In the "good old days" the Rugby League finals started at the end of August when the weather was starting to warm and the days get longer, (ie now) and the Grand Final was on the first Saturday in September. Happy days.
I was a Balmain supporter and I vividly remember the days of Artie "half a game" Beetson, Keith "golden boots" Barnes and the rest when they played in the 1966 grand final and lost to St George.
Note that colour TV had not yet arrived down under and the national anthem was God Save the Queen. Being 1966, the spectators would have paid for entry in those new dollars for the first time instead of pounds.
More importantly, note that the match was held on a sunny afternoon instead of the dead of night, and there is no advertising on the players' jerseys.
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Then, in my last year at school, Balmain beat Souths, with the help of Len "silver boots" Killeen, field goals from imported Pom Dave Bolton as well as some tactical injuries.
I still remember the joy and relief when Sid Williams, (the half-back turned into a winger) dived in the right hand corner at the Paddington end to seal the match.
Go the Tiges!!! Souths was a much better team, but Balmain managed to sneak a surprise win, always a joy for the winners.
I didn't enjoy the '69 grand final and, having experienced no success for the last 42 years, I have been a real bunny in my choice of team and lost most of my hare following them. You haven't fared any better, Tiger. Regards Hippity Hop.
ReplyDeleteOh I forgot about West Tigers 2005 premiership. You big felines have fared better in more recent times, but maybe the hippity-hops will catch up this year. Regards Rabbitcrowe.
ReplyDeleteHello Tiger, During the 2005 Grand Final, you were probably cheering, "Go, Benji, go!". Now for completely different reasons, in 2013, you are probably still crying out, "Go, Benji. Go!". Regards, Chris.
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