STRAIGHT UP THE CENTRE

With Vic Hathaway

My apologies to the Ardlethan team and its supporters for any incorrect point scores last week.

I gave it as Ardlethan, Leeton and Turvey Park as being even on points, when the Stars were four in front.

This week they were all equal, with Leeton in third place on 125.2 per cent, Ardlethan fourth on 117.3 and Turvey Park fifth on 103 per cent.  Ganmain and Griffith are assured of the first two places, with Griffith ahead on percentages.

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This week's round has three games of particular interest. Ganmain are at home to Turvey Park, and the home team, never an easy one to bowl over, let alone at the end of the season, should be too tough for the Bulldogs. Turvey Park are desperate for a place in the finals, and their only hope is to beat the Maroons and cross their fingers that one of the lower teams can push them into the semis.

Leeton will be host to Grong Grong-Matong and should win. However, Grong Grong-Matong, who went within an ace of upsetting Ganmain last week, would dearly love to round off the season with a win.

The wog-be-devilled Ardlethan team, on top for most of the season, will meet archrivals Ariah Park in the last competition match. The Bombers put up determined displays to win their last two games and go down by only eight points last week. So, it's very possible they could cause some consternation in the opposition camp. Always a tough match between these two, Ardlethan know they must win to stay in the four.

There is the added incentive that with Griffith playing Coolamon, there is a remote possibility that Ron O'Neill could catch Ricky Quade in the goal kicking competition. Griffith this week, will be without Angie Maloni and Bruce Forbes. Several Griffith players have been away this week for treatment.

The remaining match is Narrandera and Whitton to decide the wooden spoon competition.

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With the news that Kevin Kirkpatrick will not be with Griffith next season, it is hoped that all supporters and the committee realise what a valuable player he has been.

He plays a great part in the Griffith side and will be almost impossible to replace.

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Last week Leeton won the dress rehearsal of the first semi-final by beating Ardlethan. It was a rugged match, with Leeton proving too strong on the flanks, the deciding factor in the match. The best player on the ground, and the most useful for Leeton was half -forward flanker Greg Lashbrook, who always provides an open road to the goals for the Redlegs.

When they made use of this position, Leeton looked a very good side. Others Leeton stars were Keith and Alan Waters, John Crane and Jim Kidman. Ardlethan's Terry Kelly, who took over as fullback with the withdrawal of Fred Thompson, really caught the eye with his kicking off being something to see.

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Being the last competition game, I could not let the opportunity pass to congratulate Ricky Quade and Ron O'Neill on breaking the 100-goal barrier for the season. With one game to go and a six-goal lead, Ricky Quade looks certain to take out the SWDFL title. It will need a mighty effort from Ron O'Neill to beat him.

The Area News - Friday August 29, 1969