NSW will defend the veterans State of Origin trophy in Tamworth next year after, aided by a strong Tamworth contingent, defeating their Queensland rivals in their annual series.
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Leading 6-4 after the first day of the two-day tournament, which was played in Brisbane, NSW held on to triumph 12-8 and retain the silverware.
Eleven Tamworth players suited up for the various NSW sides with Chriss Crowell and Ben van Aanholt padding up for the 60s Waratahs and Bede Maher and Greg Kellett the 60s Blues in Division 1, Terry Murphy the Waratahs 60s in Division 2, Steve Beaton the Waratahs 60s in Division 3 and Col Barton, Peter Boyd, Ron Farrell, Bob Haling and Ron Radford the Blues 70s.
Boyd was one of the best performers of the Tamworth contingent. He played a starring role in the Blues' 70s seven wicket win on the first day, snaring 2-37 and then scoring 40 retired (not out). Haling also made 43 retired.
On day two he claimed 2-25 in a 34 run loss. Farrell lead the way with 3-11, with Barton chipping in with 1-18 to follow 1-12 and 2-12 respectively on the first day.
Murphy was a standout with the ball for his Waratahs Division 2 side on the first day grabbing 4-47 to help them secure a seven run win.
Beaton was meanwhile among the wickets on both days picking up 2-15 and 1-23. His Waratahs side were undefeated for the tournament, posting a 44 run win on the first day and running out 75 run victors on day two.
The Division 1 Waratahs also won both of their games. Crowell played a leading hand in their day one success hitting 41 retired (not out).
Maher also showed good form with the bat scoring a second day unbeaten 48.
RESULTS
Day One
60s: Waratahs Division 1 (Ben van Anholt 0-25, 9; Chris Crowell 41 retired not out), won by 56 runs;Waratahs Division 2 (Terry Murphy 4-47), won by 7 runs; Waratahs Division 3 (Steve Beaton 2-15), won by 44 runs; Blues Division 1 (Greg Kellett 0-31, 2; Bede Maher 9), lost by 11 runs.
70s: Blues (Peter Boyd 2-37, 40 retired not out; Ron Farrell 1-12, Col Barton 2-12, 12no; Ron Radford 0; Bob Haling 43 retired not out), won by seven wickets.
Day Two
60s: Waratahs Division 1 (Ben van Aanholt 0-23, 18; Chriss Crowell 12), won by 47 runs; Waratahs Division 2 (Terry Murphy 0-26), won by 17 runs; Waratahs Division 3 (Steve Beaton 1-23), won by 75 runs; Blues Division 1 (Greg Kellett 0-18, 0; Maher 48no), lost by eight wickets.
