Bill Dalley, 87, dies

Press, 10 February 1989, Page 40

Bill Dalley, 87, dies

The ranks of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sporting teams, the “Invincibles” — the 1924 All Blacks — have dwindled J. to two members through ' the death in Christchurch of Bill Dailey. A rugby half-back who was as durable as he was accomplished, Dailey became one of New Zealand’s famous footballers in the decade after World War I. • •' ■ '.fy, . He established. a firm place as a national representative through'his efforts for the “Inylncibles” — so called because they won all 32 matches of their tour of.feAHtain, France and Canada: But he won even greater acclaim from his' sterling displays for the .1928 AH Blacks in South: Africa. The tiny half-back’s courage when confronted

by the rampaging Springbok forwards earned him the respect of both teammates and rivals. Dailey was faced, by an especially demanding tour because his understudy, Frank Kilby, was lost to the side because of a broken ankle after only five games, but the tough little Canterbury man contributed greatly to New Zealand’s efforts in tieing the series. He also played for New Zealand on two tours of Australia, in 1926 . and 1929, making him a busy player for his time, and finished his career with a fourish by leading Canterbury to victory over the 1930 British team at Lancaster Park. Bom in Lyttelton and educated at the West Lyttelton primary and Christchurch Boys’ High Schools, he played most of

his club rugby for Old Boys, after first gaining Canterbury recognition as a 20-year-old from Leeston. Dailey was elected to the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union within two years of hanging up his boots, and completed an unusual Ranfurly Shield hat-trick during his ; 23 years of service. He was the half-back in the first Canterbury side, to win the “log” in 1927, he was a selector in 1935, and president of the union in 1953 when Canterbury gained further successes. Dailey, who died on Wednesday evening at the age of 87, was one of the three survivors of the great 1924 team. The others living are Alan Robilliard, a Canterbury wing, and Jock Richardson, a Southland loose forward.