Preamble: In the pre-season, Waratahs won the West Wyalong Knockout. The 1967 1st XV season comprised 18 Rounds games followed by the semi-finals and finals. The grand final was played on 16 September. Ten clubs participated: Army, Cootamundra, Teacher’s College, Temora, WAC, Wagga City, Waratahs, West Wyalong, Yanco and Young. Cootamundra continued to be a force during the season which culminated with Waratahs playing them in the semi and grand final. Nine clubs fielded a 2nd XV which included Griffith and Albury. Young and West Wyalong did not field a 2nd XV.
The photo of Bill Hayes, Hugh Dodwell and the late Lyndon Taylor was taken at the 2008, 50th Anniversary. Bill and Hugh continue to support the Waratahs, along with several of the Waratahs from that era: John O’Brien, John Bull, Richard Bull and John Fowler. Lyndon, who was affectionately known as Captain, was a highly respected leader and member of the Waratahs Rugby Club during the years 1973-2011. He was president for 6 years, a committee member for 16 years, a coach across several grades for 8 years and Life Member No. 5. Described as a man of integrity, standards, protocol, humility, determination and having a great sense of humour, just to name a few.

In 1967 a host of new players came to the club, including Vernon Kurrle, Mike Montague, Angus Ross, John O’Brien and David Dosser. John O’Brien came from Ardlethan and under the guidance of Mick Millard and with John’s basketball skills would develop into a match winning line out player. David Dosser, an ex-NZ Colts trialist, burst on the scene and proved a rugged partner for Roger Griffiths in the back row. David had a habit of wearing his socks rolled down and shorts rolled up. Jim Lenehan played one test against England, two tests against Ireland.

In the first game of the season, Jim Lenehan was in top form and kicked two conversions, a penalty and a sensational field goal. Roger Matheson made his 1st XV debut and Roger Griffith was fully recovered from a broken rib. Beres Ellwood injured his ankle and later announced his withdrawal from the Riverina side due to play the Country Week championship the following week.

Using their speed and determination, Teachers College defeated Waratahs height, weight and experience. The team missed Jim Lenehan and Roger Griffith. Beres Ellwood was guarded carefully, making it difficult for him to execute his breaks.

After two recent disappointing defeats Waratahs outclassed competition leaders, Wagga City, with neither side scoring during the first half. The key to their success was Jim Lenehan who boosted the team’s moral. His return from his final tour of Britain, Ireland and France proved beyond doubt that his presence transforms Waratahs from a capable side into an almost unbeatable combination. ⁴⁹

By June Waratahs and Cootamundra were joint competition leaders. Roger Griffith, Luxton Walker, Dave Dosser and Mick Millard had developed into a brilliant combination while Bill Heffernan regularly scored the majority of the team’s tries.

In July Bernard Shirley wrote that Waratahs could “start ordering the champagne now for victory toasts from the 1967 Riverina Rugby Union Premiership Cup. And their ‘terrible twins’, Jim Lenehan and Beres Ellwood, could line up for the first taste. They deserve it after their efforts which provided the drive for Waratahs 16-3 win over Wagga City”. _⁵⁰

Beres Ellwood scored two of the team’s four tries while Jim Lenehan and Curly Ellerman each scored one. The first half was played at a fast pace and there were some fiery clashes between the forwards. At this stage Waratahs were co-competition leaders with Cootamundra but seemed to be on track to win their ninth premiership in the past ten years.

In August Waratahs defeated Cootamundra 25-23 to become competition leaders. Bill Heffernan had an impressive game scoring three tries as well as racing 70 yards to touch down under the posts.

In the semi-final, Waratahs again defeated Cootamundra 18-14 and their chances of winning the premiership firmed. Cootamundra fight their way back from 13-0 to almost take the lead and defeat their main rival for the premiership. Before half time Roger Griffith injured his shoulder and left the field. In the second half Luxton Walker also left the field with an injured shoulder. Cootamundra took advantage of this and turned on some brilliant football.

Bernard Shirley opined: “If Cootamundra can overcome Waratahs in the grand final they will be only the second team to do so. Since they joined the competition in 1959 they have won the premiership every year except in 1963 when they were defeated by Wagga City”.⁵¹

In an exciting grand final Waratahs defeated Cootamundra 15-9. During the season Cootamundra had shown that they had the teamwork and brilliance to acquit themselves well against the formidable Waratahs. Indeed they played so well that the match went into extra time before Waratahs prevailed.

Beres Elwood was hampered by a thigh injury and was restricted in his movements. At the 78th minute Gerald Bassingthwaighte caught Waratahs off guard and sent a long kick to his centre who scored a try, bringing the score to 9-9. The match hung on Bassingthwaighte kicking the conversion, which he missed. Had he been successful there would not have been time for Waratahs to recover. At the end of the 80 minutes a further 10 minutes each way was implemented.

In the first period of extra time neither side could score. Waratahs hit the front when Mark Gooden scored a try which was not converted. When David Meldrum scored, the result was put beyond doubt.

Waratahs had now won eight premierships in nine years.

Waratahs’ prop-forward, Luxton Walker, was awarded the forwards division of The Clef – Daily Advertiser – Kriesler Trophy. The prize, a radiogram valued at £ 150, was presented after the grand final.

For the first time the Rex Burne memorial trophy was presented to the most outstanding player in the grand final and was to be selected by an independent panel of judges. Rex Burne had died in a car crash in March, 1967. A fund committee comprising Messrs David Meldrum, Wal Blake and Bernard Shirley (secretary), was established to ensure that the trophy continued in perpetuity. Jim Lenehan was the first recipient.

1967 Team: Rick Bull, Dave Dossier, Robin Ellerman, Beres Ellwood, John Fowler, Mark Gooden, Roger Griffith, Bill Heffernan, Vernon Kurle, Jim Lenehan, Roger Matheson, Dave Meldrum, Mick Millard, Mike Montague. John O’Brien. Angus Ross, John Small. John Stewart, Bob Stewart, John Walker, Luxton Walker, Unknown Webb.

Players with the highest number of points in 1967: Jim Lenehan, Beres Elwood, Roger Griffiths, Bill Heffernan, John O’Brien, Bob Stewart, Mark Gooden.

The Rex Burne Memorial Trophy was presented for the first time at the Riverina Rugby Union grand final match. 

Mr Griffiths, the president, said friends of the late Rex Bume, who died in a car crash in March, had already pledged $100. A special fund was to be established in interest bearing deposits. In this way it was hoped to keep the trophy going for many years. The trophy would be awarded to the most outstanding player in the grand final – to be selected by an independent panel of judges.

Burne was a keen sportsman who shone at snow skiing, rugby and water skiing.

He was a last-minute replacement for Waratahs international fullback, Jim Lenehan, when that team won the Rugby Union premiership last year.

Burne, despite the fact that he had not played for three months, scored a clever try before a recurring shoulder injury forced him from the field.

Jim Lenehan was the first recipient. 

The committee decided that the team jumpers were to have a blue background with a Waratah symbol. 

RESERVE GRADE 

Although few results were available for Reserve Grade and the team was successful.

April 17th – Waratahs 6 d Albury 3

May 22nd – Wagga City 9 d Waratahs 3

July 17th – Waratahs 16 d Agricultural College 13

August 21st – Waratahs 30 d Cootamundra 3

Source: A History of Wagga Wagga Waratahs’ Rugby Club 1959 -2018
^{49, 50, 51 Bernard Shirley, The Daily Advertiser, 22 May, 24 July, 11 Sept 1967}