After a successful run in the 70’s, Wests 1st Grade would only make it to the finals in 1980 and 1981 season falling short to Royals on both occasions. Some notable events occurred on the field during this time period.
The 1st Grade recorded a historic 0–0 draw against Queanbeyan at wretched Taylor Park. The 4th XV defeated ANU on forfeit as the students were not bright enough to bring their jumpers for the game.
1980 - 1985
The 300 club | Jarosz, Tonkin & Sadler
The 1981 season saw a few club legends break the 300 grade game milestone. Whady Jarosz became the first player to play 300 grade games for Wests when he run out for 4th Grade against Easts.
Jarosz was followed by Rodney Tonkin and Tony Sadler who both reached the 300 grade game milestone in 3rd Grade. Tonkin’s notched his 300th against Tuggernong while Sadler’s 300th grade game come in 3rd Grade’s Grand Final win against Daramalan.
Darryl Cowie
The 1981 season also saw Darryl Cowie became the second player to reach the historic landmark of 200 1st grade games when Wests defeated Tuggernong 84-0. Cowie went on to subsequently play a record 262 first grade games, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that he played 74 representative games for the ACT.
Away from playing Cowie coached 1st Grade on multiple occasions and served on countless committees, most notably in the capacity of Delegate to the ACTRU.
Ron Moloney
Ron was a product of St. Patrick's College, Goulburn, and after a brief flirtation with rugby league, he saw the light and was re–instated back into rugby union.
Moloney was an integral part of Wests success in the mid-late 1970s winning a total of 5 grand finals including 4 with 1st Grade. During the early 80’s Moloney served as president of Wests and as well as various capacities on committees.
A totally dedicated clubman, Ron reached immortality by amassing a total of 419 club games including 213 1st Grade games. An achievement that will be hard for the modern player to replicate.
Walter Tarnawski
Walter Tarnawski (aka Gloom, Doom etc) had been an integral part of Wests administration since the mid 70’s. Over his long association with Wests Walt served many roles including Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, Manager, Selector, Father Confessor and General Factotum.
Tarnawaski was not only dedicated to Wests but to Rugby Union in the ACT and served as an ACTRU Board member, ACT Rugby Union Club Board member and ACTRU Registrar.
