Rugby Union: Kelston vs St Kentigern College

1958
  • Deaf Education
  • Deaf Sports
Kelston School for the Deaf had a rugby team that played in the secondary school Grade 2C division, coming third in the 1958 season. Kelston beat St Kentigern 16 to 0.
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Kelston School for the Deaf had a rugby team that played in the secondary school Grade 2C division, coming third in the 1958 season. The team played on Saturday mornings and won many games, beating several teams with bigger, heavier and older boys. Kelston can be seen performing the haka.

  • Forward: Melvin Keil (Captain), William Biddle, Keren Scott, John Eyre, Desley Harrison, Ron Orwin, Edwin Mackie, Heretama Marsters, Norman Norris, Tai Whiunui, Peter Berryman.
  • Back: Rewi Wharepapa (Vice Captain), Michael Hampton, Walter Here, Percy Hopkins, Peter Martin, Terry Moss, Ivan Tamepo.

The game was against St Kentigern College (blue/white stripes), which Kelston (maroon) won 16 to 0. The Kelston boys, wearing maroon can be seen playing on the lower rugby field at Kelston.

NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Kelston on Tour: A Hard-Fought Win in Russell

John shares a memorable rugby trip with Kelston School for the Deaf to play in Russell in 1961, coached by teachers Aspen and Brown. After taking the ferry from Paihia, students were billeted with local families. John’s hosts were baffled when they saw him doing press-ups to get ready for the game. After watching the girls' netball match, it was his turn on the field, playing as hooker. Kelston came out strong, scoring a try straight away. John added another try later, sealing a 9-6 win for Kelston in a game that turned rough by halftime.
Taonga source:
Susan Hamilton
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, SH29-15-EDU58