Top 10 Most Memorable Grand Finals - Number 6
March 6th 2011 00:10
Top 10 Most Memorable Grand Finals
Number 6
1986: Parramatta Eels verses Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Transcending the actual match, the 1986 Grand Final between the Parramatta Eels and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs defined an era. During the decade of the 1980’s these two teams dominated the league and greatly influenced the style in which the game was played.
Despite possessing incredible attacking talent with the likes of Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling (Parramatta) and Steve Mortimer (Canterbury), both sides were renowned for their uncompromising defence. Particularly the Bulldogs, who were in the process of formulating a dynasty with their defensive style under Coach Warren Ryan.
The 1986 Grand Final was a testament to this style, with both teams hammering and battering each other for 80 minutes, resulting in the first and only try-less Grand Final. It was also the lowest scoring Grand Final ever, with penalty goals being the order of the day. Parramatta’s Mick Cronin slotted over two goals to Canterbury’s Terry Lamb’s one, resulting in a 4-2 Eels victory.
Void of free-flowing attack, the game was characterised by grim and unrelenting defence which stifled almost all attacking options. In a way, the game showcased a style of Rugby League that was the backbone of the code up until that point. It was hard-hitting, gruelling, trench-warfare; with the object of grinding the opposition out of the game in a war of attrition.
In saying that, the brilliance of two of Rugby League’s greatest players shone through as Sterling and Mortimer persisted in testing their opponents defence in a tense and nail-biting second-half. As the minutes and later the seconds ticked past, both players initiated dangerous attacking raids. The play was tense and as dramatic as anything seen on the hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Each effort was thwarted by each side’s commitment and desperation in defence, leaving the rabid crowd gasping for breath. To add to the drama, Canterbury fullback Phil Sigsworth was sent off for a high tackle on Brett Kenny, leaving his team with only 12 men. In true determination, the Bulldogs refused to give in.
Energised by the famous Bulldogs grit and fighting spirit, Canterbury continued to attack in the latter stages of the game. They created a number of opportunities, with their centre Andrew Farrar being desperately swarmed upon by the Eel’s scurrying defence with only five minutes to go. Then, at the 78th minute, Terry Lamb had the chance to level the score with a penalty goal, but missed.
The Bulldogs were undeterred though and in the final play of the game, their hooker, Mark Bugden went within a metre of scoring, only to be desperately chopped down by his opposing number Michael Moseley.
As the full-time siren sounded, Eels players and fans alike sighed a heavy sigh of relief as Canterbury’s heroic late charge had been thwarted. Parramatta had clung to an epic victory. Scenes of Parramatta and Canterbury players slumped with fatigue in their mud stained jerseys is generally considered to be a typifying image of the decade.
The game will no-doubt live in infamy, but its memory is further shaped by the heroic send off of two of Parramatta’s greats.
Both Eels stalwarts, Mick Cronin and Ray Price were retiring and the victory was a most fitting send off to two of the games most iconic figures of that time. The aftermath also saw Peter Sterling awarded with the inaugural Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match, a prize that has become highly sort after in years gone by.
The Eel’s victory ultimately left both teams at a stalemate for the decade, further inflating a rivalry that exists to this day. After taking the 1981, 1982 and 1983 Premierships, the Eel’s win in 1986 saw them claim four titles for the decade. It was a feat matched by the Bulldogs after having already claimed the 1980, 1984 and 1985 Premierships to their mantle and later adding one in 1988.
The win was also sweet revenge for Parramatta after going down to the Bulldogs in another memorable Grand Final in 1984, in which Canterbury won narrowly 6-4 in another low scoring affair.
| 28 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
