game with six majors.
Berrigan dominated across the centre in the first half but the switch of Cullen to centre half forward, Vise to the centre and Bryan and K.Baldwin switching wings brought life into Toc's game as Cullen and Bryan became damaging players.
The Bloods were dominating the last quarter with numerous attacks but their accuracy was offline and they sprayed a number of chances wide. The red and whites closed within 6 points with 5 minutes to play and had several chances but did not score and Berrigan were able to clog up play and hang on for the premiership, kicking their only 2 points for the quarter in the last few minutes.
Terry Hewitt in the back pocket combined with Thompson to deny Berrigan numerous times and captain-coach Don Whitten was in everything trying to lift his side. Watt and Vise were Toc's best forwards with 8 of the Bloods' 9 goals for the day.
Berrigan: 3-4 7-10 9-12 9-14 68
Tocumwal: 2-1 3-3 8-4 9-6 60
Best:
Berrigan: R.Milne, G.Ellis, F.Way, I.Bush, J.McGrillen
Tocumwal: K.Thompson and D.Watt (trophy winners), J.Vise, D.Whitten, T.Hewitt
Goals:
Berrigan: G.Eastmure 2, I.Bush 1, F.Way 1, S.Way 1, G.Ryan 1, J.McGrillen 1, P.McLoughlin 1, K.Murphy 1
Tocumwal: D.Watt 6, J.Vise 2, D.Whitten 1
Teams:
Berrigan:
B: P.Ellwood B.Chisholm J.McGrillen
HB: L.Dickins M.Bush R.Ackerly
C: P.Cottom G.Ellis M.McLoughlin
HF: G.Pyle S.Way P.McLoughlin
F: G.Ryan K.Murphy I.Bush
Rucks: F.Way R.Milne
Rov: G.Eastmure
19th: B.Rendell 20th: P.McDonell
Tocumwal:
B: T.Hewitt K.Thompson S.Scott
HB: B.Kennedy L.McPherson G.Johnson
C: I.Bryan J.Cullen K.Baldwin
HF: J.Vise G.Sebastian E.Smith
F: P.Lawlor J.Beasley D.Watt
Rucks: L.Lane D.Whitten
Rov: J.Jones
19th: C.Baldwin 20th: C.Smart
1966 - TOCUMWAL FAIL IN SECOND SUCCESSIVE GRAND FINAL
This is an edited version of the Tocumwal Guardian's report of the 1966 Grand Final loss. Also included is a report on how the club "drowned it's sorrows" after the loss.
Tocumwal defeated Deniliquin in the second semi final at Nathalia and Deniliquin then defeated Cobram in the preliminary final at Finley.
A full report appears in the club's history book "The Bloods" published in 1990.
Tocumwal failed in their second successive Murray League grand final at Cobram on Saturday when Deniliquin, with a stronger last quarter, won the 1966 premiership flag. The winning margin was 15 points. The red and whites appeared to have the game in their grasp at three quarter time when they led by 4 points and had the advantage of the scoring end. However, a determined effort by Deniliquin in the last term put them well on top and sensing victory, many players who had hardly been sighted all day, began to come into the game.
In the first half a winning centre line plus McPherson's complete blanketing of Gibbs at centre half forward kept the red and whites continually on the attack. But the forwards were not the same dangerous players who ran riot in the second semi final.
The loss was a big disappointment to many people, including coach Don Whitten, who had led his side brilliantly all season. Many of the players were members of the sides that struggled for years with the red and whites and all felt that this would be their year. However, it was not to be so, and now thoughts are turning to next year. On present indications a similar team could be available to stake their claims for premiers in 1967.
The ground was very heavy following continuous rain prior to the match. But the conditions did not appear to effect the crowd which paid $1620 admisssion. This compared favourably with last years gate of $1600, although played in brilliant sunshine. Deniliquin's aerial supremacy was again evident, taking 53 marks to Toc's 36. Toc were a little ahead in free kicks, receiving 39 to Deni's 35.
Deniliquin captain-coach Trevor Ion won the toss and kicked to the end favoured by a slight breeze. Tocumwal had plenty of the ball but were wayward in front of goal A fiery incident resulted in a free to Beasley but he missed. Pender snapped the Bloods only goal for the quarter, while Cullen and K.Baldwin were on top in midfield.
Tocumwal dominated the second quarter with Cullen eclipsing Ion in the centre and Lance Lane in ruck giving Toc the advantage.
The red and whites led by 13 points at half time but should have been further in front. Deniliquin made several positional changes at half time, with Ion, well beaten by Cullen, moving to centre half forward and Jim Egan, eclipsed by Ken Baldwin on a wing, moving to the half forward flank, these moves rejuvenated Deniliquin as they fought back into the game. Deniliquin hit the lead in the third quarter before a goal on the siren from Beasley saw Toc 4 points in front at the last break.
With a 4 point advantage Toc appeared capable of maintaining the lead with the breeze. Deni hit the lead then clever play from Vise and Whitten saw the latter goal to restore Toc's lead.
There was great excitement in the crowd as players from both sides fought hard and it was a punishing finish with every player going in regardless of their safety.
Three goals to Deni saw the match slipping away as they went to a 15 point lead before another snap from Pender gave Toc some hope. Toc then found it hard to force the ball forward and another Deni goal in time-on sealed the game.
For the Bloods, Julian Vise at centre half forward booted 2 goals, while Lance Lane and Graeme Sebastian in ruck were fine players. On the wings Ivan Bryan and Ken Baldwin provided plenty of drive and Jim Cullen dominated in the centre. The side was well led by Don Whitten who won plenty of hard ball around the packs.
Deniliquin: 2-2 2-4 4-7 9-10 64
Tocumwal: 1-3 4-5 5-5 7-7 49
Best:
Deniliquin: B.Stephens, G.Ion, J.Egan, A.Baker, L.Barry, T.Maher
Tocumwal: J.Vise, L.Lane, G.Sebastian, I.Bryan, K.Baldwin, J.Cullen, D.Whitten
Goals:
Deniliquin: G.Ion 2, B.Gibbs 2, R.Brandt 2, T.Todd 1, R.Taylor 1, J.Egan 1
Tocumwal: J.Vise 2, N.Pender 2, D.Whitten 1, E.Varley 1, J.Beasley 1
Teams:
Deniliquin:
B: B.Stevens B.Tasker P.Duffy
HB: N.Munro K.Campbell M.Cooke
C: T.Maher G.Ion J.Egan
HF: B.Moran B.Gibbs W.Mercer
F: R.Taylor T.Todd A.Hunt
Rucks: L.Barry A.Baker
Rov: P.Todd
19th: R.Brandt 20th: L.Sitters
Tocumwal:
B: S.Scott K.Thompson T.Hewitt
HB: P.Lawlor L.McPherson D.McCulloch
C: I.Bryan J.Cullen K.Baldwin
HF: C.Baldwin J.Vise D.Whitten
F: N.Pender J.Beasley G.Sebastian
Rucks: L.Lane E.Varley
Rov: J.Jones
19th: R.Frauenfelder 20th: J.Glanvill
FOOTBALLERS CELEBRATE DESPITE LOSS
From Tocumwal Guardian - 1966
Despite their loss in Saturday's grand final Tocumwal Football Club conducted a very popular celebration night in the Memorial Hall. A buffet tea was provided by the ladies' committee for players, committee and supporters and over 300 people packed the supper room for consumption of same.
Following the tea those present enjoyed dancing to a late hour. During the evening a total of 21 trophies were presented to the players who took part in the grand final.
This Friday night the bowling club has extended an invitation to all players and officials of the football club, together with their wives and girlfriends to attend the club for a social evening.
Although the season has drawn to a close several functions have still to be held, including the wind up and finalisation of the sweepstakes competition. A decision on these will be known when further information will be advised.
