McKechnie keynote speaker

A sportsman who played a part in two of the most controversial moments in New Zealand’s sporting history will share his memories at a fundraiser for Silverdale Rugby Club.

Brian McKechnie represented NZ in both rugby and cricket. As an All Black, he became famous in the 1980s for kicking a last minute penalty to snatch victory over Wales in the infamous ‘Andy Haden dive’ test. And in cricket, McKechnie faced the last ball from Trevor Chappell in the infamous ‘underarm’ cricket match against Australia.

These and many other tales will no doubt make McKechnie an entertaining speaker at this year’s Silverdale Old Boys fundraising lunch, to be held on June 11 at the clubrooms.

Silverdale Old Boys chair Terry Wilson says the McKechnie talk is “one out of the bag” and only possible due to the speaker’s friendship with one of the Old Boys.

The event includes an auction that features a photo montage of the two controversial events, signed by all the leading players including the late Andy Haden, Greg and Trevor Chappell, Bruce Edgar and McKechnie.

Proceeds from the lunch and auction will go to the club’s building project as well as its Endowment Trust.

The club began a $1 million building project in 2017 to upgrade the clubhouse exterior and interior. However, the discovery of asbestos and the remedial work required meant all the available funds were spent on the exterior and the internal upgrade had to be postponed.

“The Old Boys are keen to allocate some of the proceeds to the interior upgrade,” Wilson says.

Details: June 11, Silverdale Rugby Club Old Boys’ fundraiser with speaker Brian McKechnie, Silverdale Rugby Club, 6 Hibiscus Coast Highway, doors open midday, event starts 12.45pm. Tickets $100, from club manager, email manager@silverdalerugby.co.nz or phone 09 426 5602.