It didn’t take long for the coaches at Western Suburbs to realise the potential of a young Bob Lamaro.
Despite not having completely recovered from a badly dislocated knee the previous year, Lamaro arrived at the Club in 1972 and only two months later found himself in the First Grade side.
“I’d only started running again around Christmas, so I was wary when they named me in Fourth Grade for that opening game,” Lamaro said.
“That’s how it was in those days, Clubs were eager to lock players in for the season.
It was a quick transition for me, but to get so involved in that first year and to make my First Grade debut so early started my passion for the Club.”
Bob’s first taste of the Club came when competing in the Western Suburbs Knock-Out Competition as a student attending Birrong Boys High.
It wasn’t until 1969 when he was studying at Wagga Teachers College that it was suggested Bob play rugby for Western Suburbs.
“I was in my first year of study when I met Warren Poole, who at that time was coaching at the Club,” he said.
“I decided to wait until I finished my teaching degree, but Warren had convinced me I was a good fit for Wests so I always knew I was going to play.”
In just his second season representing the Club, Lamaro was instrumental in guiding the First Grade team to a final against the notoriously strong Randwick team.
Despite being narrowly defeated 15-12, it’s one of the seasons Lamaro says form the fondest memories.
“We were minor premiers that year and considering the strength of Club’s like Randwick and Norths that was a huge achievement,” he said.
“It was disappointing not to finish premiers, but we were so proud of how we played that year.”
Lamaro was also an integral part of Western Suburbs Second Division winning team in 1980.
Having been relegated in the previous season, the 28-3 victory over Hornsby saw the Club’s triumphant return to Sydney’s top tier of rugby.
“We always knew we were better than a Second Division team,” he said.
“After we were relegated, we didn’t allow ourselves to settle which meant that every player maintained interest and stuck around.
“The Club was always known to be a forward dominant side, and we were proud of that.
“But adding in players like Neale Murphy, Ken Bousfield and Stephen James – that made us a complete side.”
Bob Lamaro played his final season in 1984, ending a remarkable career that saw him become the first player to feature in 200 First Grade matches for Western Suburbs.
He went on become First Grade Colts coach for five years, leading the side to premierships in 1988 and 1990.
When asked what it was that made the Club so competitive over so many years, Lamaro’s answer was simple.
“We are resilient.
The Club has been challenged along the years, but we have always been able to absorb any pressure and perform against any opposition.”
Declan Armstrong
Media and Communications Officer | West Harbour Pirates Rugby Club
