GROUP 6 President Grahame Andrews admitted his first year in the job had been tough but hoped the season would finish on a high with a big grand final day at Community Oval, Moss Vale on Sunday.

Andrews said it would have been great for the Group to have Moss Vale feature in the first grade decider but he expected a big crowd for the Oakdale- Thirlmere clash.

“Irrespective of who is playing we usually get a big crowd and we would be disappointed if we don’t get more than 1000 people down there,” he said.

Andrews refuted assertions made in the News on Monday that the raucous nature of the presentation night last Friday typified disunity among the Group.

“One club was a problem and we have had several complaints about them all year. They turned up 45 minutes late and their behaviour was unacceptable,” he said.

Andrews would not name the club but the News understands he was referring to Camden, whose tables in the centre of the room at Mittagong RSL Club took the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

League great Ron Coote, who was not the most engaging of public speakers, could barely be heard, and former Premier John Fahey kept his speech short and sweet in the face of the noise.

The Wingecarribee Council hopeful said some clubs had cleaned up their act.

“I was vice-president last year and have been involved with the management committee for 20 years. Narellan had big problems four years ago, but they have come a long way. Their president Brian McElroy should be commended,” Andrews said.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, August 29

sport.highlandnews@ruralpress.com