Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

The O’Farrell Cup: The Quest for the Holy Grail of Riverina Cricket
The O’Farrell Cup: The Quest for the Holy Grail of Riverina Cricket
The O’Farrell Cup: The Quest for the Holy Grail of Riverina Cricket
Ebook457 pages5 hours

The O’Farrell Cup: The Quest for the Holy Grail of Riverina Cricket

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

()

Read preview

About this ebook

The cup was presented to the Wagga Wagga CA on the October 20, 1925, by Mr. Thomas Joseph Tom OFarrell, who was a tailor with a business in Wagga Wagga. Its purpose was to raise the standard of country cricket and help arouse the interest and enthusiasm of both players and public in the game. By the original rules, which were drawn up by Mr. OFarrell, Mr. M. Cusick, and Mr. G. Pinkstone, the cup was won outright by Wagga, who wisely redonated it, and it was put into play in the 193031 season as a perpetual challenge trophy for teams within one hundred miles radius of Wagga Wagga. OFarrell was a frequent spectator at games and often handed over the cup to the winning captain. He was later to say, I am particularly glad that the competition is doing so much to let the residents of surrounding towns learn more of each other in so friendly a way.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherXlibris AU
Release dateFeb 2, 2016
ISBN9781514445068
The O’Farrell Cup: The Quest for the Holy Grail of Riverina Cricket

Related to The O’Farrell Cup

Related ebooks

Sports & Recreation For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for The O’Farrell Cup

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings

0 ratings0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    The O’Farrell Cup - Brian Lawrence

    Copyright © 2016 by John Scascighini & Brian Lawrence.

    Library of Congress Control Number:   2016901192

    ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5144-4505-1

                    Softcover        978-1-5144-4504-4

                    eBook             978-1-5144-4506-8

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

    Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

    Rev. date: 02/02/2016

    Xlibris

    1-800-455-039

    www.Xlibris.com.au

    723004

    CONTENTS

    Acknowledgements

    Foreword

    Preface

    The O'farrell Cup

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    This book would not have been possible without the input of many, all lovers of the game, who provided information, photos, and support. Their various and valued contributions have been a welcome and greatly appreciated resource:

    Charles Sturt University Regional Archives

    West Wyalong Historic Society

    Mark Brennan

    Colin Clowes

    Joe Cudmore

    Peter Davis

    Merv Graham

    Barry Flagg

    Barry Greatz

    Anne Henry

    Patricia Hunt

    Robert Hunt

    Athol and Mavis Jackson

    Liz Lawrence

    Pat Kerin

    Robbie Mackinlay

    Dick Marshall

    Barry and Helen Milliken

    Mal Noack

    Peter Pickles

    Jack Pollard

    James Ross

    Dick Sedgwick

    Bob Sly

    Neil Thomson

    Col Tuckett

    Bruce Vivian

    Joe Wooding

    FOREWORD

    In November 1925 the world was enjoying a period of peace and regeneration between the horrific wars. The Great Depression was yet a spectre over the horizon. Australia was riding on the sheep's back. Life in rural Australia consisted of hard work and hard play. The men rolled their sleeves up 12 hours a day and drank Tooths Old Kent ale, often from five-ounce glasses. The temperance movements of the United States and England had yet to convince the good citizens of Terra Australis that the prohibition of alcohol was beneficial. The public houses became centres of communities and sporting bodies. The ladies attended CWA meetings and discovered new ways to boil brussells sprouts and consume Keens curry powder. A cricket player called Bradman, born in the Riverina, made his test debut. He was to become THE man of his time, but he left Cootamundra before the polymath of southern New South Wales sports Tom O'Farrell inaugurated his cup. There was no social media to numb the minds and occupy countless hours of the youth. Social interaction was around the bar, the snooker table, or the playing fields and often involved actual conversations with another person. The term log on was not unknown, but it was restricted to the timber cutters and the forestry workers from Adelong perhaps like my pop Lawson. Electricity was scarce, telephones were a novelty, and the imagination could barely conjure inside plumbing and powered flight let alone mobile phones and personal computers. Life was simpler but more robust and both competitive and cooperative at the same time. Sport was a release from toil and a joy of competition and exertion on the day of rest.

    Tom O'Farrell had a scheme to bind the communities within 100 miles of Wagga Wagga and let them compete fiercely at the same time. The O'Farrell Cup has been much more than a straightforward sporting competition. It is an enduring symbol of the rivalries and competitiveness of the towns of southwestern New South Wales for 90 years. That longevity is a remarkable achievement in itself especially in the 21st century where so many people seem to be time poor and far less inclined to spend all weekend playing a time-expensive sport such as cricket. Those who fail to see sport as community-binding activity, in 1925 as in the present, miss an important point. The cup has transcended the decades and progress.

    When reading the history of each fixture from the original Tarcutta V. Wagga Challenge, I am more surprised at the lack of controversy and conflict than finding a plethora of generational grudges brought about by disputed results. Certainly there have been accusations of doctored pitches (sometimes the local groundsmen didn't measure the 22 yards quite correctly!) hometown (literally) umpiring, and rigged programs; but only a few have lingered more than a decade or so! Challenges were rarely forfeited except for manpower shortages due to harvest or the entire town going to the MCG for the test match! It appears that the great Australian ethos of playing tough but respectfully has been a clear central theme to challenge, something that through my Sheffield Shield playing days was a constant. Sometimes players need to be reminded that it is only a game. Modern youth who have not endured financial hardships, droughts, floods, and wars all too often play their sports as though their lives depend on every result. Men and women of the formative years of the O'Farrell Cup knew better.

    I grew up wanting to play O'Farrell Cup. Granted, I loved cricket; and a number of my school teachers (Stan Dasey, my English master; Derek Rogers, who taught me ancient history and 2nded me on Friday mornings out of class to be his assistant groundsman at the Wagga Cricket Ground; Stan Gilchrist; and more) and my best mate's dad Bob Kiddle all played in it. As a 14-year-old, I would pedal in from Ashmont Avenue (after helping Dad open up at the Silvalite Service) to sell doubles at Robertson Oval on Sunday mornings when Wagga held the cup for a spell in 1972--73. I watched Derek Rogers bat, bowl, and field imperiously. Surely he should be playing test cricket! I would say out loud. I would later get to play with him at both club and representative level, which remains a highlight of my playing days. Billy McCaig would crush the ball; Merv Graham and Pat Parsons, John Stuckings, and Bruce Matthew bowled quick; Gilchrist and Dasey plied legspin; Bruce Jones teased with offspin; Neil Bolger swapped the sky-blue Tumut's rugby league guernsey for his creams and was as graceful a batsman as Walters or Waugh. There were many other talented and wilful cricketers who in other circumstances could have pulled on a state jumper. Sundays in summer were glorious.

    My O'Farrell Cup debut was at ex-serviceman's against Griffith, which Wagga won by a single run in front of around 2,000 spectators, that number aided, of course, by the beer tent being opened on a day when pubs were mostly closed! We held off a few more challengers that season, and I am proud to say that I never lost an O'Farrell Cup match!

    I enjoyed just the single season of O'Farrell Cup before I moved to Sydney to become an optometrist. One of my last games was against Albury who had fellow young guns in Greg Livingstone and Nigel Perger. Wagga won a close game, and all three of us were to reunite shortly after (actually sharing a flat) at the University of New South Wales and win first-grade premierships in the big smoke together.

    As the O'Farrell Cup gets into the nervous nineties, it is important to remember the legacy the competition has left in terms of community unification and enduring friendships. The game is not just about runs, wickets, and catches or wins and losses. The battle on the playing fields of the Riverina can be emblematic of the challenges in the bush during the working week and making the effort of travel and competition on your day off, which involves hardship and mateship.

    I reckon Tom O'Farrell may have had something like that in mind when he thought up the challenge. He would be a proud man to know that his idea is still alive, needing plenty of love and affection in this modern society but looking to push a few more singles around the corner, down to 3rd man, or into the covers to bring up the gritty century. The challenge for the people, teams, and towns that make up the competition is to keep the flame not just flickering but fiercely alive. It is important for the sense of community much more than for the cause of the sport alone.

    The last time an O'Farrell Cup Challenge was cancelled was in February 2015, and I could not have been more proud. The challenge had to give way to the first-ever Sheffield Shield match played in Wagga at Robertson Oval no less the site of my final O'Farrell Cup appearance. Tom would be smiling down on that one. More power to him, cricket, the people, and the O'Farrell Cup.

    Geoff Lawson OAM

    PREFACE

    The cup was presented to the Wagga Wagga CA on 20 October 1925 by Mr. Thomas Joseph Tom O'Farrell who was a tailor with a business in Wagga Wagga. Its purpose was to raise the standard of country cricket and help to arouse the interest and enthusiasm of both players and public in the game. By the original rules---which were drawn up by Mr. O'Farrell, Mr. M. Cusick, and Mr. G Pinkstone, the cup---was won outright by Wagga who wisely redonated it. It was put into play in the 1930--31 season as a Perpetual Challenge Trophy for teams within 100-mile radius of Wagga Wagga. O'Farrell was a frequent spectator at games and often handed over the cup to the winning captain. He was later to say, I am particularly glad that the competition is doing so much to let the residents of surrounding towns learn more of each other in so friendly a way.

    It has since developed into the Riverina's most coveted sporting trophy with an enduring, renowned, and at times sensational history. As is inevitable with such highly prized trophies, overenthusiasm has often caused controversy and strained relations. It has also produced many great, even heroic, individual and team performances. Nevertheless, its history is not without its lighter humorous moments and quirky anecdotes.

    Tom O'Farrell donated cups for both cricket and rugby league. The Rugby League Cup was an identical copy but did not carry on as the cricket trophy did due to heavy competition commitments. It was on display for many years at the Wagga Leagues Club. Its whereabouts today are unknown. O'Farrell was born at Bathurst, lived in Sydney and Wagga Wagga, and spent several years living in New Zealand. O'Farrell was instrumental in inaugurating the New Zealand Rugby League. He managed the first Maori Rugby League team to visit Australia. He was an International Rugby League referee and a life member of the Australian Rugby League. In his younger days, he was a professional runner in Sydney. O'Farrell was instrumental in starting the Wagga Beach Life-Saving Club in 1918. His brother Dick was also a prominent sportsman in swimming, boxing, and athletics. Mr. Thomas Joseph O'Farrell died on 15 July 1935 in Lewisham Hospital (now Calvary Hospital), Wagga Wagga.

    For thousands of Riverina cricketers, playing in an O'Farrell Cup Challenge is the highest level of cricket to which they aspire and winning the cup is often the pinnacle and most memorable moment of their sporting career.

    Regrettably, records have never been maintained of matches, scores, or statistics. This book has been written to fill that void and bring together and document the fascinating story of this extraordinary competition.

    We have spent many hours trawling the internet, haunting newspaper archives, and collating information from many ex-players and their families in an effort to make this record as complete and accurate as possible. Regrettably, we acknowledge that perfection is not achievable. The accounts of some fixtures are sparse, the names of some players are incomplete, and often some match details such as partnerships are just not available. We do not know how many games individuals have played. We are unable to work out lifetime aggregates and averages.

    Perhaps someday, somewhere, someone with time, patience, perseverance, and advanced computer skills will take up the challenge and undertake to compile these details. We wish them luck!

    In the meantime, in the words of the 17th-century poet Arthur Hugh Clough:

    Say not the struggle nought availeth,

    The labour and the wounds are vain,

    The enemy faints not, nor faileth,

    And as things have been they remain.

    THE O'FARRELL CUP

    1925--26: The Longest Journey Begins with a Single Step---1st Hat Trick---1st Ton

    29/11/25 Wagga Wagga V. Tarcutta: In the morning, the wicket appeared rough and lumpy, the ball coming up erratically and dangerously at times. In the afternoon, however, the wicket played much better. Wagga 180: Walter Fitzgerald 81, J. Cunningham 42*, M. Whiting 3/44. Tarcutta 1st innings 80: The top eight batsmen totalled 18. Nos. 9 T. Galvin 16, 10 G. Downie 12, 11 M. Whiting 14*, and Sundries 15 top scored. Walter Fitzgerald 5/46, J. Brown 3/19. Tarcutta 2nd innings 42: M. Whiting 14, all others single figures. Stan Smacker Smith 6/8. In announcing Wagga's selected team, it was stated that the match is to start at 10 o'clock. Players not on the ground at that hour will have their places filled.

    13/12/25 Wagga Wagga V. Henty: Henty 1st innings 99: Charlie Crosby 17, G. Knobel 14, R. L. Glazier 3/23. Wagga 1st innings 257: Walter Fitzgerald 72, E. L. Glazier 28, J. Neild 4/75, H. Whyte 3/59. Henty 2nd innings 7/139: H. Whyte 45, Peter Paech 24*, Mick Cusick 6/44 including a hat trick.

    10/1/26 Wagga Wagga V. Tarcutta: Wagga 335: E. L. Glazier 100, J. Sullivan 47, M. Whiting 6/141. Tarcutta 1st innings 79: W. Justice 18, M. Galvin 19, Mick Cusick 4/30, Walter Fitzgerald 3/4. Tarcutta 2nd innings 7/99: F. Galvin 24, M. Galvin 23, J. Wilkins 3/16.

    17/1/26 Wagga Wagga V. Ganmain: Ganmain 1st innings 103: Smith 39, Moore 22, Mick Cusick 4/39, J. Brown 3/38. Wagga 1st innings 330: Walter Fitzgerald 100*ret. Smith 77*ret. Jack McCarthy 42*ret. Ganmain 2nd innings 202: Barnsdale 62, Moore 34, J. Sullivan 4/60, W. Blake 3/33. There must have been a large 2nd wicket partnership between Fitzgerald and Smith.

    7/2/26 Wagga Wagga V. Lockhart: Wagga Wagga 244: B. Stephens 55, Jack McCarthy 44, Richards 4/48, H. Belling 3/46. Lockhart 1st innings 75: Richards 24*, J. Wilkins 6/29. Lockhart 2nd innings 124: A. Parer 45, C. Barrett 34, Stan Smacker Smith 5/39, Jack McCarthy 4/27.

    21/2/26 Wagga Wagga V. Holbrook: Wagga 1st innings 123: Mick Cusick 41, H. Whyte 7/40. Holbrook 1st innings 140: T. O'Brien 56, O. Paech 21, Mick Cusick 5/31. Wagga 2nd innings 5/138: Bill Lampe 46, Alf Fromholtz 27*, T. O'Brien 3/49.

    28/2/26 Holbrook V. Wagga Wagga: Holbrook 243: T. O'Brien 90, W. Bill Whitting 43, J. Wilkins 4/27. Wagga 160: Walter Fitzgerald 24, E. Glazier 37, R. Birch 42, Bill Whitting 5/51, T. O'Brien 3/46.

    14/3/26 Holbrook V. Albury: Played at Albury. Albury 181: Milton Daly 30, J. Fraser 39, Jack Adams 21, Earl Stewart 20, Bill Whitting 4/61, T. O'Brien 3/59, H. Whyte 2/42. Holbrook 149: Bill Whitting 30, H. Whyte 31, Dr. Kenna 4/59, N. Coughlan 2/25, L. Davis 2/17. Albury's O'Farrell Cup adventure began with a win.

    28/3/26 Albury V. Holbrook: Albury 1st innings 97: Davis 22, Smiles 38, W. Bill Whitting 7/38, H. Whyte 2/17. Holbrook 1st innings 148: H. Whyte 41, Bill Whitting 34, Dr. G. D. Kenna 6/74, White 3/25. Albury 2nd innings 5/112: Sid Thorman 43, A. Fraser 20*. Holbrook 2nd innings 3/64: Bill Whitting 40*, Dr. Kenna 3/26. Holbrook, thanks to a great all-around performance from Bill Whitting, regaining the trophy they had so recently lost to Albury.

    11/4/26 Holbrook V. Wagga Wagga: The game was played at Cookardinia. Wagga were dismissed for 88: Bill Whitting and T. O'Brien took the wickets. Holbrook replied with 154: H. Whyte 61, Bill Whitting 23. Thus, the trophy rested over the winter at Holbrook.

    Season Sponsored by R. McClintock and Company Pty. Ltd. Supporters of Riverina Sport.

    1926--27 Bill Lampe Plays for NSW

    21/11/26 Holbrook V. Wagga Wagga: Played at Henty. In an exciting encounter, Wagga seemed to have the match within its grasp up until the fall of the final two wickets saw them snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Holbrook 135: R. Nolan 18, Charlie Crosby 17, Eyles 28, E. Glazier 5/23 Wagga 122: Mick Cusick 18, Charlie Landon 24, R. Birch 17, Bill Whitting 4/21.

    28/11/26 Holbrook V. Lockhart: Played at Henty. Holbrook 338: After a steady start by opener T. O'Brien 22, there were large partnerships 1st between H. Whyte 52 and Bill Whitting 50 for the 3rd wicket, then by C. Penrose 57 and S. Kay 92 for the seventh wicket. Richards 2/61, Lorking 4/83, Cooper 3/31. Lockhart 88: Irwin 19, Chapman 21, Richards 14, Lorking 10, Browning 10, Bill Whitting 4/19, S. Kay 3/18.

    5/12/26 Wagga Wagga V. Holbrook: Bill Whitting 77* and H. Whyte 54* had put on 107* for the 3rd wicket before rain ended play with the visitors 2/139. Of the eight bowlers tried only Alf Frumholtz who remover both openers in his 2nd over was successful. He finished with 2/18. The Holbrook Courier reported: The match was played on the new pitch along the Culcairn Road and it was most satisfactory.

    19/12/26 Wagga Wagga V. Holbrook: After five attempts to secure the cup from Holbrook, Wagga finally succeeded. Holbrook 1st innings 69: S. Kay 16, R. Belcher 2/14, M. Coonan 4/27. Wagga 1st innings 117: Stan Smacker Smith 22, Jack McCarthy 28, Bill Lampe 28, T. O'Brien 3/49, H. Whyte 4/28. Holbrook 2nd innings 7/139: T. O'Brien 54, P. Drew 35, M. Coonan 4/21, Bill Lampe 3/46. Wagga 2nd innings 2/76: W. Boyton 22.

    9/1/27 Wagga Wagga V. Marrar: Marrar 1st innings 133: F. Young 26, Jack Ridgeway 23, J. Craig 27*, Jack McCarthy 3/31, M. Coonan 3/44. Wagga 1st innings 176: R. Birch 29, Alf Fromholtz 87, P. Wilson 6/34. Marrar 2nd innings 5/145: E. Eldershaw 50, J. Craig 34*.

    23/1/27 Wagga Wagga V. Albury: Wagga 1st innings 175: Jack McCarthy 59, J. Harrison 32, N. Coughlan 4/45, Kenna 3/56. Albury 1st innings 114: D. McInerney 25, Stuart 28, Mick Cusick 5/32, E. Glazier 3/38. Wagga 2nd innings 7/94: J. Harrison 21, Stuart McGlynn 23, McInerney 2/12, N. Coughlan 3/30.

    26/1/27 Wagga Wagga V. Huthwaite's Country Cricket Association: Country 66: R. Whiting 20, Bill Lampe 5/17, Maurice Hui 3/17. Wagga 230: Stuart McGlynn 78, G. Brown 41, L. Beverage 3/61, T. Hickey 3/19.

    Bill Lampe was a left-arm fast medium bowler. Born in Melbourne, he and his family moved to Wagga when he was 10 years old. Bill Lampe's O'Farrell Cup form saw him chosen in the southern districts team to play the touring English team at Goulburn. His outstanding performances with bat and ball in that game won him a place in the NSW Sheffield Team. Bill played twice for NSW in 1927--28 and 1928--29, taking five wickets at 37. In a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against South Australia at the SCG, he took two wickets in each innings. Bill played two matches for NSW 2nd XI against Victoria and Tasmania. Represented NSW country and Southern NSW against touring MCC teams, the first in 1928--29 taking the prize wicket of English captain Douglas Jardine bowling him with his third ball for a duck. His second match against the MCC was the bodyline series of 1932--33. Bill's best return against the Englishmen was the excellent figures of 5/46. Bill was also a gifted Aussie rules football player. He knocked back an offer to play with Collingwood and turned down an offer to play cricket with Manly, choosing to stay on the family dairy farm working seven days a week during the depression period.

    6/2/27 Wagga Wagga V. Adelong: Adelong with two of the chosen team failing to put in an appearance and a team containing four Crains were sent in on a wet wicket. 9/241: Jack Roche scored 74. His back cutting was much admired. A. Chandler 33, Con Crain 17, L. Crain 21. Batting without pads, George Crain scored 47 and soon became the idol of the crowd who were delighted when they later applauded his daring fielding at silly point. Maurice Hui took five wickets. Wagga 166: Jack McCarthy 64, Alf Fromholtz 35, J. Harrison 29, Jack Roche took five wickets. L. Crain (c) took four wickets. Wagga immediately issued a challenge for the following week.

    13/2/27 Adelong V. Wagga Wagga: Wagga withdrew.

    20/2/27 Adelong V. Wagga Wagga: Proving last week was no fluke, the powerful Adelong outfit handed Wagga another flogging. Wagga 91: Foster 51, L. Crain 3/44, Jack Roche 5/25, and Wal Hillier 2/26 were again Wagga's nemesis. Adelong 226: L. Crain 56, Wal Hillier 39, E. R. Kerr 67*, Stuart McGlynn 3/37, J. Sullivan 2/21. All eleven Wagga players had a bowl.

    27/2/27 Adelong V. Holbrook: Adelong 9/115: A. Chandler 44, R. Kerr 37, Bill Whitting 6/53, Paul 2/18, Holbrook 138: Bill Whitting 63*, Paul 29, G. Hillier 3/21, Jack Roche 3/45.

    6/3/27 Holbrook V. Tarcutta: Holbrook: 365: T. O'Brien 33, W. Bill Whitting scored 197*. Charlie Crosby 52, M. Galvin 2/83, T. Galvin 5/122. Tarcutta 73: S. Whiting 25, M. Galvin 26, V. Paul 2/14, Charlie Crosby 5/11, C. Penrose 2/4.

    13/3/27 Holbrook V. Marrah: Holbrook 259: Bill Whitting 92 and H. Whyte 67 put on 159 for the second wicket, Jack Dunn 24, V. Paul 21*, P. Wilson 7/63. Marrah 158: Barnsdale 24, Vincent 22, Bill Whitting 5/68, T. O'Brien 2/40, Charlie Crosby 2/1.

    20/3/27 Holbrook V. Albury: Holbrook 241: T. O'Brien 74, Bill Whitting 41, Mac Halford 33, C. Penrose 20, Dr. G. D. Kenna 3/54, L. Davis 5/94 N. Coughlan 2/90, Milton Daley took a catch and two stumpings. Albury 195: Jack Adams 89*, Milton Daley 35 E. Fanstone 46. Left-arm spinner Bill Whitting 7/108 bowled throughout the innings, C. Penrose 3/3.

    3/4/27 Holbrook V. Wagga Wagga: Holbrook 181: Mac Halford 81, Scott 42, Bill Lampe 4/24, Dunn 3/55. Wagga 88: Stuart McGlynn 24, Charlie Landon 32, Bill Whitting 7/44.

    William Charles Whitting was one of five children and was born at Drummoyne on 9/7/1884.

    He had spent the bulk of his career with Balmain CC representing NSW on one occasion while a member of that club in 1905--06. He was a right-hand batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler.

    When Bill Whitting joined Randwick CC in 1922--23, he was one of the oldest and most experienced players to change grade cricket clubs. In his first season with Randwick, the 38-year-old finished second in both the 1st-grade batting and bowling averages while heading the bowling aggregate with thirty-five wickets. With such outstanding performances for his new club, there was much disappointment when it was announced at the end of the 1923--24 season that Bill's career as a schoolteacher had taken him to the country centre of Holbrook. In his brief but active career at Holbrook, Bill was not only central to that town's cricketing success but won the 1st-Grade Golf and Tennis Championships. In 1930--31, after an absence of seven years and at 46 years of age, Bill Whitting again lined up for Randwick. He played only the final six games of the season but in that short time showed he had lost none of his great skill taking forty-four wickets at 7.93 in 2nd grade to create a new club record. His performances were so outstanding that the team won the premiership. Until he returned, the team was having difficulty dismissing sides. It was said that Bill's control of length along with the spin he generated was quite remarkable and made him almost unplayable. Bill's stamina and enthusiasm continued to defy the critics, and in his 50th year, he turned in one of his best performances, taking forty-seven 2nd-grade wickets at 13.68. Another thirty wickets followed the next season where he displayed his youth in the field, holding eight catches to win the fielding award. After a fulfilling cricket career, Bill retired at the end of the 1934--35 season. Sadly, his retirement was short-lived as he died in hospital just over 18 months later on 26/10/1936 aged just 52. At the time of his death, he was headmaster of the Bellevue Hill Public School. He was a member of the NSW Golf Club. While in his younger days, he played rugby league for Balmain.

    In his eight seasons with Randwick spread over a period of 14 years, Bill Whitting took 279 wickets including 131 in 1st grade. With the bat, he hit 1,716 runs including 1,065 in 1st grade. He finished with three centuries and held fifty-six catches. In his overall Sydney 1st-grade career, he took 245 wickets and scored 3,060 runs with seven centuries.

    Season Sponsored by R. McClintock and Company Pty. Ltd. Supporters of Riverina Sport.

    1927--28: The Saga Continues

    13/11/27 Holbrook-Henty V. Marrar: Marrar 154: F. Young 23, R. Eldershaw 54, Jack Ridgeway 18, J. Jones 18*, V. Paul 2/40, R. Dunn 5/27. Holbrook 61: A. Maguire 13, C. Mortimer 12, P. Wilson 4/21, A. Frost 3/21, F. Young 3/15, R. Eldershaw took three catches.

    27/11/27 Marrar V. Junee: Junee 1st innings 87: Stace Trewick 22, P. Wilson 5/35, F. Young 3/19. Marrar 1st innings 290: F. Young 91, Jack Ridgeway 58, R. Bradshaw 42, Ted Sheldrick 3/59, Les Anderson 4/46. Junee 2nd innings 8/130: R. Foster 85, Jack Ridgeway 5/36.

    4/12/27 Marrar V. Wagga Wagga: Wagga 6/286: Skipper Stuart McGlynn 120, Mick Cusick 37, Roy Burt 38, Marrar 126: Eric Eldershaw 21, R. Bradshaw 21, Bill Lampe 4/42, Maurice Huie 3/10.

    11/12/27 Wagga Wagga V. Southwestern District: South West 166: F. Young 34, Lance Redgrave 27, J. Sullivan 3/37. Wagga 108: Harry Leahy 25, Alf Fromhultz 38, Jack Dunn bowling very fast, 6/39.

    18/12/27 Southwestern District V. Wagga Wagga: Southwest showed that last week's effort was no fluke. Wagga 200: B. Leahy 52, Mick Cusick 40, Alf Fromholtz 39, Jack Dunn 5/66 Southwest 8/198: Lance Redgrave 44, Eric Eldershaw 33, Jack Gaffney 3/47. The visitors were reported to be stronger in the bowling and far superior in the wicket-keeping.

    27/12/27 Marrar V. Junee: Junee 1st innings 87: Stace Trewick 22, P. Wilson 5/35, F. Young 3/19. Marrar 1st innings 290: F. Young's 91 which was described as a masterly effort and he never gave the bowlers any encouragement as he met everything with the full face of the bat. Jack Ridgeway 52, Les Anderson 4/46, Ted Sheldrick 3/59. Junee 2nd innings 8/130: R. Foster 85, Jack Ridgeway 5/36.

    8/1/28 Southwestern District V. Wagga Wagga: The holders of the cup found it inconvenient to defend it on that date, and the cup was forfeited, reverting to Wagga as the previous holders and challengers.

    22/1/28 Wagga Wagga V. Tumut: Rain.

    29/1/28 Wagga Wagga V. Tumut: In this replay because of last week's rain, Wagga posted a huge 335, thanks to a splendid 132* from Alf Fromholtz Stuart McGlynn 46, S. Allan 56, George Hillier took 3/43. Tumut scuttled for 105: J. Riley 19, Mick Cusic 3/7.

    5/2/28 Wagga District Association V. Wagga Association: Wagga District Association 204: K. Barker 48, F. Hoare 40, Bill Lampe 4/54. Wagga Association 229: S. Allen 55, Alf Fromholtz 79*, Mick Cusick 75, W. Smith 4/59, K. Barker 3/63.

    12/2/28 Wagga Wagga V. Southwestern District: Wagga 1st innings 72: Stuart McGlynn 24,

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1