Buck's coming to talk

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 653, 10 September 1996, Page 8

Buck's coming to talk

Wayne (Buck) Shelford is to be guest speaker at the Ruapehu Development Rugby Squad' s prize giving which will be held at Raetihi this Saturday 14 September. Marty McGrath, coach for the squad said Buck is always a major drawcard whenever he is asked to appear at public functions and Marty is sure this occasion will be no exception. Buck Shelford played senior grade rugby for North Harbour and went onto play for the All Blacks in the No. 8 jersey. He captained the All Blacks from 1987 until his retirement in 1989. He continues to be involved in rugby . at all levels. The Ruapehu team has just finished a very successful season, winning 1 4 out of 1 6 games, only to stumble at the last hurdle. They won the Northerrt Wanganui championship, the Wanganui combined first round title, the Wanganui combined second round title and were runners up in

the grand final. The team scored 492 points and conceded only 99. They scored a total of 68 tries and gave away 10. The team played mainly-open style rugby to which the crowds responded well. Next year, the squad will become part of the new combined Ruapehu Rugby Club. Marty said is has been a great thrill to be part of the squad which started last year from nothing and within two seasons are a force in junior rugby within the Wanganui region. Rick Harding, the other coach, and manager Bruce Parkinson have also worked well with the team. According to Marty, they did an outstanding job. Marty said tickets were selling fast and urges those interested to "get in and get yours now, don't miss out on seeing this great All Black Captain"*