Preamble: The 1963 season commenced on the 20 April and comprised 14 Rounds. The last Round game was played on the 24 August, followed by the semi-finals and grand finals. Teams included Ag College, Army, Griffith, Teacher’s College, Temora, Wagga City, Waratahs and Young. For Waratahs, 27 players took to the field throughout the season, and as an indication of how challenging their year was, only 11 players played 10 or more games, and the same number played 5 or less games. Teacher’s College retained the Club Championship for the fifth consecutive year. Wagga City were the Premiers; breaking Waratahs’ hold on consecutive premierships. Waratahs also fielded a 2nd XV team with a pool of 30 players, many of whom also played for the 1st XV from time to time. From records available it appears this competition also included R.A.A.F. A & B teams. Teacher’s College were the 2nd XV premiers.

With four premierships behind them the season appeared to have prospects, but this was the one which got away. Rex Burne and Robin Ellerman from the Ag College joined the club. Jim Lenehan taught them the ‘in, out and away’ movement which resulted in many fine tries. Beres Ellwood played four tests in South Africa from July to September. Jim Lenehan was sent home from Perth on the way to South Africa with a bad knee. A John Sullivan-led Army team who, for the second time in the season, took down the Waratahs colours in the semi-final to beat Waratahs.

Waratahs, noted as slow starters in their matches, also had a poor start to the season. Neither the heavy forwards nor the backs could find the necessary balance to succeed. After initially overwhelming Griffith easily, Waratahs were soundly defeated by Young and Teachers College in the following weeks. Army shocked Waratahs when they steamrolled right over them 38-6 in their first contest of there season.

In May, Jim Lenehan, Beres Ellwood and Phil Bassingthwaighte were all included in the Riverina team which defeated A.C.T. to win the Maguire Shield.

Waratahs fielded only 12 players in the loss to Young. Bob Conolly left the field after he was knocked out as he crashed into the knee of a Young player while diving for the ball. When he returned to the field he was hit again and left the field for the duration of the game. With only 11 players the Waratahs still outplayed their counterparts.

In June Jim Lenehan and Beres Ellwood left for the Wallaby tour of South Africa. ³³ Around the same time Dave Heckendorf, Tate Heggaton and Bob Stewart were selected as members of the Riverina team.

Richard Walker scored seven goals and John Stewart three tries in the 34-5 win over Griffith. By this time Waratahs were fifth on the ladder, out of eight teams. However, defeating Young enabled them to advance to the top four, only two points behind Army and Young. Robin Ellerman had an outstanding game and scored two tries. Lynton Gooden and Col Wood were effective in attack.

By early August Waratahs had again developed into an almost unbeatable team and were on track to claim their fifth premiership. Their fast, open style had been revived and they were now on top of their game.

Waratahs defeated Ag College 37-6 to secure third place in the competition. Waratahs’ backs were simply too good and they scored almost at will. John Stewart, Luxton Walker, Lloyd Ryan and Fred Horsley played solidly.

In a lacklustre game, Waratahs defeated Wagga City 22-14 in the Finals. From the outset Waratahs proved to be the better team, scoring six tries to one.

The grand final was watched by a crowd of 500 at the Cricket Ground. In a reversal of fortunes, Army were much fitter and faster than Waratahs and were unfazed by their reputation. John Stewart scored the only try for the ‘Tahs. In spite of having a lot of possession Army smothered Waratahs who couldn’t do anything with the ball. Tahs were down 6-3, still with a chance. Nobody told John Sullivan that as he scored a magnificent try five minutes from the end making the final score 9-3. Waratahs were beaten by the better team on the day.

1963 Team: Bob Conolly, Robin Ellerman, Beres Ellwood, Fred Horsley, Dave Heckendorf, Tate Heggaton, Jim Lenehan, Dock Lennon, Keith Murphy, Ben Purcell, John Stewart, John Walker and Richard Walker.

This year the club committee made the decision that the Waratah symbol and a lapel badge should be incorporated on the team jumpers.

On his return from a Wallabies’ tour Jim Lenehan would often show a film of the games to the Waratahs club members. This one was held on 10 October 1963 in conjunction with the annual dinner which was attended by 65 people.

Source: A History of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs’ Rugby Club 1959 – 2015.
^{33 The Daily Advertiser, Bernie Shirley, 6 June 1963}

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