1982 The Year that was!

WSL Match 1 – 21/3/82

W/Manly 28 d Wide Bay 12 (Maryborough)

Wynnum-Manly hardly moved out of second gear as they comfortably rattled up a solid 28-12 win over Wide Bay, in front of a mammoth crowd at Maryborough. The Seagulls were never in doubt, as hooker David Green gave them a lions-share 18-5 majority in the scrums. Tony Kambouris scored twice, with Terry Butler, Gene Miles, David Green and Brett French the other scorers.

Fullback Colin Scott enjoyed a welcome return to form, following rumours that his state position was under some doubt. Darryl Jenner, Ray Duncan and Mark Zillman did plenty of the rugged work up front for the Seagulls.

Coach Des Morris returned to Brisbane a worried man though, with apparent serious injuries to half Terry Saunders and utility player Brian Walsh.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 28 (T.Kambouris 2, T.Butler, B.French, G.Miles, D.Green tries, C.Scott 5 goals) defeated Wide Bay 12 (D.McDonald, K.McKenna tries, D.Adams 3 goals).

 

WSL Match 2 – 28/3/82

Easts 37 d W/Manly 20 (Lang Park)

Wynnum-Manly gave one of the worst handling displays seen at Lang Park in years, as Easts mauled the Seagulls 37-20 in a disappointing Lang Park main game. The Tigers came ready to play, and had run in two tries before the Baysiders had time to even warm up. Easts would go on and run in a further five, thoroughly putting the cleaners through the hapless Seagulls. The ever-reliable boot of prop Shane McNally also kept the scoreboard attendant busy, as he landed eight goals from all over the park.

Oddly enough, Seagulls hooker David Green dominated scrum wins against Max Sahl, but ineffectual handling and fundamental errors in kicking continually turned over possession to the Tigers. Easts led 22-0 at half time, and other than a short-lived mini-revival led by fullback Colin Scott, Wynnum-Manly were never let back in the match. Mark Payne (2), Brad Backer, Greg Sutton, Brett Le Man, Zac Sarra and Max Sahl all crossed the chalk for the Tigers, while David Green (2), Scott and Brian Walsh scored for the Seagulls. It was difficult to fault an Easts side that was never really tested in any aspect of the match, while best performers for the Seagulls were clearly Green and Scott.

Scorers: Easts 37 (M.Payne 2, B.Backer, B.Le Man, Z.Sarra, M.Sahl tries, S.McNally 8 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 20 (D.Green 2, C.Scott, B.Walsh tries, C.Scott 4 goals).

 

WSL Match 3 – 02/4/82

W/Manly 18 d Ipswich 3 (Ipswich)

The Ipswich Jets crashed and burned again in round 3 of the 1982 state league, when Wynnum-Manly snuck away 18-3 in a dogged arm-wrestle during the Friday night match at the Reserve. The Seagulls were always the better side throughout the match, but weren’t able to finally seal the victory until late in the match. Brothers Cliff and Kevin Langer, Gordon Reid, winger Don Porter, and hooker Kym Douglas all played well for the Jets, who continued to lack penetration.

Leading only 3-0 at halftime from a Terry Butler try, the Baysiders dominated position, but only desperate defence kept them out. The Jets held on gamely until nearly ¾ time, when Wynnum-Manly replacement forward Darryl Jenner crashed over. Jets winger Don Porter then capped off a concerted attacking raid to cross in the corner. But further tries to Brett French and Phil Attel in the final term, and three goals by fullback Colin Scott made the victory appear more comfortable than it really was.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 18 (P.Attel, T.Butler, D.Jenner, B.French tries, C.Scott 3 goals) defeated Ipswich 3 (D.Porter try).

 

WSL Match 4 – 11/4/82

Central Qld 22 d W/Manly 18 (Rockhampton)

Central Queensland Capras registered their first state league win, when they hung on 22-18 against a fast-finishing Wynnum-Manly at Rockhampton. Both sides scored four tries, but it was the boot of second-rower Kelvin Kerr that provided the difference. Kerr landed 5 from 5, as well as scoring a great team try for the Capras. Again it was skipper and lock Ian Thinee who led his side by example to victory. Thinee was instrumental in many of the Capras attacking moves, and tackled himself to a standstill.

While the Seagulls looked slick while in possession, it was the CQ defence that won the day. Tries were scored by Stephen Boys, former Valleys centre Bevan Valentine, Michael Goode and Kerr for the Capras. Gene Miles, Brett French, Paul Kassulke and David Green scored for the baysiders, with Colin Scott landing 3 goals.

Scorers: Central Qld 22 (S.Boys, B.Valentine, K.Kerr tries, Kerr 5 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 18 (G.Miles, B.French, P.Kassulke, D.Green tries, C.Scott 3 goals).

 

WSL Match 5 – 18/4/82

W/Manly 24 d Norths 18 (Lang Park)

In the most spectacular state league match to date, Wynnum-Manly outlasted Norths 24-18 in a crackerjack main game at Lang Park. The match had everything from ten spectacular tries, a rugged forwards battle, a terrific battle in the halves, and a result in doubt until the final whistle. In fact, the score was level on three occasions as both sides launched waves of superb attack.

In the opening exchanges, Brian Battese, Gene Miles and Colin Scott shone as the Seagulls skipped away 10-0. However, the Devils fired back to equal the scores on the back of great showings by backrowers Paul Bartier and Tony Elliott. Hookers David Green and Greg Conescu also staged a battle royale both in the scrums and around the rucks. The match was exactly what QRL officials wanted, and if games like that could be guaranteed every week, Lang Park would be packed.

For Wynnum-Manly, tries were scored by Miles (2), Terry Butler, Phil Attel, David Green and Battese, with Scott adding 3 goals. The Norths tries were scored by Gary Warnock, Darryl Gray, Tony Elliott and Conescu, with two goals by Warnock and one by Paul Garozzo.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 24 (G.Miles 2, T.Butler, P.Attel, B.Battese, D.Green tries, C.Scott 3 goals) defeated Norths 18 (G.Warnock, D.Gray, T.Elliott, G.Conescu tries, G.Warnock 2, P.Garozzo goals).

 

WSL Match 6 – 25/4/82

W/Manly 25 d Toowoomba 15 (Toowoomba)

A determined Wynnum-Manly came away with the points in a thrilling match at Athletic Oval, when Toowoomba collapsed under the weight of playing a man short due to injuries. The final score of 25-15 does not reflect the closeness of the contest, with the Clydesdales dominating the majority of the match. It was a brilliant display of free-flowing football as the match pulsated through periods when each side dominated.

U/18 Australian rep Trevor Patterson starred for Toowoomba, while rugged forward Brian Battese was the pick for the Seagulls. Colin Scott (2), Brian Walsh, Gene Miles and Phil Attel scored tries for Wynnum-Manly. Shane Collins, Warren Green and Peter McKinnon scored the tries for the Clydesdales. Scott also kicked five goals for the Baysiders while Green managed three.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 25 (C.Scott 2, G.Miles, B.Walsh, P.Attel tries, C.Scott 5 goals) defeated Toowoomba 15 (S.Collins, W.Green, P.McKinnon tries, Green 3 goals).

 

WSL Match 7 – 02/5/82

W/Manly 16 d North Qld 7 (Cairns)

Wynnum-Manly won a fiery encounter at Parramatta Park in Cairns, when they outlasted North Queensland 16-7 in a rugged affair. Former international Rod Morris made an inglorious return, when he came off the bench early in the final quarter, only to be sinbinned with Marlins’ forward Darryl Higgs following a vicious all-in brawl in his first scrum. The scene was set early in the match, with a series of heated forwards clashes, and North Qld receiving an 8-1 penalty count during the first half. Seagulls fullback Colin Scott drew first blood, just before quarter time, and then sent winger Phil Attel over just after the break. A Neil Moy penalty goal is all the Marlins could muster in the first half.

The match remained fiercely tight throughout, but with hooker David Green maintaining more than an even share of scrum possession, the Baysiders always seemed in control. Colin Scott, Gene Miles and Terry Butler were the pick of the backs, with Bob Hodge and Brian Battese leading the way in the forwards. Other tries for the Seagulls were scored by Miles and Butler, while North Qld’s lone try was scored by skipper Mick Aguis.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 16 (C.Scott, T.Butler, G.Miles, P.Atell tries, Scott 2 goals) defeated North Qld 7 (M.Aguis try, N.Moy 2 goals).

 

Round 1 – 16/5/82

W/Manly 10 d P/Brothers 5 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum-Manly were forced to dig deep to hold off a dogged Brothers at Kougari Oval, eventually winning 10-5 in a fiery encounter. Forward clashes were the feature of the match, with a number of fiery flare-ups causing David Redfern to hold up play. Brethren props Bob Kellaway and Ray Swift both spent time in the sinbin, after separate incidents involving Seagulls hardmen Mark Zillman and Rod Morris. This was Morris’ first Brisbane club match in 3 years, and he proved a vital component in the tight victory.

The Seagulls first try came early in the match when a magnificent slight-of-hand pass from half Terry Saunders sent winger Terry Butler over in the corner following a scrum win. The Baysiders moved further ahead while Kellaway left his side a man short, when hooker David Green swooped on a loose Brothers pass to step his way over near the posts.  The 10-nil half time score did not reflect the ferocity with which both packs tore into each other, nor the closeness of the contest. The only points of the second half came when Brethren winger Tony Byrne intercepted a wayward pass to sprint 60 metres and score under the posts. Overall, loose handling and poor discipline cost Brothers the match, as they had the better of play for most of the game.

Tony Obst, Peter Lehman and Garry Walker were among the best for Brothers, with Saunders, Morris and Brian Walsh playing well for the home side. It was tough games all round between the two clubs, with a 12-all draw in third grade and a skinny 13-9 Brothers win in reserve grade. Wynnum-Manly also won the U/21 and U/18 grades by 8-0 and 20-11 respectively.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 10 (T.Butler, D.Green tries, C.Scott 2 goals) defeated Brothers 5 (T.Byrne try, goal).

 

Round 2 – 23/5/82

W/Manly 10 d Easts 8 (Langlands Park)

Inaugural Winfield State League champions Easts crashed to their second successive defeat, when they were humbled 10-8 by a relentless Wynnum-Manly at Langlands Park. State fullback Colin Scott scored all the Seagulls points with two converted tries, and had a very strong game.

The baysiders had never enjoyed much success at the home of the Tigers, so it was a win they savoured, as hooker David Green and half Terry Saunders simply starved Easts of possession all day. Leading 8-0 midway through the first half after tries by Greg Holben and Tony Anderson, the Tigers looked comfortable.

However, the 17-9 scrum deficit proved insurmountable for Easts, as hooker Jeff Ashe had an unhappy day. Untidy scrums also proved a handful for referee Keith Bichel, and at one stage he sent opposing props Shane McNally and Rod Morris for five minute stints in the sin-bin for collapsing scrums.  Gavin Payne, Brett Le Man and Cavill Heugh were among the Tigers’ best during the match, while Colin Scott, David Green and young Bob Hodge played well for the Seagulls.

The lower grade honours were shared, as Easts won reserves 15-7 and Wynnum-Manly won thirds 17-3.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 10 (C.Scott 2 tries, 2 goals) defeated Easts 8 (G.Holben, T.Anderson tries, S.McNally goal).

 

Round 3 – 06/6/82

W/Manly 20 d Redcliffe 11 (Dolphin Oval)

Wynnum-Manly joined Valleys at the top of the premiership table with a barnstorming 20-11 routing of Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval. Powerfully built former NSW country backrower Brian Battese was the weapon used to do most of the damage for the Seagulls, as he mercilessly tore into the Dolphin’s forwards. It was his breaks that directly led to two of winger Terry Butler’s three tries in the first half, and virtually put the match beyond Redcliffe’s reach at 15-3 by half time. So rugged was Battese’s performance that he earned two cautions from referee David Manson. Along with former international prop Rod Morris and hooker David Green, the Seagulls front row paved the way for half Terry Saunders to give backs Colin Scott and Gene Miles plenty of good attacking ball.

Dolphins lock Terry Webb and front rower Richie Poulsen, were among the best for Redcliffe, and it was the smart thinking of Webb that earned him a try. While the two forward packs were involved in a wild brawl, Webb played the whistle and streaked away to score. But the try – and brawl – was too little too late for Redcliffe, as Terry Saunders sealed the result with a smart try. Dolphins winger Peter Payne scored two tries during the Dolphins’ stifled second half comeback, one of which capped off some superb work by pivot Steve Bleakley.

The result was a turn-a-round from the two lower grade matches, with Redcliffe winning both thirds and reserves by 19-16 and 20-2 respectively.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 20 (T.Butler 3, T.Saunders tries, C.Scott 4 goals) defeated Redcliffe 11 (P.Payne 2, T.Webb tries, I.Pearce goal).

 

Round 4 – 13/6/82

W/Manly 20 d Norths 16 (Kougari Oval)

The radar-like boot of state-of-origin fullback Colin Scott enabled Wynnum-Manly to pull off a 20-16 Houdini act against Norths at Kougari Oval. Landing seven goals from 8 attempts and scoring a crucial second half try, Scott stole the show from an otherwise solid Devils performance which them a deserved four tries to two advantage. Conversely, Norths goalkicking winger Gary Warnock could only manage two from six attempts, including two misses from right in front of the posts.

However, Norths’ undoing was due largely to some ill-disciplined ruck-play, and Scott’s boot made them pay heavily. The Seagulls got off to a great start when centre Gene Miles stepped his way through to score after only four minutes. However, Norths dominated everything for the remainder of the first half, and racked up tries in the 12th (McMahon), 17th (Gray), 35th (McMahon) and 38th (Alroe) minutes to hold a commanding 16-7 half time lead. Had winger Shane McMahon scored his third try and not dropped the ball with the line wide open in the 55th minute, or centre Peter Dutton grounded a spilt bomb soon after, the Devils would have won the match – but it wasn’t to be.

Replacement Seagulls hooker Peter Sibley, backrower Gary Seaton, half Terry Saunders, prop Mark Zillman, and replacement for injured Rod Morris, Richie Somers were the best for the baysiders, while hooker Greg Conescu, Shane Bernardin, Paul Bartier and John Alroe were among Norths’ best. The Devils easily won the early matches, smashing Wynnum-Manly 29-6 in B grade, and 17-6 in C grade.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 20 (G.Miles, C.Scott tries, Scott 7 goals) defeated Norths 16 (S.McMahon 2, J.Alroe, D.Gray tries, G.Warnock 2 goals).

 

Round 5 – 20/6/82

Souths 20 d W/Manly 3 (Lang Park)

A Wynnum-Manly side gunning for their eighth straight victory, were brought to ground with a thud at Lang Park, when Souths methodically tore them apart 20-3. It was clearly the Seagulls worst performance of the season, as the Magpies star brigade of Mal Meninga, Gary Belcher, Wayne Challis, Bruce Harry and Brad Sully attacked at will. The first half saw Souths capitalise on unlimited Seagulls handling errors to lead 18-3. Meninga scored one of his signature tries with a bullocking run through the defence. Prop Adrian Higgs also barged his way over through some wafer-thin defence. Belcher and Challis finished off superb backline attacking forays to also score.

Wynnum-Manly’s only points came from somewhat of an opportunistic try finished off well by second-rower Gary Seaton following a loose pass by Souths. Coach Bob McCarthy then experimented with a number of positional changes after the break, as the Magpies simply closed up shop to record a solid win which edged them into second place ahead of the Seagulls.

A stirring reserve grade match was the highlight of the day with both sides fielding numerous first-graders and the match ending in a 16-all draw. Third grade was easily won by Souths 27-13.

Scorers: Souths 20 (W.Challis, M.Meninga, A.Higgs, G.Belcher tries, Meninga 4 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 3 (G.Seaton try).

 

Round 6 – 26/6/82

F/Valley 23 d W/Manly 17 (Neumann Oval)

The Valleys juggernaut moved into top gear with a strong 23-17 result over Wynnum-manly at Neumann Oval. With both sides missing three players to the state side, it was the Diehards who dominated the majority of the match. Powerhouse five-eighth Darryl Duncan crashed through for two terrific tries which brought the pro-Diehards crowd alive. With centre Peter Fisher and Bob Arnold scoring before half time, the Diehards established a commanding 15-2 lead which was never going to be overcome.

The Seagulls tried hard, but always appeared to be on the back foot. Winger Terry Butler scored a great solo try after half time following a loose Valleys pass, to give the Baysiders a sniff of victory. Hooker David Green then capped off sustained attack with a smart try. Non-stop forward Brian Battese was then rewarded with a strong try following a strong forwards surge down field, putting the Seagulls right back in the match. However Mick Neill, who had already landed five goals for Valleys, snapped a short-range field goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Best players for Wynnum-Manly were Battese, half Terry Saunders, lock Shaun Johnson and fullback Phil Attel. The Diehards best included Duncan, winger Russel Klien, lock Robert Moore, and prop Bob Knight.

Earlier matches saw second grade finish a 19-all draw, while Valleys won a tight third grade match 14-9.

Scorers: Valleys 23 (D.Duncan 2, P.Fisher, B.Arnold tries, M.Neill 5 goals, field goal) defeated Wynnum Manly 17 (T.Butler, D.Green, B.Battese tries, W.Green 4 goals).

 

Round 7 – 04/7/82

W/Manly 22 d Wests 12 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum-Manly played a bright style of football in comfortably downing Wests 22-12 at Kougari Oval. Hard-running backrower Brian Battese and state-of-origin representative fullback Colin Scott were two of the best on the day, with five-eighth Brian Walsh also heavily involved in the Seagulls four-tries-to-two victory. With possession shared, it was the Baysiders who spun the ball wide at every opportunity, causing headaches for the Panthers throughout.

Half Greg Oliphant and forwards Ray Baumber and Ray Pickup were Wests’ best, but they were no match for the enthusiastic Seagulls. The Panthers led early when Mick Waller landed a penalty goal, but after hooker David Green dived on a loose ball to score in the 25th minute, Wests were forced to play catch-up football. When Scott crossed for a good try just before the break, Wynnum-Manly snuck to an 8-2 lead which they held until halftime.

However, a second Scott touchdown and a sizzling Terry Butler try put the result beyond doubt. Panthers fullback Tony Currie scored a consolation try, when Oliphant superbly put him through a gap for a 35-metre run, before he chipped over the defence and regathered to score a brilliant try. Wynnum-Manly also won C grade 17-11, before Wests took B grade honours 18-17.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 22 (C.Scott 2, T.Butler, D.Green tries, W.Green 5 goals) defeated Wests 12 (T.Currie, J.Tapp tries, M.Waller 3 goals).

 

Round 8 – 11/7/82

P/Brothers 13 d W/Manly 12 (Lang Park)

Brothers shook the leading BRL competition teams, when they won a meritorious battle 13-12 against Wynnum-Manly at Lang Park. Leading 10-0 after 12 minutes following two tries by Brian Battese, the Seagulls looked world beaters. However, a spirited display by Brethren halves Peter Lehman and Greg Smith, slowly turned it all around, and they started to send a number of forwards on good charges. Garry Walker, Bob Kellaway and hooker Trevor Bailey eventually took the ascendancy away from the baysiders forwards, with Walker eventually bursting through on a long range gallop and send Bailey in under the posts. Leading 10-5 at the break, it went totally pear-shaped for the Seagulls as they bombed a number of opportunities, and lost Colin Scott, Terry Saunders and Shaun Johnson to injuries. Saunders was a big loss in particular, as he had come very close to scoring on a number of occasions.

With big Brothers prop Phil Hortz crashing over after 63 minutes, and a penalty goal to the Seagulls, the match remained in the balance with Wynnum-Manly leading 12-8.

However, the Seagulls could not hold on, as the Brethren’s powerful winger John Weier went on a bumping run down the grandstand sideline to score in the corner with six minutes remaining. The often unreliable boot of Lonnie Newman then landed a spectacular sideline conversion to snatch the win, bringing the sizeable crowd to its feet.

It was a tight day all round for Brothers, nudging out the Seagulls 18-15 in third grade, then 15-13 in reserve grade.

Scorers: Brothers 13 (T.Bailey, P.Hortz, J.Weir tries, L.Newman 2 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 12 (B.Battese 2 tries, W.Green 3 goals).

 

Round 9 – 18/7/82

Redcliffe 20 d W/Manly 7 (Kougari Oval)

Playing a man short for the second half, Redcliffe proved they are serious premiership contenders with a strong 20-7 win over Wynnum-Manly in a fiery bayside derby at Kougari Oval. Former representative prop Peter Griffiths was sent from the field by referee David Redfern for head-butting. However, the dismissal only served to steel the Dolphins’ resolve, as played with even more intensity after the break.

Coaches Arthur Beetson of Redcliffe and Des Morris of the Seagulls, obviously had their players fired up for the big clash, and it showed on a number of occasions. The ferocity of the forwards clash was never more eminent than just before the break, when a scrum infringement saw dolphins’ prop Tony Kajewski become the third player sent to the sinbin, after a scrum erupted into an all-in brawl. Almost every player from both sides was involved as referee Redfern struggled to keep control of the match. But their was plenty of brilliant football as well, to thrill a packed Kougari Oval. Gary Seaton, Shaun Johnson and Brad Samuelson all played their best games of the season for Wynnum-Manly, while Colin Part, Terry Webb, Trevor Benson and Wally Fullerton-Smith were the pick of a well-drilled dolphins outfit. Fullerton-Smith was deservedly rewarded with a late try following a long break by Part, after he had almost single-handedly battered the Seagulls pack into submission.

Steve Cherry scored the try of the match, when he outstripped the entire Seagulls team to streak 70 metres to score. Louta Atoi and Kajewski were the other tryscorers, while speedster Terry Butler scored the Seagulls only try. Redcliffe also won B grade 33-15, but it was Wynnum-Manly who upset the competition leaders in C grade 17-5.

Scorers: Redcliffe 20 (L.Atoi, S.Cherry, T.Kajewski, W.Fullerton-Smith tries, S.Bax 4 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 7 (T.Butler try, W.Green 2 goals).

 

Round 10 – 25/7/82

W/Manly 23 d F/Valley 11 (Kougari Oval)

A fired up Wynnum-Manly put in their best performance of the season to thoroughly outplay undefeated competition leaders Valleys, inflicting a comprehensive 23-11 hammering on the Diehards at Kougari Oval. Led by fiery prop Rod Morris’ vigorous approach, the Seagulls pack containing an unstoppable Gary Seaton, Brian Battese and Mark Zillman simply battered the Diehards forwards, and paved the way for Wynnum-Manly to control every aspect of the match.

Referee David Manson had his hands full on a number of occasions as emotion spilled into fisticuffs during the brutal forwards clash. But when football was played, it was the Baysiders who dominated. Their enthusiasm in defence directly led to Valleys’ poor handling and mistakes, and allowed them to clean up loose ball a majority of times. Diehards attacking lynch-pin Wally Lewis had an ordinary game by his standards, and many of his trademark long passes were uncharacteristically put down by his teammates. Seagulls fullback Colin Scott and centre Gene Miles played superbly during the match, reading the play perfectly and making plenty of ground every time they touched the ball. Centre Brett French also scored two tries, but it was Scott’s try and his hand in three others which capitalised so well on the ground the forwards made.

The overall team performance was one that coach Des Morris relished, and will no doubt make the leading side take notice of. Other seagulls tryscorers were hooker David Green and five-eighth Brad Samuelson. For Valleys, Vic Wieland, Mark Murray and Mick Neill scored tries. In second grade, the Diehards easily accounted for the bottom-placed Seagulls 21-10, while in third grade the Diehards just managed to get out of jail 18-17.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 23 (B.French 2, B.Samuelson, W.Green, C.Scott tries, W.Green 4 goals) defeated Valleys 11 (V.Wieland, M.Neill, M.Murray tries, Neill goal).

 

Round 11 – 01/8/82

W/Manly 20 d Easts 12 (Kougari Oval)

Wynnum-Manly cemented their spot in the semi-finals with a solid 20-12 win over Easts at Kougari Oval. The unlikely star of the match came in the form of surprise five-eighth selection Brian Walsh, who scored three tries and made at least three try-saving tackles. His first try came after a terrific Colin Scott break in the 19th minute. The second came after a neat dummy and side-step to fool the defence from close range. His third eventuated following a sizzling break by first Brad Samuelson then Gene Miles, before accepting the final pass to touch down.

However, the Seagulls handling and defence out wide looked vulnerable at times, and perhaps cost them some points. Incredibly though, the Tigers insisted on attacking them up the middle, where they were met by staunch resistance from Rod Morris, David Green (the other tryscorer), Darryl Jenner and Shaun Johnson. But for Easts, on the odd occasions Zac Sarra, Errol Slingsby or Cavill Heugh made a break, there was scant support. Referee Eddie Ward was particularly hard on the Seagulls scrummaging, resulting in coach Des Morris changing his tactics and halfback, after Peter Dawes had been penalized a number of times.

Brett Tengdahl and Gavin Payne were the Tigers’ tryscorers, but it was centre Ray Kelly who was Easts best player. Skipper Shane McNally also tried hard to inspire his fellow forwards, and kicked three goals. The Wynnum-Manly attack appeared to click into top gear for the first time during this match, and they now shape as a serious premiership contender. The earlier matches were both lopsided affairs, with the Seagulls winning C grade 26-3 and the Tigers winning B grade 40-6.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 20 (B.Walsh 3, D.Green tries, W.Green 4 goals) defeated Easts 12 (B. Tengdahl, M.Payne tries, S.McNally 3 goals).

 

Round 12 – 08/8/82

W/Manly 23 d Norths 7 (Bishop Park)

Wynnum-Manly overcame a torrid first half which had ended level at 7-all, to score a sparkling 23-7 win against a game Norths at Bishop Park. The Seagulls weathered a ferocious tackling onslaught during the first 40 minutes, which only saw a single try scored by each side. However, it was a vastly different story after the break, as the Baysiders attacking machine kicked into top gear with three unanswered tries. The victory put the Seagulls a win clear of 4th-placed Redcliffe, and gave them an outside shot at second spot.

The Baysiders’ first try came after 16 minutes, when fullback Colin Scott made a clean break, and after drawing Devils fullback Joe Kilroy, sent Brett French on a clear path to the line. A few minutes later, Norths hit back when winger John Alroe toed an apparently dropped pass through, and then won a stuttered chase to the ball. A number of Seagulls players did not chase, as they were expecting referee Keith Bichel to blow the whistle. Winger Gary Warnock’s conversion also brought up his 100 points for the season. The Seagulls then put the match out of the Devils reach soon after half time, with two quick tries. Firstly, winger Terry Butler finished off a long-range backline move by Gene Miles and Brett French.

Then French scored his second after second-rower Darryl Jenner burst through for a gallop upfield. Brad Samuelson finished off the scoring with a late 70-metre intercept try. Winger Warren Green landed five of his six attempts, with halfback Peter Dawes also kicking a field goal. Best for the Seagulls were Rick Polman, Shaun Johnson, French, Miles, Jenner and Dawes. While for Norths, Shane Bernardin, Greg Conescu, Tony Elliott and Nev Draper went well. No joy however for the seagulls in the earlier matches, as Norths notched a 17-11 win in B grade and a 22-15 win in C grade.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 23 (B.French 2, B.Samuelson, T.Butler tries, W.Green 5 goals, P.Dawes field goal) defeated Norths 7 (J.Alroe try, G.Warnock 2 goals).

 

Round 13 – 15/8/82

W/Manly 19 d Souths 8 (Lang Park)

Wynnum-Manly drew level with second-placed Souths when they caught the Magpies napping in a deserved 19-8 victory at Lang Park. However, the match did not go all the Seagulls way, with rugged Magpies defence forcing the Baysiders into plenty of first half errors. The swift Magpies backline of Bruce Harry, Bruce Astill and Wayne Challis, quickly swooped on loose ball and good field position to dominate most of the first 40 minutes.

Giant test centre Mal Meninga made a welcome return to Souths with a solid game on the wing, but with his left elbow heavily bandaged. He made a number of his customary charging runs, which were clearly pleasing to coach Bob McCarthy given the finals were just around the corner. It was centre Gary Belcher and backrower Alan Power who both capped off fine attacking raids to see the Magpies shakily leading 8-5 at the break. But after the resumption, it was a vastly different story, with Wynnum-Manly slipping into top gear and destroying Souths with a three-tries-to-nil second half. Although a team performance, centre Gene Miles starred with numerous blockbusting runs as well as showing rock-solid defence. His combination with co-centre Brett French was superb, with French crossing for two good tries.

Five-eighth Brad Samuelson also set tongues wagging with a brilliant solo try, and an attacking game that caused headaches for the Magpies whenever he touched the ball. Forwards Shaun Johnson, Rod Morris, Gary Seaton and Mark Zillman also played great games, softening up the feared Magpies pack before powering through for good second half field position. Forward Toowoomba winger Warren Green cemented his first grade position with another great defensive showing, finishing off a fine backline move for a try and kicking three goals. Fullback Colin Scott also kicked a field goal. It was all black and white in the earlier matches, with Souths winning reserve grade 24-18 and thumping Wynnum-Manly 34-8 in third grade.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 19 (B.French 2, B.Samuelson, W.Green tries, Green 3 goals) defeated Souths 8 (G.Belcher, A.Power tries, M.Meninga goal).

 

Round 14 – 22/8/82

Wests 26 d W/Manly 9 (Lang Park)

Sending outgoing coach John Lohman a going away present of the upset of the season, Wests steamrolled the finals-bound Wynnum-Manly side 26-9 in a rousing result at Lang Park. The Panthers kept the crowd roaring with attacking football that would have matched anyone in the competition, and left their legion of fans rueing a season wretched with injuries after making the state league semi-finals. Turning back the clock a decade was half Greg Oliphant who totally played the house down with instinctive football that manufactured a win despite the 6-14 penalty and 11-18 scrum deficits. Not even a serious nose gash could stop Oliphant, when he directed medical staff to simply strap his face, and although the look was not good, return to the fray looking somewhat of the ilk of Hannibal Lecter to score a splendid try.

Oliphant’s uncanny combination with hooker and fellow try-scorer Tim Watson completely dominated play, and with backrower John Tapp playing his best game of the season, the star-studded Seagulls were caught in the ambush of the season. Skipper and lock Norm Carr pushed his cause for inclusion in the Kangaroo train-on squad with another non-stop defensive effort before succumbing to a slight hamstring strain, and fullback Tony Currie continued his bright form in the custodian role. The Seagulls turned in a most ill-disciplined performance, with the sheer amount of dropped ball enough to lose three games. Wynnum-Manly coach Des Morris was optimistic about the upcoming finals though, saying “At least I’ve been able to tell the players just now that it’s all behind them”, and promising Seagulls fans “we won’t be making those errors again, particularly not in the finals”. Wests forwards overcame a rugged and at time fiery start to the match, with Brett Ferguson, Ray Baumber, Mark Crear and Tapp overpowering the more fancied Gary Seaton, Shaun Johnson, Mark Zillman and David Green, and forcing them into many handling errors with rock-solid defence. Seagulls halves Peter Dawes and Brad Samuelson were barely a shadow of their recent showings against Valleys and Souths.

Conversely, Oliphant and pivot Tony Quinn fed their outside backs of Mick Andersen, Len Standen and Jimmy Vanderham plenty of good attacking ball, causing the Seagulls pairing of Gene Miles and Brett French plenty of headaches. And it wasn’t solely the Panthers attack that was on show, as there were plenty of occasions they were called upon to repel bright seagulls attack. Winger Vanderham had a blinder both in attack and defence, finishing the match with two great backline tries and four goals, while fellow winger Andersen also scored a try. Tapp was also rewarded for his efforts with a bullocking try. For the Seagulls, Gene Miles was their only tryscorer with winger Warren Green landing all three of his attempts at goal. As memorable as the victory already was, it was the only time the Panthers won all three grades during the 1982 season, icing the win by taking reserves 29-16 and thirds 16-11 as well.

Scorers: Wests 26 (J.Vanderham 2, J.Tapp, G.Oliphant, T.Watson, M.Anderson tries, Vanderham 4 goals) defeated Wynnum Manly 9 (G.Miles try, W.Green 3 goals).

 

Minor Semi Final – 29/8/82

W/Manly 35 d Redcliffe 0 (Lang Park)

Wynnum-Manly turned on scintillating football in the knockout semi-final, when they humbled Redcliffe 35-0 in a seven-tries-to-nil thumping at Lang Park. As a contest, the match was effectively over after only 29 minutes when the Seagulls had raced to a commanding 20-0 lead.

One of a number of stars for the Seagulls was winger Warren Green, who finished the match with 20 points from two tries and seven goals. The match opened in typical fire-and-brimstone finals fashion, with both sets of forwards committed to full-blooded clashes in plenty of heavy tackling. However, once the opening ‘softening-up’ period was over, it was Wynnum-Manly who clicked into attacking mode.

In the 11th minute, state centre Gene Miles burst through the Dolphins defence, and accelerated away from the cover over 60 metres to score under the posts.

The crowd had barely time to settle, when only a few minutes later, Seagulls lock Brian Walsh hoisted a high bomb, which Redcliffe fullback Bunny Pearce uncharacteristically spilt, the loose ball bobbing up into second-rower Shaun Johnson’s hands close to the line. Johnson easily placed the ball to score, and with Green’s second conversion, Wynnum-Manly led 10-0. Good forward drives by props Mark Zillman and skipper Rod Morris returning from injury, and backrowers Gary Seaton and Johnson, were now asserting Seagulls authority on the forwards battle. David Green’s first half dominance in the scrums combined with good ball feed to halves Peter Dawes and Brad Samuelson, saw centre Gene Miles continually creating headaches for the Dolphins’ defence out wide.

Further tries by Warren Green and fullback Colin Scott in quick succession had the big pro-Seagulls crowd in raptures, with Green’s accurate goal-kicking now extending the lead to twenty. The Dolphins still tried hard to get field position, but with David Green clearly out-pointing his opposite in the hooking stakes, Redcliffe struggled to mount any sustained or effectual attack. A few penalties around the ruck were the only real errors Redcliffe could muster from a professional Wynnum-Manly performance.

A half-time dressing down by coach Arthur Beetson did nothing for the Dolphins’ effort to slow the Seagulls attacking onslaught after the break, with the second half continuing from where the first half left off. The Seagulls dominance in the forwards continued to provide the backs plenty of opportunities. Although working hard to desperately prevent more Miles breaks, Redcliffe were unable to prevent fellow centre Brett French, winger Green and replacement forward Wayne Bullock from all adding to the rampaging Seagulls scoring spree.

  For the Dolphins, their best scoring opportunity came early in the match, but once again poor handling cost them dearly. Had the try been scored, perhaps the match may have panned out differently.

But it is hard to imagine anyone in the competition having beaten Wynnum-Manly on the day. The final scoreline would normally indicate a disappointing team performance all round, but there were plenty of top efforts among the Dolphins regardless of the score.

Forwards Wally Fullerton-Smith and Vic Tighe were tireless in defence, both finishing as top tacklers for the match. All the backs worked hard to contain the potent Wynnum-Manly backline, but at times did not prevent crucial passes from being thrown when making tackles.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 35 (W.Green 2, G.Miles, S.Johnson, C.Scott, W.Bullock, B.French tries, W.Green 7 goals) defeated Redcliffe nil.

 

 

Preliminary Final – 12/9/82

W/Manly 26 d F/Valley 5 (Lang Park)

Wynnum-Manly ended a 31-year drought when they qualified for their first A-grade grand final, when they thrashed minor premiers Valleys 29-5 in the preliminary final. It was an awesome display by the competition’s fairytale team, dominating every aspect of the match from the outset, and rattling up a comprehensive five tries to one victory. One of an array of stars was winger Terry Butler, who scored three superb tries, and showed fearless commitment in defence. More than 20,000 patrons witnessed the devastating performance of the Seagulls, the vast majority of which were supporting the Baysiders.

Losing rugged prop Greg Walker during the week with an eight week suspension did not help the Diehards cause, but it was in no way a factor in the Seagulls forwards dominance during the match.  Enjoying a two-to-one advantage in scrums, Wynnum-manly hooker David Green thoroughly outplayed his opposite Terry Koorockin, add to that the performance in the engine room of props Rod Morris and Mark Zillman, and backrowers Brian Battese and Gary Seaton, and the go-forward of the Seagulls proved pivotal in the win.

From the outset, it was clear the Seagulls would be aiming to control the forwards clash, with Gibraltar-like defence, Wynnum-Manly players hammered anything in a blue jersey that moved.  None would experience that more than key Diehards playmakers Mark Murray and Wally Lewis, who were both hit with four-man gang tackles in the early exchanges and the pressure-cooker atmosphere of finals football boiled over on a number of occasions, with a couple of wild brawls involving the big men, and plenty of individual punch-ups.

But when it came down to the football, it was the Seagulls who controlled proceedings.  Starving the Diehards of possession, Wynnum-Manly piled on three quality tries in opening 21 minutes.  In fact, it wasn’t until the 24th minute that Koorockin was able to win a scrum for the Diehards.

Terry Butler was the first to touch down in the corner after only four minutes, followed by a bustling try to skipper Rod Morris in the 16th minute, when he crashed through in the tackles of Joe Bozzi and Wally Lewis to score and when five-eighth Brian Walsh, who had a great game, steamed over five minutes later, the Seagulls had control of the match at 13-0.  A Colin Scott field goal, followed by a second three-pointer to Butler just before the break, left the game well in Wynnum-Manly’s keeping at 19-2 by halftime.

The punishing defence of the Seagulls’ opening 40 minutes, took plenty out of the Valleys’ players with Seagulls half Peter Dawes putting his centres Gene Miles and Brett French into plenty of space after the resumption, it was a credit to the Diehards that were able to dig deep enough and not let the score get embarrassing.  Al McInnes and Bryan Niebling toiled hard in the forwards, as did halves Lewis and Murray, and outside men Russell Klien and Vic Wieland but penetrating the Wynnum-Manly rock-solid defence proved above anything Valleys could muster to throw at them.

A scrum-penalty deficit of 5-1 also did not help the Diehards cause, with the powerful Wynnum-Manly pack forcing their opposites into far too many errors.  Eventually Klien did cross for a try to the Diehards, but the game was gone at that stage.  Butler also completed his memorable hattrick for the Seagulls, and Warren Green landed five goals.

Coach Des Morris summed up the victory, when questioned after the match about who he thought was his best player, responding with pride “There were 13 of them”. He added that there was no special magic in the Seagulls forwards dominance, given the quality of their pack. Part of the win was also to keep the penalties down, which they did well.

Valleys coach Ross Strudwick conceded after the match, that even trailing 19-2 at the break he was confident of a comeback, but ten minutes into the second half he knew the game was gone. Replacing halfback Murray after the break, along with a number of positional switches were signs of desperate measures by the Diehards mentor, but nothing was going to stop the Seagulls in such a strong performance.

Scorers: Wynnum Manly 26 (T.Butler 3, R.Morris, B.Walsh tries, W.Green 5 goals, C.Scott field goal) defeated Valleys 5 (R.Klien, S.Czislowski goal).