1972 Grand Final
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The 1972 New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) premiership Grand Final.
Played in Sydney, Australia on 16 September 1972.
Manly 19 (Fred Jones, Ray Branighan tries, Graham Eadie 6 goals, Bob Fulton field goal) defeated Eastern Suburbs 14 (John Ballesty, Bill Mullins tries, Allan McKean 4 goals) at the Sydney Cricket Ground;referee Keith Page; Crowd: 54,537
After twenty five years in the competition five Grand Final losses, Manly finally broke through to win the clubs first NSWRL premiership. In a controversial match, the Sea-Eagles downed the Eastern Suburbs Roosters 19 to 14, thus shedding their 'bridesmaid' tag. The Roosters were highly critical of referee Keith Page after the match, claiming both Manly tries shouldn't have been awarded. To add to their rage, Easts crossed for 2 tries that were disallowed by Page. A dour first half saw the teams go to the break at 4 all, before a doubtful try by hooker Fred Jones put Manly ahead. Jones appeard to drop the ball as he attempted to ground it, but was awarded the try nonetheless. Midway through the second half, controversy flared again when Manly centre Ray Branighan appeared to stop over the Eastern Suburbs try line after accepting what looked like a forward pass from prop Bill Hamilton. However, referee Page allowed it and the Manly fans began celebrating, knowing that at 19-4 their premiership victory was assured. Although Easts fought back, bringing the score to 19-14, time ran out on the Roosters. Manly Half back Denis Ward was named Man of the Match.
The Lineups:
Manly • Graham Eadie • Ken Irvine • Ray Brannigan • Bob Fulton • M.Brown • Ian Martin • Dennis Ward • Malcom Reilly • Terry Randall • Alan Thompson • John O'Neill • Fred Jones(c) • Bill Hamilton • Coach: Ron Willey
Eastern Suburbs • Allan McKean • Jim Porter • Harry Cameron • Mark Harris • Bill Mullins • John Ballesty • Kevin Junee • Ron Coote(c) • John Quayle • Greg Bandiera • Arthur Beetson • Peter Moscatt • John Armstrong • Reserve: Laurie Frier replaced Bandiera • Coach: Don Furner
[edit] References
- Australian Sport Through Time
