ON THIS DAY - 18th March
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | March 18, 2024
All semi-final action today.
In 1961, A-Res grade almost completely outplayed the minor premiers in their semi-final but despite having a team full of allrounders, they were unable to bowl Hillgrove out and could only draw the match. Batting first, they had the luxury of batting Jeff Walsh as low as 8 but despite a wobble in the middle order, their 7-272 was plenty. Laurie Blake and Bob Brennan both made classy half centuries but there were plenty of contributions from a team where just about everyone could bat and bowl. On the second Saturday, an hour was lost to rain but Hillgrove never attempted to chase. Wicketkeeper RAY ROSE (#58) kept Waratahs in the hunt, standing up to all of the bowlers and making three dismissals.
Waratahs v Hillgrove (Semi) - A-Res grade, 11th & 18th March 1961
Despite dominating Public Service during the season proper, Waratahs batting again let them down. It was season in which they only twice passed 150 and regularly failed to make three figures and the semi-final was no different. John McIntyre was Waratahs best: the only batsman to make double figures and the bowler who keep them in the fight but in the end, Public Service won comfortably, getting to the target only four down.
Waratahs v Public Service (Semi) - B grade, 18th March 1961
In 1984, two of the three Waratahs teams played in the semis, winning both. In 1st grade, the batting appeared to have come adrift, undone by Geoff Wood's spin and the consistent tight lines of Gavin Gillard. Christian Quaife was the main reason they passed into three figures. Hillgrove faltered, Steve Reading again picking up the big scalps and Andrew McNeill, Roger Sattler and Joe Harrison keeping them constantly under pressure. The fielding was outstanding, with eight catches and a runout. Youngster James Campbell held 3 catches in his first big match in the top grade and wicketkeeper Carl Bridge 3 dismissals. Waratahs exhausted time but again the batting was inept, Tim Muldoon standing head and shoulders above the rest. Wood completed nine wickets for the match.
Waratahs v Hillgrove (Semi) - 1st grade, 17th & 18th March 1984
2nd grade outplayed Easts, winning outright by 5 wickets, after Easts threw down the challenge with aggressive batting on the Sunday to give themselves a chance. Jack Trestrail and Victor Crew were the difference in this match, their batting the mainstay of the side after Richard Rowlings delivered a disastrous start to Waratahs first innings. Trestrail also bagged four wickets, running through the Easts first innings tail. Each of the experienced heads in the Waratahs line up contributed at key moments.
