Ken Graham was an interested spectator when Masterton Red Star beat Martinborough at Memorial Park last Saturday to earn themselves a berth in this weekend's grand final of the Wairarapa-Bush premier division rugby competition.
Graham, who lives in Wellington, was having his first visit to rugby headquarters since playing halfback for
Red Star in the 1963 season and he was joined by his former captain and hooker Roddy McKenzie and Ron Southey, who propped for Masterton in those days.
"The rivalry between Red Star and Masterton was pretty fierce back then " Graham recalled.
"I had to put up with blokes like Ron Southey and Brian Lochore charging at me ... not a pretty sight for a slightly-built 19-year-old!"
Graham also remembered big crowds attending the games between the two arch rivals and the ground at Memorial Park turning muddy when the rains came.
"It's great to see the grounds in such great condition now, it's a lot different to what we put up with," he said.
Impressed by Masterton Red Star's success, Graham also took the time to visit their packed Herbert Street clubrooms to join the celebrations there.
"Refreshments always taste better after a win, it doesn't matter whether it's 1963 or 2009," he quipped.
Graham also noted his pleasure at seeing the name Waipuka (No 8 Stu) in the Masterton Red Star line-up as the Red Star first-five in 1963 was actually Stu's father, Boy Waipuka.
And no guessing, of course, what team Ken Graham will be supporting come this Saturday when Masterton Red Star square off against East Coast in an attempt to win their first premiership since 2000.
