St George v Western Suburbs 1971 - 72 First Grade Semi Final

Runners-up in the minor premiership, St George played Wests in the semi-final at Hurstville Oval. The verdict: “Best game seen at Hurstville since the days of Bradman and O’Reilly”

St George lost in a thriller.

If he had to bow out on a losing note, Warren Saunders could not have asked for a game that highlighted more his mantra of attacking cricket. With Warren at the helm, St George staged a sensational run-chase that almost brought off the impossible.

Wests chose to bat first in ideal conditions and started well, but rain caused a delay of almost two hours, turning the pitch into a nightmare. Wests were bundled out for 104, but Saints did worse, routed for just 63. Wests dug in late on the first evening and into the second day, and right on tea were dismissed for 191, setting St George 233 to win in 30 overs. This was made even more difficult by the astute captaincy of former Test skipper Bob Simpson.

As the chase began, the ground began to fill. Many knew this would be the last hurrah of the retiring Saunders and opening partner Billy Watson, and the 5,000 spectators weren’t disappointed. At drinks after 15 overs, the pair had posted a 100 partnership with the most marvellous batting against Gilmour and Rhodes. Both were dismissed shortly after, and with Brian Booth and John Rogers smashing 58 in the next half hour, the target looked very gettable. Then came disaster. First Booth and then Rogers in successive balls were caught on the mid wicket fence, followed by John Wilson run out off the very next ball. Still St George batted on and when the final ball was bowled, were just three runs short.

Wests went on to win the final handsomely to become premiers. For saints, it was again a matter of “so near, yet so far”. However the quality of the game had left a sense of exhilaration, a wonderful finale to the career of Warren Saunders.

This story was originally published in the book written by John Rogers titled “Mr St George” - Warren Saunders and the culture of success he inspired.