ON THIS DAY - 27th September

In 1957, ERIC SMITH (#82) wrote himself onto the list of great match performances in the opening game of the season for A grade v dela Salle College. After taking 6-80 in DLSC innings, he made 76 not out by stumps. Opening the batting with Alan Gray (#26), the pair put on 98 before Gray was the start of a hat trick to Mark McCann and seven wicket falling for less than 50. On the second day, McCann cleaned up the tail quickly, taking 7-48. Smith took another 4 wickets in DLSC second innings to give him ten for the match.

Waratahs v DLSC - A grade, 21st & 28th September 1957

In 1963, RAY REEVES (#143) and DICK RUSSELL (#132) had different fortunes. Reeves bagged a pair as A grade were crushed by University, batting with only nine men in the second innings. Alan Gray (#26) was the only batsman to make double figures in both innings.

Waratahs v University - A grade, 21st & 28th September 1963

Better news for Russell, who was the irresistible force that secured a 9 wicket outright win for B grade against Churches. After 8-29 on the opening day, he followed up with 4-28 and 33 with the bat in Waratahs first innings, after opener Stuart Stanley (#104) had stroked a fine 75.

Waratahs v Churches - B grade, 21st & 28th September 1963

Churches 71 (Dick Russell 8-29) and 147 (R Steele 50. Dick Russell 4-28, Greg Russell 3-34) lost outright to Waratahs 187 (Stuart Stanley 75, Dick Russell 33) and 1-35