PHOTOCOPY EXTRACT
`Waaia, with a brilliant second quarter, easily won the 1974 grand final in the Picola League before a crowd that paid $811 at the gate.
Umpire Dennis Russell had charge of the game and did an excellent job. Blighty won the toss and kicked to the southern end of the ground, assisted by a two goal wind. They were first to score with a goal.
Waaia, at this early stage, looked nervous as many of their players were not handling the ball well. Bartlett and Dagger were trying hard to keep coming forward to score three points before G. Gilmour snapped a major. Waaia rucks, Rudd, Saunders and Clarke were beaten and this let Blighty call the tune. If the Red Eyes could keep this pressure up they were certainly going to worry Waaia. Blighty started the second quarter maintaining the pressure to get the ball up forward against the wind for Bannen and Carroll to goal but their game underwent a complete change.
Waaia rucks started to win the ball and rover Gilmour, centreman Power and Larkin were getting their share of kicks to give their forwards the chance. Leaf goaled and this seemed to motivate Waaia and the Bomber machine began to fire. However I don’t think anybody expected to see what happened from then on. The Bombers booted 11 goals for the term, seven of which were kicked by captain/coach Don Rudd.
The third quarter saw the Red Eyes get back into the match, this was by far their best quarter as players who had been down stirred themselves after the roasting they were given by coach M. Hay. Waaia gave their supporters some anxious moments as Blighty stormed forward on many occasions but for inaccuracy, Carroll the main offender ~ it could have been much closer.
The final quarter saw Waaia gradually get back on top again. Blighty threw everything into it in the first few moments but the effort of the third quarter, and the effects of three hard games started to take its toll and Waaia drew away again with five goals to come out clear winners by nine goals. Congratulations to Waaia for they were the best side all year and deserved to win the grand final. Waaia 17.9 (111) defeated Blighty 9.10 (64)
