THE SEMIS - 5th Grade v Hillgrove 1986
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | March 22, 2026
Ian Campbell's (#212) young charges, five of which would go on to play 1st grade, played out an epic semi-final against a much older Hillgrove side. All were teens, apart from Campbelli.
Played at one of the most lack lustre grounds in Armidale, Bruce Browning Park, with it severe slope and short boundaries, Hillgrove were in charge on the Saturday afternoon, especially during the 165 partnership between Ward and Fayle, who flailed the youngsters. Michael Handes (#518) and Simon Joyce (#512) did their best and for long periods had the Hillgrove side under pressure but time and the heat of the afternoon eventually told and once they were out of the attack, Hillgrove partied. Nine were bowled, including the seven Handes victims, most on wild swings which they otherwise got away with.
Waratahs start was not encouraging, with both openers gone before stumps and single figures in the total column.
The Sunday saw a determined fightback, not often seen by Waratahs teams in finals games. Facing the impossible, the lads dropped anchor, used the slope of the ground and patience. Daniel Ryan (#514-pictured) at three was superb in defence and picked up runs gradually, as Frew bowled particularly tightly for a very long time. He and Jeremy Roach (#521) added 79 before another wicket fell and then Martin Campbell (#490) joined him for 127 runs and the score at 3-213 before they were parted. Hillgrove, using only four bowlers, were tiring and the teenagers profitting.
After Campbell left, two more fell quickly including the skipper, who was unconsolable. Ben Campbell (#489) then rallied with Ryan, adding 60 including Ryan's first hundred, before they both left in quick succession and Allom soon after. At 9-300, it looked like a brave effort but with no real hope. Allan Brettell (#509) began a stoic hand and Simon Joyce hit out. With club mates from the other two Waratahs teams now watching in the gloom, shredding finger nails and applauding every run. The pair refused to believe they couldn't win.
The end came when an exhausted Ward broke through Brettell's defence with the last ball of the 90th over, after a grade record 10th wicket partnership left Waratahs just 20 runs short.
It was one of the most courageous team efforts by any Waratahs side.
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