Back then, Cricket NSW and Tooheys Brewery launched the Tooheys Cup, bringing first-class and even Test players to towns like Armidale throughout regional NSW. In games against their neighbouring towns, each side was made up of three NSW players, along with locals from surrounding towns. For young country kids, these games held a magical charm. These games were the pinnacle of our summer.
In our world, it's Armidale vs. Tamworth. Tamworth is 110 kilometres down the road towards Sydney.
Bob Simpson was the leader and the heart of it all. I only remember him playing for Armidale. In my eyes, he belonged to Armidale.