Kerry Tanner withdraws from coaching

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 56

Kerry Tanner withdraws from coaching

The former Canterbury and All Black prop, Kerry Tanner, has changed his mind about coaching the Merivale-Papanui senior rugby side this year. Mr Tanner was appointed to the position before Christmas, but he has since told the club that because of a change in his work situation, he can no longer spare the time. Merivale-Papanui will now be coached by Gordon Thomson, who has had lower grade teams for a number of years, and Kevin Boyle, who has switched from New Brighton. Mr Thomson coached the Merivale-Papanui under-21 side last year, which finished near the top of its grade, and Mr Boyle was involved with the New Brighton senior B side, which also had a good year. Merivale- Papanui’s coaches of the last three years, John Creighton and Howard Joseph, will continue an association with

the club, but mainly in the area of helping out with under-age sides. However, as well as losing Mr Tanner. MerivalePapanui has suffered another setback, and one which seems certain to hinder its chances of getting away from the bottom of the senior table. Its best player, the first five-eighths, and sometimes full-back, Deane McKinnel, has transferred to Burnside, where he seems certain to play in his favoured position of first five-eighths. McKinnel has had two seasons of senior rugby with Merivale-Papanui and he has scored a century of points both times. Last winter he contributed 154 of the side’s total of 226 in all games. He has also been a Canterbury Colt in each of these years. A goal-kicker of McKinnel’s worth should prove very handy to Burnside, as it was a weakness in this area that cost the side a number of games last year.