Arise Sir BeeGee
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I remember seeing him turn out for Ponsonby standing on the sideline and staring at the size of his thighs, made my eyes pop they were farkin’ massive!
Can’t tell you how many hours me and my friends tried to perfect the BeeGee side-step on the school yard.
And although people never seem to talk about it, he also had a tremendous boot on him (admittedly, not the most accurate). Could be wishful thinking, but I have a memory of him potting a 60M+ penalty on the ‘76 SA tour.
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He had a big punt kick on him too , and with both feet flat footed on the ground (don’t think they ever left the ground in that era to catch the ball ) was safe under the high ball ,
In the latter part of his career when he probably lost a bit of pace , can remember him playing a bit of fullback for Auckland and ponsonby . -
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@mn5 said in Arise Sir BeeGee:
In an era where most rugby players wouldn't have known a weight bench if they tripped over one Batty was bloody strong according to an AB of the era who is a family friend.
5 foot nothing ball of fast twitch muscle , was a unique little player , so explosive ,
his career didnt last as long as williams , but I probably rate his best as better than williams ( and i rate williams highly ) for his higher work rate and hunger to look for the ball.
for those that didnt get to see much of him ,
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@mn5 said in Arise Sir BeeGee:
In an era where most rugby players wouldn't have known a weight bench if they tripped over one Batty was bloody strong according to an AB of the era who is a family friend.
JPR Williams (an equally tough bugger) once said the hardest he'd ever been hit in a tackle was by Batty. Met him once or twice off the pitch in Wellington in the late '70's. Came across as a pretty decent bloke,
Batty & BeeGee were a lethal combination in 70's - not least on turning defence into attack.
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@milk said in Arise Sir BeeGee:
Interesting coincidence that the last remaining member of the BeeGees band is also getting knighted this time.
Ha! I keep reading the thread title as meaning Barry Gibb!
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@booboo said in Arise Sir BeeGee:
@milk said in Arise Sir BeeGee:
Interesting coincidence that the last remaining member of the BeeGees band is also getting knighted this time.
Ha! I keep reading the thread title as meaning Barry Gibb!
So was I... glad they tidied everything up for us
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Thought this was good, Bill Osborne has done very well
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11968623
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BeeGee was an Akl legend but remember two things. In 76 TV polled all the provincial rugby players in NZ and asked them who was the most over-rated player in NZ. BeeGee won(?) by the length of the home straight. I was shocked but TBF he burst onto the scene in 1970 and never quite hit those heights again.
Fully deserving of (overdue) recognition though for everything he's done for Akl Samoa and Ponies.
He did tarnish my impression in 92 after the Akl Ireland game. I was in the West Stand lounge for the announcement of the AB side to play the following Saturday.
Every time a non-Akl players name was read out he would boorishly BOO. Really embarrassing stuff. Clearly enjoyed too much of the sponsors product. Someone had to take him outside.
