Taieri stalwart's borrowed blazer days behind him

Ken Whitson, of Mosgiel, received a belated Taieri blazer after having played 223 games for the...
Ken Whitson, of Mosgiel, received a belated Taieri blazer after having played 223 games for the Taieri club more than 30 years ago. Photo by Christine O'Connor.
He played his 200th rugby match more than 30 years ago but only recently got to don the Taieri blazer.

Mosgiel local Ken Whitson (68) retired in 1980, after 223 games for the Taieri premiers, but never received his blazer because every time there was an opportunity for him to be recognised, he could not be there.

''Whenever I had an occasion to wear a blazer, I had to borrow one out of the committee room,'' Mr Whitson joked.

He was recognised for his achievements at a celebration in front of 300 guests at the Taieri Rugby Club on June 13.

''It was a really nice gesture from the committee,'' he said.

He was ''quite proud'' to have played so many games for Taieri.

Mr Whitson played most of his rugby at No8 and remembers clearly his first match as a 17-year-old in 1964.

He was ''apprehensive'' but scored a try which made him ''feel good'' and relax, he said.

He captained the side for a number of years and was the player of the year several times. He also had several stints as coach.

Mr Whitson and wife Adrienne are thoroughly enjoying retirement on the Taieri after a career in the meat and dairy industries and as proprietors of the Mosgiel Tavern for 28 years.

Both are still strong supporters of the Taieri club.

- Charlotte Haselden & Rhys Chamberlain 

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