'Singlet's' successful season

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 11, 14 August 1984, Page 16

'Singlet's' successful season

Ohakune senior rugby coach Ken George laughs at the suggestion he might be hard on his team. Despite his nickname "singlet" (his players say he's always on their backs) Ken says he's pretty soft underneath. "I try to act hard ... and I expect them to do as they're told." Ken's reputation as a "fire and brimstone" coach is pretty well legend locally. In one recent match full of niggle he w'ent out at half time to cool his side down, prompting one spectator to remark "that's a first!" Ken's attitude reflects his coaching dictum — discipline. His instructions to his players to keep their heads meant they capitalised on the opposition's indiscretions and kicked points from the resulting penalties. Whatever his methods, Ken has guided Ohakune seniors through a remarkable season. From relegation to the second division in 1983 Ohakune climbed back to the first division this year. grinding out 16 wins on the trot. The last win was probably the most meritorious as their victory against Wanganui High School Old Boys on Saturday 4 August, ensured that the President's Rosebowl, showpiece of Wanganui rugby, now rests

in Ohakune's Rochfort Park clubrooms. A just reward for the effort Ken George has put into the season. Once-powerful clubs Marist Celtic and Kaierau joined the also-rans as Ohakune swept all comers aside. A note of pride comes into Ken George 's voice when he talks of Ohakune as a 'well balanced' team. "We try things. We play good spectator rugby." The players are not stifled — they're encouraged to use their natural flair, he says. This season has been a memorable one for the coach. He rates it one of his keenest years in rugby because of player participation. In past years he's had to put pressure on players to turn up for training, but this side's team spirit has been so good he has never had to do it. Some thoughts on training? Ken singles out fitness as the biggest factor. Winning, he says, probably comes through 70 percent fitness, 30 percent ability. "I get them fit, discuss tactics, and give them all the opportunity to have their say." His face relaxes as he chuckles: "I don't always listen though."