In 1983 the Sheffield Shield winning team was, for the first time, decided by a final. Western Australia were top of the home-and-away series and hosted NSW at the WACA. Against all the odds the NSW team emerged victorious in a see-sawing match. The NSW captain was Test player Rick McCosker, currently Patron of Hunter Taverners. Rick was very keen to assemble the team for a reunion to celebrate the passing of 40 years since the famous victory.
Hunter Taverners rallied round to assist with the organisation of a lunch at the West Group NEX in Newcastle. Came the day and 11 of the victorious team were assembled and fed. An expectant audience awaited and were not disappointed. Maestro MC Craig Hamilton ran proceedings and interviewed the players in groups of 3. He teased some wonderful stories out of the players and they gave plenty back for the audience. What was obvious was the strong bonds and affection that survived the 40 years. The yarns continued long after the official part concluded.
