Former Walcha Roos coach Walcha Road publican and more recently South West Rocks resident Marty Williamson lost his lengthy battle with ill health late last week and was farewelled by family and friends at Fredrickton Crematorium on Tuesday morning.
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Originally hailing from Condobolan Marty played for Group II in the forwards before ehading to Sydney where he spent most of his time in the lower grades at Eastern Suburbs. He then transferred to Grafton as a paid player before arriving in Walcha Road.
On arrival back in the 1970's Marty ran the Walcha Road post office in conjunction with a bus run and was appointed non-playing coach of the Roos where he took them to Group 4 Premiership after Walcha defeated Werris Creek in the 1975 grand final.
In 1977 Marty coached Walcha to a Group 4 preliminary final appearance at Narrabri where the home side proved too good on the day. Early in 1977 Marty played for the Rabbitohs in the inaugural Walcha Touch Football grand final which ended Panthers 5 ( David Wright 2 Doug McDonald Garry Natty AJ Cross tries) Rabbitohs 2 ( Rob Laurie Bernard Lynch tries)
Over a decade later Marty had a second stint as coach of the Roos after he took over as publican at Walcha Road. Condolences to his wife Carol, son Mark, daughter Peta along with all the other family members and friends. May Marty rest in peace.
No local cricket last weekend due to the Walcha Races but it wouldn't have been on anyway due to the 'Big Wet' this Saturday. A qualifying final is scheduled between reigning premiers Uralla and Kentucky at Peter Fenwicke Oval. The winner advance to take on Round Swamp in the grand final to determine the Walcha News Cup title holders for the 2019/20 season.
Minor premiers Round Swamp have the opportunity of becoming the 18th team in nearly 90 years to win all three major trophies Turton Cup Yalgoo Shield (minor premiers) and Walcha News Cup (major premiers) something only 7 clubs have been able to do in that time. Swamp and Colts lead the way with 6 each.
Since 1932 Colts have got the job done coming in commencing in 1947 followed by 1950, 83,97, 09 and 16 whereas Swamp achieved the feat in 1970, 86, 91, 03, 10 and 18. The other five clubs have one to their credit Commercial in 1948, Walcha Road 1952, Nowendoc 1964 , Bowling Club 1996 while I was on to catch and rugby League when we did it in 1985 .
Kentucky all-rounder Bob Jex handed in a five-star performance with the ball recently in his team The Bushies played a Glen Innes/ Inverell combination In New England Veterans fixture at New England Varley Oval in Inverell. The home side managed 207 runs while Bushies came up a bit short at186 of their allotted overs.
When handed the ball Bob didn't disappoint and thoroughly enjoyed himself at the batting crease snaring 5/27. Wayne 'Pothole' Boyd and Stephen 'Wilba' Haslem both collected a wicket each.
Batting for the Bushies Barry Hoy and Nick Endacott both scored 41 runs apiece, Jim Boland finished unbeaten on 38 and Brian Wellings made an elegant one run.Former Colts allrounder Craig stoddart notched up 12 runs for the opposition and took a wicket.