THE Walcha Cricket Association had been reduced to four teams after Rugby League officially withdrew from the Walcha News Cup competition last Friday due to a lack of numbers.
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Rugby League was formed at the start of the 1973-74 season with team organiser the late Brian “Bun” Sweeney one of the main instigators.
During their 44½ seasons, Rugby League have won the Walcha News Cup for the major premiership on nine occasions, collected the Yalgoo Shield for minor premiers eight times and been victorious nine times in Turton Cup competitions.
I have been a member of the Rugby League Cricket Club since 1977 and was a very proud captain in 1984-85 when we won our one and only hat-trick of the three major trophies in one season.
Flashback January 28, 2012 – not a fond memory of my final game for Rugby League when we were dismissed for 27 by Kentucky after left-arm bowler Tony Blake ripped us apart snaring seven wickets for just six runs off the seven overs he sent down.
A revised draw for the Walcha News Cup has been done and this Saturday Round Swamp v Colts at John Oxley Sportsground while Kentucky v Uralla at the Park.
LOCAL law enforcer Anthony Smith was an excited golfer when he hit his tee shot on the ninth hole into the cup for an ace last Sunday.
AT least five Walcha Sports people have been nominated for the Armidale Regional Sports Council presentations to be held at the Armidale Bowling Club next Tuesday, November 28 from 6.30pm. Best of luck to lawn bowlers Brian Lockyer and his partner Robyn Larkin, cyclist Ayllie Allen, Aussie rules player Morgan Dunn and equestrian Jorja Power. Hope I haven’t missed anyone.
WALCHA Rugby League should have some idea about their direction after Group 4 hold a meeting this Sunday where hopefully the draw for 2018 will be revealed. It was great to see an encouraging crowd at our meeting last week. Nominations have been called for coach of both the Roos and Jillaroos which close on December 6. Anyone interested?
At the 19th
First round leader Tim Beaumont finished the job off when he won the Patrons’ (I. J. Cross and John Mann) trophy after producing a closing round 38 pts to go with his 41 pts the previous Sunday.
Runner-up was captain Will Brennan a couple of points behind on 77 (41, 36) while next best was Andrew Bowden on 73 (36, 37). Sweepstakes went to those two players, Mal Ballard 37, Wayne Brennan 34 trophy donor on the day Crichton Barr 33, Jamie Bowden 22, Anthony Smith 32 and Phil Perry 32.
Sharpest shooter at the 9th pin was Anthony Smith after he put his tee shot in the hole which also entitled him to five balls from the Eagles Next proudly sponsored by Dark’s Plumbing.
Last Saturday, Mark Hogan survived a countback with Gary Brennan to win the weekly nine-hole event after both players racked up 17 points. Ladies winner was Jenny Lisle on 15 points. No one was clever enough to reach the beach on 3.
This Saturday is the CNDGA Open Mixed 4BBB at Uralla followed by the Uralla Open the next day.
Here on the homefront there is a stableford round on offer with David Sweeney in charge of supplying the prize. Clubhouse duty: Max Holstien.
On the pitch
Round Swamp defeated Kentucky by eight wickets while the match between Uralla and Colts was abandoned due to wet weather when the opening round of the Walcha News Cup was played last Saturday.
Batting first at John Oxley Kentucky occupied the crease for a bit over 30 overs during which time they accumulated 106 runs thanks mainly to opener Brad Partridge who contributed 40. Six of the eight Swamp bowlers used took wickets.
Swamp reached their required total in 19 overs, losing two wickets along the way. Number three batsman Lee Harrison hit a game high 51.
Colts set Uralla a total of 3/195 against Uralla and then had the home side in trouble at 4/30 when rain abandoned play. Ed Blomfield knocked up 80 runs.
Uralla lost opener Jake Caldwell first delivery of the innings when he was bowled by Blomfield. When Blomfield snared both the Wood boys in quick succession and then Crombie had Jay Grills caught behind by Hunt Uralla had lost 3/0 and were reeling at 4/30 before they were saved by the rain.
District cricket
Walcha played Gwyder in their opening Connelly Cup inter-district match at John Oxley Sportsground last Sunday and were set a total of 148 by the visitors off the 37 overs they faced.
Fourth change bowler Lee Harrison was the most successful home side bowler claiming 4/21 off his eight overs while his Round Swamp Club mate Lachie Fletcher picked up 3/24 and Colts trundler Thor Crombie captured 3/23.
In reply, Walcha were 2/34 when the rain came with opener Ed Blomfield on eight runs and Cameron Wood still there with him on 10. Walcha’s next district match is in Glen Innes on Sunday, December 3.