JULY 1977
Former New South Wales’ prop, John Barber’s plan to ease himself back into full match fitness, ahead of the Brisbane Rugby League finals series, appeared to have backfired, when he was sent off in reserve grade, his second dismissal of the season.
Barber, regarded as key man in Redcliffe’s bid for premiership glory, was sent off by referee, Bill McKenny on a high tackle charge, during the reserve grade match against Wests Panthers at Lang Park.
It was a nervous Barber who fronted the BRL Judiciary 48 hours later, but he needn’t have worried, as the judiciary committee found him not guilty. It was Barber’s second match in reserve grade, in his comeback from a knee injury.
Wests won the reserve grade 11-4, but Redcliffe won the First Grade match 13-9, with halfback, Greg Oliphant, a former Wests’ player, in sensational form in the two tries to one victory, despite being heavily targeted. Lock, Ian Thinee, a Rockhampton product, was another top performer for Redcliffe, while the Dolphins’ young fullback, Richie Myers was cool under pressure and proved a threat in attack.
But the best player on the field was Wests’ hooker, Gary Prickett, with his clever running from dummy half, and occasional first receiver work on the edge of the ruck. Prickett also provided bruising defence.
The Courier-Mail’s Jack Reardon liked what he saw from both clubs.
“If the Wests-Redcliffe match is a prelude to the Grand Final, we can look forward to one of the best Grand Finals on BRL records,” Reardon wrote.
Souths held off a strong, late challenge to defeat Valleys 20-17 at Neumann Oval, with Test skipper, Greg Veivers enjoying his best club match of the season. Souths’ fullback, Mitch Brennan was brilliant in attack, scoring two tries and getting across the line on another occasion, without being able to press the ball. John Ribot kicked four goals for Valleys, who were best served by halfback and skipper, Ross Strudwick.
At Kougari Oval, fourth placed Wynnum-Manly thrilled home fans, scoring three tries to two in a 17-10 win over second placed Norths’ Devils. Lock, Don Eagle was the outstanding player for the Seagulls, while rival lock, Steve Calder scored a smart try and was the Devils’ most enterprising player. Wynnum’s crisp attack was a credit to coach, former Test halfback, Dennis Ward. Wynnum hooker, John Dowling had a fascinating duel with Test hooker, Nick Geiger.
In the Saturday Lang Park match, Easts defeated Brothers 24-7 with halfback, Wayne Lindenberg proving too elusive for the Brothers’ defence, while also providing excellent cover, when the Fighting Irish had possession. Centre, Paul Beauchamp was Brothers’ best, stealing the spotlight from his international partner, Mark Thomas.
In Toowoomba, the local rugby league fraternity celebrated the opening of All Whites’ new $300,000 clubhouse and ground at Glenholme Park. All Whites (now Brothers) bought 10 acres in 1968 for $20,000. There were 450 seated for dinner at the opening of the club, one of those in attendance, former Test lock, Ian ‘Ripper’ Doyle, who represented Australia from All Whites in 1956-57.
About Author
