Ending the Streak: Auckland Claims the Cunniffe Cup

In 1983, Jeff took the reins as coach of the Auckland Deaf men’s basketball team, with one goal in mind – to win the Cunniffe Cup at Labour Weekend’s Sports Convention in Dunedin. Training was tough, including epic runs from the Deaf Club on Balmoral Road up to One Tree Hill and back. Fitness and teamwork were top priorities as the team prepared to take on Christchurch, who had held the cup for nine straight years. Auckland trained hard and fundraised even harder—hosting BBQs and community events to support their journey. In Dunedin, they came out firing, crushing Otago B 89–0 and holding strong against Hawke’s Bay and Otago. The real showdown came in the final against Christchurch, where Auckland edged out a nail-biting 57–51 win. With a fresh coaching style and new talent, they finally ended Christchurch’s reign.