I was there!!!!!
Cumberland oval was the closest thing a fan had to being part of the game. The old ground smelled of a compination of beer, sweat, blood, dirt and tobacco. It seasted 2000 people, and 22000 would cram into it. Clouds of dust rose from the ground when big bodies collided. It was a gladiatorial cauldron the likes of which, atmosphere wise, does not exist today.
There was discussion about converting the old girl into a modern stadium. With Denis Fitzgerald fresh in the job, we would still be waiting. However, somewhere some brillinatly minded Parra fans decided that a champion team deserved a champion's ground.
I was at the SCG for the game. My mates and I drove back to the Leagues Club, but as we approached, we noticed some activity at Cumberland. We went over, and discovered people going berzerk. The fence palings that ringed the ground where ripped of and strewn everywhere. Signs were ripped down, seats were ripped up. The dressing rooms and canteens had been looted. Toilets were smashed, shower heads were ripped off, and tomato sauce was strewn everywhere.
Funnies t thing was the old scoreboard, a fibro structure on a 6ft brick stand. A group of bloked were on the stand, rtrying to rip down the clock. below, some other blokes decided to burn the stand. Up top, blokes began to realise that they were being burned, but still reefed at the clock!!!
The most surreal moment was the sight of a well dressed woman, savoring the moment quietly in the grandstand, while the mob rampaged around her at the seats!
THAT Was the passion that was unleashed when Parra truimphed. A far sight more passionate and determined than the johnny come lately softc*cks who cannot see life beyond Brian Smith!!!!!
