1966 SEASON

Western Suburbs 1966 First Grade team against South Sydney
Back Row: (L to R) Bill Hansen, Noel Kelly, Dennis Meaney, Allen Allison, John Hayes
Centre Row: Dick Pickett, Jim Cody, Noel Thornton, Peter Dimond, Rob McGuinness
Front Row: Gil MacDougall, Pat Thomas, Dennis Pittard, Dave Barsley

1966 saw considerable improvement from the previous two years but the spectre of injuries continued. The fact that 27 players were used in First Grade, 40 in Reserve Grade and 42 in Third Grade emphasised the considerable movement of players through the grades and the call-up of Juniors. It made new Coach’s Noel Kelly’s job that much harder. After a last-ditch win against Balmain, Wests made a play-off for fourth where they were beaten by Newtown 20-5. Noel Kelly was out suspended and Jim Cody out, injured.

Dave Barsley was leading points-scorer with 85 and John Mowbray the leading try-scorer with an impressive thirteen. Denis Meaney was voted ‘Best and Fairest’ clubman, while a young Tony Ford won the Reserve Grade vote.

Representatives for the year included:

Denis Pittard – City Firsts, Sydney v Great Britain
Noel Kelly – NSW v Qld, Great Britain, Australia v Great Britain
Peter Dimond – Third Test, Australia v Great Britain
Dave Barsley, Gil MacDougall – City Seconds.

Jim Cody in yet another dynamic charge            Peter Dimond still at his explosive best