ON THIS DAY - 20th March
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | March 20, 2024
A huge semi-finals edition today.
1966, both teams in the semis for this season. A grade took on the multi talented University at Consett Davis and thanks to Tom Cooke (5-25) were completely dominant on the first day, bowling out the strong UNE side for just 113. With play cut short and then rain threatening on the second day, Waratahs had to go hell for leather, knowing only a win would progress them to the Final. They fell short at 7-84 in just 14 overs before the game was washed out. (detailed scoresheet unavailable)
A-Res grade fared better, squeaking home by one wicket chasing down a useful University total. Keith McIntyre starred at the top of the order but it was a day when enough players made starts to get there but wickets kept falling. It was the last pair of Dawson and Butler who got Waratahs over the line.
Waratahs v University (Semi) - A-Res grade, 19th & 20th March 1966
1971, both teams in the semis again. This time it was A grade's chance to sneak into the Final with a draw. Keith Smith played "a graceful hand" on the first day, according to the Armidale Express and his middle order supported him to get St Peters to a solid total. Tom Cooke was his useful competitive self in a big game. Alan Gray was solid in the run chase but it was Greg Russell's finest day in the top grade, in partnership with an aggressive dig from Brian Joice, that got Waratahs going. In then end, John Roberts and John Donnelly were happy to play out time and shut St Peters out.
Waratahs v St Peters (Semi) - A grade, 13th & 20th March 1971
A-Res grade batted first, with most of the top order getting starts but no one took charge and when the tail fell in a heap when the opening bowlers came back for a second spell, the innings was left well short. Thanks mainly to Gary O'Halloran, Waratahs stayed in the fight but it was the same two, Canfell and Rayner, who finished the job with the bat that they started with the ball.
Waratahs v University (Semi) - A-Res grade, 13th & 20th March 1971
In 1983, 1st and 2nd grade were outplayed comfortably by Easts. 1sts took a hiding on the Saturday and on into Sunday, as Easts piled up the second highest team total against a Waratahs side in A/1st grade. Andrew McNeill, Wes Davis and Roger Sattler bowled 72 overs between. It was a case of long toil for scant reward. DAVIS (#386) had the ignominy of recording a bowlers hundred but McNeill and Sattler weren't far behind. When Waratahs finally batted, rain thankfully saved them from further embarrassment, with a dominant draw more than enough for Easts to progress.
Waratahs v Easts (Semi) - 1st grade, 19th & 20th March 1983
2nds were kept in the match by a batting masterclass from GRAHAM JOHNSON (#207) on the first day. After the Grahams - Patterson and Wilson - had given Waratahs a reasonable start, Guiley's century was the only score higher than single digits until #10 David Tilbury made a robust 23 not out. Easts players described Johnno's innings as one of class and command. After an early wicket before stumps, Steve Reading was the threat to Easts, but the strong Easts batting line up cruised to victory, despite a marathon spell from Reading.
Waratahs v Easts (Semi) - 2nd grade, 19th & 20th March 1983
In 1988, 1sts had a shock loss to Hillgrove, despite being Minor Premiers with an 11-2 win record during the season. Three bowlers - Andrew McNeill, Michael Connolly and Joe Harrison - bowled 72 of the 80 overs between them but wickets came when the innings had already done the damage at 2-205. On the Sunday, Mark Jackson had Waratahs fatally wounded in the chase at 8-137, until a spirited 90 run partnership between Phil Melville and Andrew McNeill - two blokes who never conceded they were beaten - suddenly restored hope. Hillgrove's start on day one proved too much.
Waratahs v Hillgrove - 1st grade, 19th & 20th March 1988
1st grade Stats 1987-88
YCW had an innings of fits and starts against 3rd grade but it was the last wicket partnership of 69 which cost Waratahs dearly and crashing to 3-0 before a fiery Greg Keane onslaught didn't help matters. Youngsters MARTIN HADFIELD (#545) and GAVIN FINLAYSON (#516) retrieved the innings with a 116 run partnership for the 5th wicket, until a disastrous run out stopped them. Despite some late defiance from Alec Finlayson and Simon Joyce, Waratahs finished 21 short. Sending YCW back out in the hope of an outright turn around, Waratahs chased leather at nearly six an over until they ran up the white flag at five o'clock.
Waratahs v YCW (Semi) - 3rd grade, 19th & 20th March 1988
1994, in the new era of the preliminary final, 4th grade fell from great heights, after losing the Minor Premiership on percentages and then the major semi to Wollomombi, there would be no revenge, when Uralla ended their season. That old campaigner ALBERT HOFKAMP (#476) and accomplice CRAIG SUTER (#683) fought to the very end, adding a grade record partnership of 70 for the last wicket. Unfortunately, no scoresheet is available.
