HOCKEY
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THEY have played international rivals, had players represent their state and country and won plenty of premierships along the way, but when you have been around as long as the Waratah Hockey Club that is to be expected.
Season 2013 marks the 85th anniversary of the Waratah Hockey Club, an outfit which is the oldest continuous running hockey club in Bathurst.
Players and officials, both past and present, will celebrate that milestone on November 2, but in the lead-up the Western Advocate will bring you some highlights of their sporting history.
1978
In 1978 the Bathurst first grade men’s premiership came down to a battle between Waratahs and Souths Colts.
While Waratahs were the defending premiers, Colts were the first team into the decider and boasted a strong pedigree in the biggest game of the season.
Souths had won four consecutive titles between 1973-76 before the red and blacks halted their run.
The grand final was played at the Bathurst Showground and in the end it was Waratahs who emerged as 2-1 victors.
A then record crowd turned out, Waratahs hoping to put behind them some mediocre form from the regular season that saw them having to fight their way into the grand final from third on the ladder.
Colts started as favourites, but it was Waratahs who struck first in the 15th minute as John Ryan scored after a determined run.
Five minutes later Waratahs doubled their lead via a Ron Windus penalty stroke, the inner getting his chance after a colts defender had stick checked inside the circle.
Colts fought hard and got themselves back in the contest when Trevor Rheinberger found the mark.
However, that was to be the only goal Souths scored as Dennis Messner, playing for Waratahs for the first time in 1978 after making the move from Orange, was superb in defence.
Fullback John Payne was also strong for Waratahs as was captain-coach Bruce Willott. Among the ranks for the defeated Colts side was a 16-year-old called Brett Corby, Trevor Reece, Dale Campbell plus Neville and Grahame Cranston.
The successful Waratahs line-up for that grand final was: Greg Windus (goalkeeper); John Payne (fullback); Geoff Cooke (fullback); Bob Goodwin (left half); Dennis Messner (centre half); Greg Carter (right half); Ian Hart (left wing); Ron Windus (left inner); John Ryan (centre forward); Bruce Willott (right inner) and Rob Baillie (right wing).