BELIEVE IT OR NOT I WAS AT THIS MATCH...........happy reading
Easter Monday, April 1971.......Cronulla's First ever game at the SCG. Match of the Day against the Might of South Sydney. (Premiers 1967,68,70 and 71, runners up 1970)
FROM RUBGY LEAGUE NEWS April 17 1971 by Tom Goodman.
GALLANT CRONULLA'S FINEST HOUR
Last Saturday at the Cricket Ground will be remembered as Cronulla-Sutherland's day -- even though South Sydney won the match 16 - 15.
Not only was it Cronulla's first ever match at the famous Cricket Ground.
It was their stout hearted performance against the Premiers in a stirring match, which League President, Mr W.G.Buckley, said when congratulating Tommy Bishop and his team, had been a 'tonic' to League.
Cronulla - a team of "character," with its mixture of proven experience and raw-boned newcomers tothe big time - had thoroughly deserved the applause from all around the arena as they trooped off at half time leading 7 -4.
They were deeply moved by the standing ovation accorded themby the ground Members when they came wearily back after a gruelling contest, having failed to achieve the miracle of a touch line conversion of a dramatic try in the closing minutes.
It was a great struggle- a match of sustained pressure. Souths trying everything they knew to break down the Sharks' plucky defence; Cronulla counter attacking and for some time in the second half having Souths penned in their 25 yard area.
Souths' defence stood up to the hammering.
The Pic is The Sharks strong young shearer from Warren, Greg Allen, who had a hearty tussle with
Souths' John Sattler in the Scrums, is tackled by lock Paul Sait. Sattler is behind Allen.
No 10 is second rower John Macguire.
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That was one of the most welcome features of this "tonic" match. The unflinching defence of both sides - a change from some of the games in which the art of scoring tries had been devalued by sloppy "tackling".
A such is was a six tackle success.
When I asked Souths Coach Clive Churchill what he thought of Cronulla's effort, the "Little Master" of other days, momentaritly shedding his smile of elation, said seriously, "Wonderful." He repeated, "Wonderful"
Churchill would have appreciated as much as anyone did, the work of present day "Little Wizard", stocky, red haired Tommy Bishop.
Bishop was the unforgettable master of ceremonies in this match, is such manner did he dictate his team's play, so that all their hopes seemed to rest on his sturdy shoulders.
There he was, dodging and sprinting, or throwing himself into the tackle.
At times fiery and indignent, at the crisis early in the second half when Souths had rushed on two converted tries, to lead 14-7, encouraging and cajolling. And his own work so creative - essentially creative and with a degree of deception.
He showed he was human, someone said, by dropping two successive balls in the second half, when Cronulla had the screws on Souths.
Ray Corcoran.
But he came to light with those two magical passes, whipped out to right winger Ray Corcoran, which brought two shock tries, the second right "at the death" after Corcoran's electrifying dash of 80 yards in which he beat two men and held of Bobby Grants attempt to cover
THIS IS THE QUIGS MEMORY OF THE MATCH....
I had the pleasure of witnessing this game first hand, as a spectator in the Sheridan Stand at the old SCG. tender age of 16.
It was a brilliant game, it had everything. It would be interesting to see the Old Rugby League Week front page again, as I remember they had several of the Sharks on the front page with a heading about something like the "Entertainers" have arrived.
What I will never ever forget about this game is the brilliant try Ray Corcoran scored in the dying minute of the game. He recieved a pass of Bishop and stepped around and through two or three close defenders.
Ray was on the right wing, the western side of the SCG and running directly to where I was sitting. I had a perfect view of what was unfolding.
He had taken the pass near his own 25 yard line and was in full flight just in Souths half. He had offloaded the first line of defence and had only souths fullback Eric Simms in front of him.
He left Eric clutching at fresh air and only had daylight in front of him.
I thought, yes, under the sticks Ray, under the sticks......we are going to beat Souths....
Unbelievably Ray continued on his path to the corner. Grant was chasing him but he had no chance.
Everybody around me was yelling to and pointing to Ray to go around and plant it under the black dot. All the Shark players were pointing towards the SCG post. But no, what does bloody Ray do, he swan dives in the corner. He covered 80 yards to score in the bloody corner.
Needles to say, the conversion was unsuccessful and Souths got us 16 - 15.
Ray was a brilliant attacking player, he could not tackle his mother, but Bishop would designate some forward to cover for Ray in defence. He was too valuable to the team as a strike weapon to be dropped because of his defence. I believe Ray was the closest side stepper I had ever seen to the great Changa Langlands. Ray was up there with Corowa etc etc.
FOOTNOTE. I had the pleasure of meeting with Tommy Bishop at Emu Park in 1990. I mentioned this game to Tommy and asked him what was going through his mind when Ray was heading to the corner. Tommy said he couldn't believe it, but he was so tempted to hand the ball to Ray and tell him to take the bloody conversion attempt himself.
Cheers
Quigs....
Drop bye and say Hi
ooooooooooh what a night
