THE FINALS - A Grade v Ex-Services, 27th March & 3rd April 1971
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | April 13, 2026
Ex-Services were the hot side in this season which changed the decades. The bowling attack of Rene Mullen, Ian McLean and Errol Browning was daunting and the same three all batted in the top six, with Wally Miller and Ray Blair opening. Their keeper, Ray Rose, was one of the best to play in Armidale cricket.
Waratahs were only a whisker behind them, with one of the best bowling attacks the Club has fielded in the top grades - Tom Cooke (#197), Terry Mackenzie (#54), Brian Joice (#218) and John Donnelly (#231) - and a very classy top four in the batting order.
Waratahs batted first and 3-63, they were well placed, with Brian Connolly (#226) immovable and one of Waratahs best ever junior players, Greg Russell (#131), striking the ball to all parts … then, of course, Rene Mullen happened, trapping Connolly with one bowled from behind the umpire and having Russell hit one straight to gully. Donnelly provided some late strength but Waratahs would have their work cut out for them to reciprocate the damage with the Ex-Services batting line up. Mullen finished with 5-45.
Servies started with a confident opening partnership of 52 until Blair went to cut an offie from Connolly and was caught off an under edge by wicketkeeper Terry Betts (#205). Cooke returned and Joice lifted and mayhem ensued as Waratahs stormed back into the contest. Browning and Speck were both caught at second slip by Graham Johnson (#207) off Joice. In the next over McLean was run out taking a quick single off Cooke, only for Russell to beat him with a throw from cover and Mullen was bowled next ball. Ex Services 5-81 and four wickets had fallen for no runs in 12 deliveries. Twenty runs later, with Rose looking composed, Miller finally faltered, caught behind by Betts of Mullen and then Mick Hawkins became the third duck of the innings in the next over from Joice. Waratahs needed just three wickets and Ex-Services looked gone with 39 still needed.
The former Waratahs man Rose got them there, with a very calm hand and the support of Tony Ryan until Joice got them both once the game was won. Betts picked up a stumping to give him three dismissals for the innings.
Waratahs v Ex-Services - A Grade Final, 27th March & 3rd April 1970
