Rugby trophy changes hands

Former All Black and player-coach for Ranfurly Tony Kreft celebrates the return of the White...
Former All Black and player-coach for Ranfurly Tony Kreft celebrates the return of the White Horse Cup, won by Maniototo on Saturday. Photo by Diane Brown.
More than 80 years after it was first donated by the gentlemen of White Horse Distilleries Ltd from London and Cape Town, the White Horse Cup continues to stir the passions of rugby players and fans alike.

On Saturday night, it was the turn of Ranfurly to celebrate the coveted trophy's return after Maniototo scored an upset 35-5 win over Cromwell, reversing last year's result.

The White Horse Cup was donated in 1926 and won for the first time by Matakanui.

These days, the cup is still hotly contested by the nine teams in Central Otago.

Tony Kreft, the former All Black and player-coach for Ranfurly (before it was renamed Maniototo), said yesterday Saturday's team was fortunate to be able to bring Hamish Wilson out of retirement for the game, as two or three members of the Weir family were overseas.

Mr Kreft, who both played for and coached the team in the 1970s, said the club had already received four or five challenges, the first being Upper Clutha this Saturday.

"It won't be easy. Upper Clutha held Arrowtown to a close game on Saturday, so it will be interesting," he said.

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