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ON THIS DAY - 23rd February

Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | February 23, 2026

In 1952, A Grade, playing in Waratahs first ever semi-final, were outgunned by the very strong Uralla side. Bob Harding (#27) and Alan Gray (#26) were the only two batsmen to get going in a first innings that was never going to be enough. Uralla won in a canter. In Waratahs second innings, played for no other reason than batting practice, Gray was again the best of the batsmen and was one of four retirements. It was a memorable match for FRANK NICHOLSON (#30), opening the batting and out to Kelly Barnden in both innings to become the first Waratahs batsmen to record a pair.

Waratahs v Uralla - A grade, 16th & 23rd February 1952


In 1963, openers ALAN GRAY (#26) and ALLAN COX (#160) added a grade record 164 for A grade, making the run chase easy against Public Service. Father Gray made 94 before being run out.

Waratahs v Public Service - A grade, 16th & 23rd February 1963


In 1991, CHRIS RIDLEY (#576) had his finest moment for Waratahs, taking 10-126. On the previous Saturday, he tore through Hillgrove, taking 7-47, making targeting the stumps a priority. He had early wickets again in Hillgrove's second innings before they recovered to prevent an outright loss.

Waratahs v Hillgrove - 4th grace, 16th & 23rd February 1991

Wicketkeepers JAMES HILLARD (#592) (2nd grade v Centrals) and LAURIE HAGAN (#591) (3rd grade v Easts) both held 3 catches in an innings.



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Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs)

Founder
Waratahs CC of Armidale; The Tahs Inc
www.thetahs.com.au
Armidale, Australia
0438028917
The history of a proud club which grew men from boys through the simple act of trusting them with something very precious.

Favourite players: Life members: Alan Gray, Harry Deiderick, Graham Johnson, Ian Campbell, Syd Philp, Graham Patterson, Albert Hofkamp & Peter Langston.

Favourite grounds: Wicklow Oval (Rologas Fields), Harris Park, West Armidale Park (Lambert Park), The Armidale Sportsground

All-time cricket hero: Any bloke in the Royal Blue cap.

Favourite bat: The one that scored the most.

Most memorable moment in cricket:
1952-53 A grade Final, beating Easts 2 outright after our worst A/1st grade total in the sixty year history of the club. Beat the very strong Uralla in the last round to just scrape into the semis and then Easts 1 in the Semi. Played one player short on the first day after a mix up with team sheets and made 163 in the sunshine, Ross Ridley 59. Easts 0-57 at stumps after four dropped catches. Didn't play the second day for two weeks because of the Armidale Show and then after four days of heavy rain. Wicket now a sticky and impossible to bat on. Easts all out for 95, Don Paul 6-24. Batting a second time, Waratahs still one short and Ridley now out injured, all out for 21. Easts needing 90 don't make it to halfway, all out for 43, Don Paul 7-20. Waratahs win their first premiership in only their third season.

What’s the best cricket advice you’ve ever received:
Join the new Waratahs! The Tahs memberships available by contacting https://forms.gle/oY26v79kETLzYxqH7

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