ON THIS DAY - 29th March (the glory part)

Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | March 29, 2024

Six Premierships on this day in Waratahs history and one runner-up ... but losing to your own clubmates in the Final isn't as bad a feeling.

In 1981, the all conquering Waratahs vets lifted the A-Res grade Premiership trophy from the hands of their own club mates, beating Waratahs regular side in the Final. The Vets had been minor premiers and their experience and class showed in the final. The youngsters slumped to 3-13 in the face of Joice with the new ball and when Roberts introduced himself at first change, he quickly removed Davis and Brock and it was all uphill from there. Quaife did his best to make some sort of a total but the Vets were in total control. That control extended to their batting, which closed down their opponents with no other objective than batting long. With no other outcome possible, the youngsters saluted and moved off, after a long, spirited spell from Bradley. It marked a glorious return for many of the Veterans and a wonderful way for a long servant of the club, John Roberts, to bow out of the game.

Waratahs Vets v Waratahs I (Final) - A-Res grade, 28th & 29th March 1981

In 1987, Graham Johnson returned to skipper Waratahs 1st grade side to the Premiership, with a comprehensive thrashing of Easts in the Final. Graham Frost held three catches in Easts 48 over innings of 67, the crucial one being Andrew McNeill's sucker punch of the champion Porter, caught at deep backward square, hooking. From there, Easts crashed in slow motion, losing 8-24. The Saturday afternoon was one of tedious, excruciating pain for Easts, as Waratahs did them over in adagio and without relent. The lessons of the previous Final v Centrals would not repeated with the cagey Johnson at the helm. Connolly was superb and Harrison and McNeill were the Freddie Mercury and David Bowie of the attack, always keeping Easts "under pressure" while Connolly tormented their edges and exploited their frustration. Waratahs had little to do to confirm the premiership but Campbell did what was required, confidently and well. He and Frost's opening stand of 52 all but won the game by themselves. It was Waratahs second premiership in the top grade in three seasons.

Waratahs v Easts (Final) - 1st grade, 28th & 29th March 1987

In 5th grade, Waratahs won a nail biter against Centrals. The gun side all year, Waratahs young tyros had waltzed through the semis and their pace attack destroyed Centrals twice in the Final for them to romp to a nine wicket, outright victory. There were moments, however, when Centrals had them under the pump in their first innings and whilst Ben Campbell and Finlayson batted them to within reach of Centrals 72, it was an unheralded Blake who top scored and gave them a decent first innings lead. In the end, bowlers dominated and Ian Campbell's mighty 5th got the Premiership their season had deserved.

Waratahs v Centrals (Final) - 5th grade, 28th & 29th March 1987

In 1992, the Bede Ryan led 3rd grade side gave Ex Services a 213 run flogging in the premiership decider. Ryan made a thrilling century, adding 146 with Fisher for the second wicket before being runout. Frost and Roan profited from such a start, adding 120 for the 4th and Waratahs declared at stumps. Without the experienced Laurie McCann, it was a no contest on the Sunday, with wickets tumbling constantly. Norman Schwarz bagged the tail and a foregone conclusion sat squarely on the Fat Lady's lap as she belted out her last chorus.

Waratahs v Ex Services (Final) - 3rd grade, 28th & 29th March 1992

In 1998, after the disappointing end to Waratahs 1st grade career, the 3rds and 4ths covered themselves in glory, both winning premierships. Gavin Finlayson stared for the 3rds, as the backbone in the middle order and then Grant Harlow and Ian Ellis conceded only 53 from a combined 40 overs and ran through Churches inadequate batting response, with only two of the opposition making double figures.

Waratahs v Churches (Final) - 3rd grade, 28th & 29th March, 1998

Albert Hofkamp finally won a premiership when 4ths outlasted Hillgrove in a war of attrition. Hillgrove made only 112 from their allotted 85 overs, with the Waratahs bowling figures agonising in their frugality. Waratahs reply wasn't much faster - just two an over - but the job was done with 6 wickets in hand and it was fitting that the skipper hit the winning runs and lifted them to the victory after a mid innings wobble.

Waratahs v Hillgrove (Final) - 5th grade, 28th & 29th March 1998