'Star team' player back for jubilee

Former Alexandra players Ken Paulin (left) and Peter Mitchell stand on the sidelines at the...
Former Alexandra players Ken Paulin (left) and Peter Mitchell stand on the sidelines at the Alexandra Rugby Club's 125th jubilee on Saturday. Photo by Liam Cavanagh.

Peter Mitchell was in the ''star team'' at the Alexandra Rugby Football Club in the 1980s, ''and that's for fact''.

Standing on the sidelines watching Alexandra play Matakanui at the club's 125th jubilee on Saturday, Mr Mitchell reminisced with friend Ken Paulin.

Now in his mid-50s, Mr Mitchell played inside centre for the Alexandra senior A side between 1978 and 1982.

In 1980 his squad won the White Horse Cup and the Vincent-Maniototo combined competition, triumphing in 16 games out of 17.

Mr Mitchell left Alexandra many years ago and now calls northern California home, but nothing was going to stop him coming back for his club's jubilee.

''When it came up, I thought I have to be here,'' he said.

The last time he had seen his old team-mate Mr Paulin was 25 years ago at the club's centenary, so naturally it took him a while to recognise him, he said.

At the centenary, both he and Mr Paulin played a past vs then-current players game and won.

''We were running out of puff towards the end.''

At the 125th, they were sticking to the sidelines. He didn't play rugby these days but could be seen on a golf course, Mr Mitchell said.

In California not much rugby was played except at some of the more prestigious universities, Mr Mitchell said.

He owns a pet food company with his wife Kimberly in the United States.

Born in Ranfurly, he attended Alexandra Primary School and then Otago Boys' High School.

He came back regularly and New Zealand would always be home, he said.

The jubilee was held over Anzac weekend, more than 300 turning up for the celebrations.

- Liam Cavanagh 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement