Fifty Years Ago - Round 17, 1971

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George's weekly look at the 1971 NSWRFL season continues as we head back to Round 17, fifty years ago.

"The Rugby League Premiership surged into life yesterday when three shock results threw wide open the struggle for fourth place in the semi-finals".  So said Alan Clarkson in the Monday morning SMH of July 19. Three of the top 4 teams, South Sydney, St George and Parramatta were beaten, resulting in Manly grabbing first place on for and against and the Eels grip on fourth place becoming less secure.     

Canterbury (15) defeated Souths (12) in a torrid, forward dominated clash, at Belmore Oval.  The ‘Dogs' took on a Souths pack missing  and front row enforcer, John Sattler, seemed subdued. Perhaps Sattler and his forwards were worried by the five-week suspension of John O'Neil.  Referee Keith Page was tough on both teams but (off the record) Souths players were furious that he let the Bulldogs get away with dirty play. Canterbury were strong in the middle and yesterday's win was their seventh out of their last 8 matches and pushed them to within one win of Parramatta in 4th place.

Over at Henson Park, Newtown gave their Bulldog neighbours a huge lift by defeating Parramatta in a dour affair.  Newtown (12) defeated Parramatta (7) scoring two tries to the Eels one. Parramatta were ‘pathetic' according to Coach Ian Walsh who gave his team both barrels after the match. "We would be laughed off the Cricket Ground if we made the semi-finals and reproduced today's performance." He added that the selection committee would have the red-pen out, adding, "Our premiership chances are at rock bottom. Some big-name players will be missing next week". 

To complete the trifecta of upsets, Cronulla (19) defeated St George (15) for the first time since joining the premiership in 1967. The five tries to three win was marred by the poor goal kicking of Sharks,  who managed to land just 2 goals from 7 attempts - included one miss from ten yards out, in front of the posts. Although his kicking was poor, Cotter did score three tries.  The scores were close for much of the match with Cronulla only grabbing the lead in the last quarter of the match.  Yesterdays' effort by Saints attack relied almost exclusively on fullback Graeme Langlands, while their forwards struggled to control the Sharks pack.  Sharks stand-in captain  was their best in attack while forwards  and  kept the St George forwards quiet. 

Over at the Sydney Sports Ground 12,033 fans watched as Manly (33) flogged Balmain (15), finally putting the Tigers finals aspirations out of reach.  The Tigers were awful at times and their lack of discipline was displayed on the scoreboard.  Manly ran in five tries to three but they also scored nine goals, five coming from penalties.  The sea Eagles won the match, but suffered serious injuries to superstar Centre, Bob Fulton and prop Norm Pounder.  Fulton's knee injury (including a burst blood vessel) was the main issue.   

At the other end of the ladder Wests Magpies, after a 2^nd win in a row have passed Norths to grab 11th place.  Wests (21) defeated Easts (17) in a match that meant little to the comp and left Easts Coach Don Furner scratching his head. Starting back in March with a strong 19 - 0 win over Newtown and grabbing 6 wins after 12 matches, the Roosters have stumbled badly since, securing just 1 win and 1 draw from five matches. The loss to Wests means that Eastern Suburbs season is over. They sit 5 points from 4th place with 5 matches to play, two against top four teams.

Next week, the SCG hosts the match of the season so far.  First placed Manly (ahead on for and against) take on second-placed South Sydney.  (Everyone hopes that and  overcome their injuries to run out for their teams).