ON THIS DAY - 1st April (no kidding)
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | April 01, 2024
In 1990,a drawn Final, because of rain washing most of the game away, was enough to give 1st grade the premiership against Ex Services and complete Waratahs most dominant decade. With an 8-1 win/loss ratio and the superior position in two of the three draws they played and the minor premiership already won, it was probably a fair result, although Ex Services would be quick to point out that they had inflicted the only loss on the Waratahs men. It was a superb side, with McFarlan outstanding with the bat and solid support from Dymock, Daniel Ryan and Gary Clark and then guest appearances from Connolly, Frost and Bede Ryan, there always seemed to be enough runs. Melville was superb with the ball, his 53 wickets the most taken for 1st grade in twenty years. The other twelve bowlers captured 73 between them. His departure for a long and profitable grade career and eventual selection in the Australian Over 50's team, fitting reward for no cricketer ever worked harder at his game. It would, however, be one of a number of player losses which would see the club gone from 1st grade in three seasons.
Waratahs v Ex Services (Final) - 1st grade, 31st March & 1st April 1990
In 2001, 3rd grade completed a season with the minor and major premierships, a season in which they were the overpowering force in their grade. At the forefront was wicketkeeper/batsman MICHAEL TRUSWELL (#800), with 764 runs@69.5 and 23 dismissals and it was fitting he made 105 not out in the seven wicket demolition job of Easts in the Final. Old soldiers Brian Barnden and David Norman were prominent with runs and wickets and loads of experience and Barnden, Tim Muir, Dan McCulloch and Carl Hofkamp were one of the best bowling attacks ever fielded in the grade. A detailed scorecard of the Final isn't available yet.
