Cripps Nu Bake and Waratah Netball clubs  held their own in the Southern Tasmanian Netball Association for many years. However, with both Clubs recognising a decline in participation in either juniors or womens competition, Presidents from both the 'WARATAH' (Wendy Pettered) & 'CRIPPS' (Josie Patterson) Netball Clubs discussed the possibility of a merger. The year was 1999...

Acknowledging the signficant impact a merger between both Clubs could create to form a much stronger club, a special meeting of all members from both clubs was called; with a large gathering of members both past and present coming together for the vote at the Southern Tasmania Netball Association (STNA).
After a presentation from both Club officials with many questions being answered on the night, it was then deemed that Cripps and Waratah could compliment each other by merging both their junior and senior teams; therefore, the vote went in favour of the merge.
Cripps Waratah Netball Club Inc. was formed with Josie Patterson taking on the role as President. (Josie was voted in on the night ) with subsequent committeee members following a process of nomination thus forming the new club Board of Management.

A sub-committee was also soon formed to design a new playing uniform that would incorporate the colours of both sides:
Main colours- Red/White/Black (Waratah); Blue and Maroon (Cripps).
Waratah donning the Waratah Flower & Cripps donning the Nu Bake logo as their major sponsors.
The Sub committee included Coreena Norris; Adrienne Norris and Carol-Anne Eaton; all asssiting with the process of designing what was to become a new style playing dress for the newly formed club.
To promote the merge and display the new colours, a formal launch of the new club and uniform was organised.
Dresses were modelled on the night by: Amanda Phair (Nee Probert), Belinda Vinen (senior players) & Emma Eaton (juniors).
The Mercury was also informed and subsequent photo and story line followed the next day in the sports pages; everyone would now know that 'Cripps Waratah' was a newly formed Netball Club and would now be an even stronger force both on and off the court for future years to come.

Over the past 16 years Cripps Waratah has evolved as a Club that focuses on development; enjoyment and continued success across the grades from 11/u > Senior ANZ State League competition )formerly known as TNL).
The Club's main focus is on family and bringing together the parents/supporters and players at both training and game day wherever possible, assisting in a variety of ways: Scoring; Umpiring; Manager; just to name a few. The Club is very proud and appreciative of all its volunteers.

The Club has succeeded in recieving the STNA 'Club Championship' Trophy several times. We are very proud of the number of Junior Leadership Participants that have gone through the STNA Program, with the majority of girls going on to extend their accreditation in the areas of umpiring and coaching back at club level and for some at State League level.
Our State League playing groups have shown great signs of improvement during this time, winning many premierships along the way and boasting state players across numerous years. A good sign we have much to look forward to. The club is very proud of its pathways offered to all players as assistance to those who look to aspire to the highest level possible.

Cripps Waratah had two long serving Presidents since the merge: Josie Pattterson and Scott Norris.  2012 saw Elizabeth Downward enter as the 3rd & newest President for our club and we wish Elizabeth many successful years to follow as Josie and Scott saw in the past.

Cripps Waratah remains part of the Statewide League Competition (SL) with an Open & 19/u team & teams from 11/u > Senior Premier League.
We are one of the largest clubs in Tasmania and we could not be happier to have so many players being able to play the sport of netball, an achievement we are very proud of... and a merge we will never regret!

If you would like to include any past history for this page or have any photos from the past, please contact our web editor Narelle Monk: mailto:crippswaratahcoaching@gmail.com