ROCHESTER sat atop the BFL ladder after five rounds had been completed in May, 1962. The Demons were expected to face a real challenge in the match-of-the-day as Castlemaine also hadn't lost a game going into the big clash 50 years ago.
But inspired by former Collingwood big man Ray Willetts the Demons went further ahead as the match progressed after an even first quarter.
Willetts repeatedly checked the Magpies when allowed to roam around loose on their forward line, the Advertiser scribe at the game reported.
The drought broke for Sandhurst with the Maroons notching their first win for the '62 season. The Maroons accounted for Eaglehawk at the QEO by six goals and dragged themselves off the bottom of the BFL ladder.
Although his side went down by 22 points to Golden Square, South's "cunning coach" Alan McDonald told the Advertiser man-at-the-game that his team had plenty of improvement.
"We are at the turn of the corner," McDonald said, in his own unique way.
"Many of my players are just beginning to realize that they can play football."
And Kyneton accounted for Echuca in the closest match of the round. The Tigers held a slight edge throughout and the newspaper scribe attributed the 15-point victory to "superior stamina and a stronger roving division."
The Murray Bombers were just five points down at three-quarter time, but Kyneton was able to boot three goals to two in a thrilling last quarter.
Podmore drove through four goals for the Tigers with Terry Bowe and Ken Peucker adding three each.
REPORTING on the QEO clash, Jim Elvey noted that Sandhurst were never under any great pressure from the Two Blues.
The match revealed that the Maroons were a much improved combination, Elvey said.
They went in for the ball harder whilst their teamwork and enthusiasm left the Hawks floundering.
"The only time that Eaglehawk looked like a side was in the first ten minutes of the first quarter when they slammed home two, quick goals before the Maroons realized the game was on," he wrote.
From then on it was just a question of by how much Sandhurst was going to win. They set about their task of gaining a big lead with purposeful football.
With Brian Sutton in dashing form at full-back for the Maroons, the Hawks found it very hard to kick goals.
By three-quarter time Sandhurst had gained a 40-point lead and their 12.12 to Eaglehawk's 5.11 with one quarter to play was an indication of the game to that stage.
Elvey said John Calverley gave Hawks' supporters some heart when he kicked two, quick goals early in the last term.
They made up some leeway but the Maroons fought back and gave the impression they could get a goal whenever they wanted to.
Kevin Keogh finished off a great game with his sixth goal for the Maroons after landing three of Sandhurst's five six-pointers in the opening term.
ROCHESTER opened up a match-winning lead in the second quarter with fast, systematic football, the Advertiser reported.
Castlemaine was right in the game early with Mal Stevens and Dickson booting goals.
Rochester managed to keep pace before a complete change came over the game in the second quarter when Broom booted two, quick goals to give the Demons a useful lead.
Willetts had a hand in the next three Rochy goals, as the Demons opened up a 30-point break by half-time.
The Magpies were goalless in the third term. Busy Rochester coach Con O'Toole and Graeme Taylor, quiet in the centre until this stage in his personal duel with Kevin Maple, both landed major scores.
Another seven six-pointers in the final term wrapped up the premiership points for the Demons.
Sandhurst 5.7 10.11 12.12 15.12 (102)
Eaglehawk 2.2 4.7 5.11 9.13 (67)
Kyneton 4.2 8.3 11.5 14.9 (93)
Echuca 3.4 7.4 10.6 12.6 (78)
Rochester 4.4 9.9 13.13 20.18 (138)
Castlemaine 4.2 5.3 5.6 9.7 (61)
Golden Square 4.0 8.1 10.5 15.10 (100)
South Bendigo 2.7 4.9 9.15 10.18 (78)
BEST afield votes --- Golden Square v South Bendigo: Golden Square half-back Brian Mallon was the outstanding player on the day. He was a sure defender who backed his judgment with success and on many occasions made openings from the half-back line which resulted in major scores.
His kicking was a delight to watch.
Rochester v Castlemaine: Ray Willett dominated the ruck and was an excellent defender. His marking and dashing style of play repeatedly earned the applause of the large crowd.
Kyneton v Echuca: Greg Toll of Echuca was the outstanding man on the ground. His ruckwork kept his side within reach of Kyneton and in the last quarter almost lifted the Murray Bombers to victory.
Sandhurst v Eaglehawk: Pat Burke gave Sandhurst many opportunities to score with his fine centre play.
Burke was pitted against strong opposition, but he acquitted himself well with grand positional play and with his disposal to teammates on the forward line.
IN THE Golden City League's main match Kennington scraped home by five points over Northern United: 12.13 to 12.8.
George Ilsley was playing as a centreman for United in 1962, but despite his efforts the Swallows trailed at half-time. Kangaroo Flat recorded their first win of the season with a seven-goal thumping of Harcourt while YCW accounted for North Bendigo by 45 points, with Pat McGrath nailing nine goals.
Merv Bull drilled three majors for North with the Bulldogs able to win a last quarter for the first time in the '62 season.
Provincial recorded 31 scoring shots on their way to a 34-point victory over Chewton: 12.19 (91) to 8.9 (57).
Even though Les McMurray (blistered heel) was one of the late withdrawals for Kennington, the Keets had a sure avenue to goal through Bill Ripper.
He landed seven of Kennington's 12 goals while at the other end of the park Kevin Murley bagged six for Northern United. Maurie Sharkey snared three.
From Bendigo Advertiser of May 21st, 1962: Research and historical section, Goldfields Library, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.
Richard's tips for Round 5: South Bendigo, Golden Square, Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldsaye.
2012 running tally: 16.
By Richard Jones
