Wahine survivors pulling on the pads again

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Wahine disaster, members of the Lincoln Oollege1st Cricket XI of 1968, who were on board the ferry the day it sank, are coming together again this month to play in a Golden Oldies SportsTournament.

The players have joined up for a number of reunion matches over the years since the day their trip to a Universities Easter Tournament in Palmerston North was aborted with the chilling words from the Wahine’s captain “Abandon ship”.

In the Golden Oldies Tournament they played matches in Queenstown on 10 March against a South African team; in Invercargill on 12 March against a USA team; and in Clyde on 14 March in 2008 against a Central Otago eleven.

The matches took place between 11am — 4pm daily and boundary hospitality (bacon sarnies and hot and cold refreshments) was provided by the Lincoln Alumni Association coordinated by Manager Sarah Currie. All alumni were welcome to turn out to support the Wahine survivors and already one alumnus, the Mayor of Queenstown Clive Geddes indicated on his attendance at his town’s match.

Also taking a close interest in the matches was Lincoln University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Chris Kirk, who, as a member ofthe Canterbury University Cricket Team going to the same tournament as the Lincoln lads, was also on the Wahine on its fateful last voyage.  Source: 2008 February Infolinc Issue 1