Preamble: Waratahs fielded a 1st XV and a 3rd XV. The season commenced on 24 April and concluded with the Grand Final on 28 August 1976. Seven clubs fielded a 1st XV: Army, Griffith, Junee, Riverina College of Advanced Education (RCAE), Wagga Agricultural College (WAC), Wagga City and Waratahs. In the 3rd XV, club records indicate seven clubs fielded a team: Army, RCAE, R.A.A.F, WAC, Wagga City, Wagga Waratahs, Yanco. Wagga City were the Byrnes Cup 1st XV premiers defeating Waratahs 7-6, and also the McMullen Cup 3rd XV premiers defeating Waratahs 19-6. In second grade, Albury/Wodonga were the David Jones Shield premiers.

Once again, Richard Eldershaw’s kicking prowess came to the fore with 50 accumulated points. Naish Storman was the recipient of the Rex Burne Club Man of the Year award, with Lyndon Taylor the Best & Fairest for the 1st XV and Most Improved, and Richard Eldershaw the recipient of the Trainer’s club award, and the coaches award for the 1st XV. Bob Jacka was Best Back for the 1st XV.

The photo of Richard Eldershaw (seated) and Jim Ross was taken at the 2008 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations. Both Richard and Jim were exceptional players.

1st XV: RUNNERS UP

Once again Waratahs numbers were boosted by the introduction of new players including Bob Jacka, Mack Elliot, Peter Collins, Ron Gordon, John Palmer, Richard Eldershaw and, in the latter part of the year, Frank Tait-Smith. These quality players made a huge contribution to the success of the 1976 season. Bob Jacka had been playing first grade for Gordon when he was transferred midseason with his job at Sport and Recreation. Prior to that he had played with Northern Suburbs for three years. Bob was such a talented player, but his maneuverability was compromised by a football related shoulder injury. He could, and did, confuse any opposition player in addition to his own back line. Bob could read a game so well that the inside backs and loose forwards, who were trying to keep up with him, were kept on their toes because Bob could put a ball in their hands even though they were unaware that they were about to receive it.

John Palmer was a speedy winger and was a great asset after some serious lack of speed in the outer back line of the previous years. Bob Jacka was instrumental in the new catch cry “Waratahs not tuff…. pigs arse” It probably would not have ‘cut muster’ in the 60’s but we were looking for anything to boost the club and this did not appear to do any harm.

Coach Naish Stormon instilled discipline to this year’s crop of players and training was mandatory. Richard Eldershaw scored 50 points for the year, his goal kicking a feature. He was one of the best tactical kickers, whether it be kicking for goal or touch.

Waratahs also had a strong third grade side but no second grade. 

After seven very lean years Waratahs made the Grand Final against Wagga City at Eric Weissel Oval and went down 6-7in a cliff-hanger. Wagga City kicked a penalty goal in the last minute to snatch victory and because we had made significant Club progress, we celebrated as if we were winners.

There was a strong social component to the club with frequently organised activities continuing the club’s close associations and making a large financial contribution towards the club’s finances.

Steve Donelan and Dave Paton coached 3rd XV to the grand final. Unfortunately, they were defeated by City. 3rd XV team members included John Mahon, Paul Samuelson (played 1 game, the Grand Final), Austin Kurrle, Phillip Tome, Keith Donaldson, Ashley Sproule, Alex Keyes, Steve Donelan, Graham Bruce, lan Kendall, Chris Gooden, Greg Laughton, John McClure, Peter Donelan Dave Young, lan Lamont, John Hackett and Nick Kurrle.

During the season, Dave and Steve attended a coaching school in Orange which involved Peter Crittle (Australian second-rower) and Dick Marks (Australian centre).

A memorable quote from the coaching school was:

‘If you come off the paddock physically exhausted you have only played half of the game. If you come off the paddock physically and mentally exhausted you have played to the best of your ability.’

1st XV team members included Bob Jacka, Lyndon Taylor, Mack Elliott, Austin Kurrle, Naish Storman, Rick Martin, Frank Tait-Smith, Peter Collins, Ron Gordon, Richard Eldershaw, Stuart Lamont, Jim Ross, Kim Harrison, John Palmer, David Pyke, Bill Hayes, Paul Samuelson (4 games).

Players with the highest number of points scored in 1976: Bob Jacka, Peter Collins, Rick Eldershaw, Jim Ross and John Palmer.

1st XV: Played 14: won 9, lost 5.

Lost the Grand Final to Wagga City 6-7.

Lunch at 1976 Grand Final at Weissel Oval

Chicken and champagne lunches for the supporters, not the players, were a must at the Cricket Ground which was our home ground at the time. We shared it uneasily with Wagga City for some time.

Sandy Harris remembers:

Romano’s closed at 10.00 pm when there was no RBT in those days. We all got into our cars and headed to The Red Steer which didn’t close until about midnight or 1.00 am. In later years some of us walked across the road from Romanos to a wine bar to continue our evening out.

The arrival of Bob and Andrea Jacka made such an impact on the Club. Watching Bob playing in the half back position was a joy to behold and his uncanny ability to read the play made a huge difference to the outcome of many a game. He also introduced new songs to our repertoire; some of which were much bolder than those we were used to! He and Andrea were also very adept on the dance floor.

Source: A History of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club 1959 – 2015
^{4 Photo courtesy of Lyndon Taylor}

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