Preamble: The season commenced with the first of 14 Rounds on the 18th May and concluded for Waratahs 1st XV in the Finals on 12 August. Seven clubs fielded a 1st XV: Army, Cootamundra, Griffith, Riverina College of Advanced Education (RCAE), Wagga Agricultural College (WAC), Wagga City and Wagga Waratahs. Eight clubs fielded teams in the 2nd XV: Army, Griffith, R.A.A.F., RCAE, Tumut, WAC, Wagga City, Wagga Waratahs. Twenty-eight players donned the 1st XV jersey, and it would seem 28 also played in the 2nd XV.
The 1st XV Byrnes Cup premiers were Griffith and R.A.A.F were the winners in the 2nd XV David Jones Shield.
The featured image was taken at the 2008 50th Anniversary celebrations. Back: Tony Broome, Scott Crossman. Seated: Helen Taylor, Lyndon Taylor. Lyndon was a member of the 1974 Committee and a highly respected leader within the Club over several years. Lyndon was a successful coach, President for six years and became Life Member No. 5 in 1988. Lyndon and Helen hosted the post-grand final BBQs for well over 10 years. There is more on this in later chapters.

1974 continued with a strong player build-up fielding two teams on a regular basis. Although only moderately successful, and beaten in a semi final by Griffith, the numbers continued to grow. This was the catalyst to the success of the Tahs in the next couple of years with better quality coaches and players. Romano’s was only considered an option after training not instead of training.

New players included David Bowe, Trevor Jones and Hugh McKinnon. Our previous contingent of Hawkesbury players continued with helping the club maintain a healthy flow of numbers. In addition to our player numbers our social activities leapt forward with many Sunday lunch BBQs occurring on players’ properties and continuing well into the evening. Drinking and driving was commonplace in those pre-PCA days.

This year also saw David Paton join the club and make a significant long-term contribution to the administration and coaching within the club. David was available to do any task at any time. One of the great unsung heroes of Waratahs.

The inaugural Max Croker trophy for most improved player went to regular 2nd XV player, Phillip Tome. Phil followed that up progressing to 1st XV in 1975 and continued through to be part of the successful 1977 grand final team.

Players with the highest number of points in 1974: Trevor May, Rick Martin, Lyndon Taylor, Hugh McKinnon, Warwick Grant and John McClure.

1st XV: Played 14 games: won 8, lost 6. (Lost semifinal to Griffith 6-12.)

The Annual Dinner was held on Friday 25th October at the Wagga Australian Rules Football Club commencing at 6:30pm. The committee people included Les Young, Milton Kennedy, Trevor May, David Glastonbury, Bill Beatty and David Pyke. Tickets cost $10 Double and $5 Single.

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTE BOOK 1974

The 1974 the office bearers elected at A.G.M. were:

President – Bill Beatty
Patrons – Mark Gooden, Mr J.B. Martin and Alex Walker
Vice-President – John Kendall
Secretary – David Glastonbury
Treasurer – David Pyke
Captain – Rick Martin
Coach – to be appointed by new committee
Assistant coach – David Paton
Finance Committee – (Treasurer ex officio) W Grant, L Taylor, P Tome Players Committee – B Neich, V Kurrle
Social committee – E Moloney, B Sampson, Bruce Reddon, L Young, M Kennedy, J Mahon, T May
Overseas committee – A Leys, I Kendall, T Jones, S Donelan, W Grant, B Hayes
An extensive committee all beautifully written by the outgoing secretary, Bob Neich
Max Croker, M. C. Croker Grain Merchants, donated an annual trophy for presentation to the most improved in the club. Phillip Tome was voted at the recipient in 1974. Trevor May won The Daily Advertiser/J.J.  Spiders best and fairest competition. 

Final point scores in Waratah’s club best and fairest competition: 

First Grade:
Trevor May – 17pts
John Moloney – 15pts
Hugh McKinnon – 10pts 

Reserve Grade:
John McClure – 13pts (3 major)
David Pyke – 13pts (2 major) 
Austin Kurrle – 8pts 
John Mahon – 8pts 
Paul Samuelson – 8pts 

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

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