Preamble: Waratahs played 11 Rounds commencing 29 April and concluding on 12 August. Seven clubs fielded a 1st XV: Army, Cootamundra, Riverina College of Advanced Education, Wagga Agricultural College, Wagga City, Wagga Waratahs and Yanco. The 1st XV Premiers were Wagga Agricultural College and Griffith were Premiers in the 2nd XV David Jones Shield.
Mike Ashby, who was an outstanding player, was the highest point scorer on 48 points. Others to score a try were Greg Laughton, David Pyke, Peter Donelan, Ken Tyson. Of the 27 players registered, seven players played 8 or more games – Mike Ashby, David Pyke, Greg Laughton, Bill Hayes, Stephen Donelan, Austin Kurrle, Rick Martin.
The featured photo is of Mark Gooden taken at the Club’s 60th in 2018. Mark was also the President in 1972 and became the Club’s 3rd Life Member in 1976.

In the early part of this year a “crisis” meeting was called to determine whether the Waratahs could field a team and the Club could survive. Only a handful of players turned up for the meeting but with the determination of a few, a positive approach was adopted and the small team of David Pyke, Rick Martin, lan Lamont, lan Kendall, Steve Donelan and Vern Kurrle formed a small committee and recruited and struggled but got a side together. A couple of fairly close losses saw some confidence going into 1972.

Our struggles of the previous two years continued into 1972 with only one team fielded. We were fortunate, however, to gain the services of Mike Ashby from Cumberland in England, playing five eighth, who added something special to our lineup. He was given a rousing reception from opposition sides as he had pockets in his shorts. The rumour that he had two bob tied in the corner of a hanky was never confirmed. Bob Neich coached with Mike’s assistance. Mike introduced a style of rugby which was to stay with the club for many years. Although we only won two games, our performance was vastly improved.

We also gained Greg Laughton who was valuable. With the nucleus of lan Kendall, David Pyke, Rick Martin, lan Lamont, Steve Donelan and Austin Kurrle the team had now established a better footing and started to attract some new players.

Mike Ashby won our best and fairest and scored 48 points out of our total 76 points for the year. At last, we had a kicker and some valuable direction in the backline from his five eighth position. Mike produced a new style of Rugby which was to have benefits into the future.

Players with the highest number of points in 1972:
Mike Ashby, David Pyke, Peter Donelan and Ken Tyson.

1st XV: Played 11 games; won two, lost 9.

The club finances were in such a poor state that a cake stall was held in October.
Annual subscription was increased to $5 for both players and members. 

Source: A History of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959 – 2015

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