A GROUP of former Griffith schoolboys who made Rugby League history reunited on Friday to remember their 1966 victory in the University Shield competition.
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Since the team’s success in the state-wide contest Griffith has never again won the coveted shield, a fact the reunited team were incredibly proud of.
It was team member Robin Salvestro who tracked down the remaining members of the team for their reunion to be held over the city’s 100th birthday celebrations.
“It took about six months to track everyone down,” Mr Salvestro said.
“We had a reunion about 25 years ago but most of us haven’t seen one another for 20 years.”
Mr Salvestro said there was a sense of deja vu to the team returning to their old high school.
“The whole year was a memory, we were just bubbling with confidence as the team went on
“We all trusted each other in terms of ability and defence.”
Former coach and teacher Cecil Rose attended the reunion and said he was thrilled to have returned to remember the success of his team, at 85 years old he has retired from coaching and teaching but had fond memories of his time doing both.
The magnitude of the win by the Griffith team was captured in a 1966 The Area News write up by reported Graham Gorrel.
“Thank heavens that Griffith High School decided that 1966 was to be their year in University Shield football. It was like an oasis in the desert,” Mr Gorrel wrote.
“It gave us Rugby League football which puts the brawling sub-standard Sunday first grade matches to shame.
“In winning the final against Armidale by 18 points to 4 Griffith stamped themselves as the finest schoolboys team in the Riverina since the war.
“Never once was a try imminent for Armidale.
“They got close to the Griffith line several times but never at any stage was there a chance to touchdown.
“There were unforgettable scenes after the match.
“Excited players and supporters chaired [coach] Rose and captain Paul Blackman from the field.
“It’s the perfect success story from the moment sportsmaster Gordon Jones decided Griffith had a team good enough to at least win a couple of matches.
“That they went on to win six matches, have only four tries scored against them and amass 181 points to 24 against speaks volumes for the players and the coach.”