Last time they met :
BRISBANE RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 1973
The Valley Diehards won their third premiership in four years when they defeated Redcliffe 15‑7 in a gripping 1973 rugby league Grand Final.
Before a record grand final crowd, estimated at more than 40,000, Valleys only clinched the win about six minutes from the end with a try by tall forward, John McCabe who had an outstanding match.
Following a thrilling first half, which had the huge crowd in a constant uproar, the scores were deadlocked 7‑all.
But the most exciting period was the 12 minutes after half time when both teams put everything into trying to establish supremacy. Play switched from one end of the field to the other, with both teams coming close to scoring tries.
Valleys broke the deadlock when winger, Paul Gaylor scored after quick passing among the backs. But Gaylor had to do plenty of work himself to score the try. First the pass had been deflected and was difficult to judge; then he had to beat two defenders, one with strong running and the other with a swerve.
That made the scores 10‑7 and although the game then lost some of its spectacle, the excitement remained as Redcliffe tried desperately to bridge the gap.
The turning point of the game may well have been a magnificent cover defending tackle by McCabe and fellow forward, Jeff Gill on Redcliffe centre, Ron Carige.
Redcliffe fullback, Tony Obst, five eighth, Rod Cameron and lock Ian Thinee previously had come perilously close to scoring. Then Carige made his 60 metre burst. Had he scored the floodgates may have opened for the Dolphins.
McCabe's clinching try was the result of a perfectly timed Tony Perkins pass and some tiring defence from the Dolphins. Allan Mills landed a penalty one minute from the end to make the final score 15‑7.
Both teams had their casualties from the rugged encounter. Redcliffe captain, Ron Raper broke his forearm and crash tackling forward Rod Halley suffered a leg injury as did Valleys giant prop, Russell Hughes.
Redcliffe hooker, Bob Wilson won the scrums over Hugh O'Doherty 12‑9.
Referee, Bernie Pramberg, in his first Grand Final, gained strong control early and maintained it.
Scores: Valleys 15 (H.O'Doherty, P. Gaylor, J. McCabe tries; J. Crilly 2, A. Mills goals) d Redcliffe 7 (P. Leis try; R.Raper 2 goals)
Reserve grade: Brothers 26 d. Easts 5
Third grade: Norths 11 d. Valleys 5.
Source : “Rugby League News” 18th September, 1983
