Deaf social rugby match: Married vs Single men

1970
  • Deaf Sports
An informal annual rugby game between teams of Deaf men, married and single, which was played on one of Kelston Deaf Education Centre’s fields.
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Report from NZ Deaf News (1970, Vol. 7, No. 3): “On the 14th of June on a rather dismal day, which developed into rain later on, a rugby match was held at Kelston Deaf School between marrieds and singles. Much fewer supporters than usual came to cheer their friends on. Marrieds were only able to muster nine men to play against eleven singles (in rugby the correct number is fifteen a side). However, fun was had by all although there were a few minor casualties. John McRae got a very painful toe from kicking the ball, and swore that the ball was heavier than usual! Tom Gibling was very stiff for a week after the game. The result of the match was 45-20 in singles’ favour. Philip Hatfield scored a good number of tries for singles.”

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:
Pam and Doug Croskery
Produced by:
Pam Croskery
Original format:
3" 8mm
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, PC0507-01-70F
Note:
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