Alan ‘Billy’King

Kearsney College – Finningley 1945 – 1948

Alan “Billy” King died suddenly from Cardiac Arrest on the 23rd. June in Tauranga New Zealand.

Billy was one of the school’s finest sportsmen playing for the 1st. XV and 1st. X1 in 1946, 1947, and 1948. The first to have achieved this distinction since the College moved from Kearsney on the North Coast to Botha’s Hill. He was a powerful front row forward, very mobile which later served him well as a provincial loose forward. He was a dangerous fast bowler and hard hitting batsman. In 1948 he Captained both the Rugby and Cricket teams. He left school in the July of his last year believing that he would benefit more from a farming rather than an academic career. He together with Dave Pearse were two Old Boys who were later to play both Natal provincial rugby and cricket.

While at school Billy was to play a major role in one of the most memorable cricket matches ever played at Kearsney. Hilton College arrived at the College with probably the greatest side to have ever represented their school. In their team were John Waite, Roy Mc Lean and Mike Melle all future Springboks; Paul Johnstone, the Captain, and Brian Pfaff both Springboks, were wing and centre respectively. Brian later played cricket for Western province: Levy was to be a spin bowler for Transvaal and Roley Pearce wicket Keeper for Natal. Hilton put Kearsney in to bat and bowled them out for 100. Billy King 3 for 8. Neville Mc Luckie 3 for4 and Viv Davey 3 for 4 bowled Hilton our for 22 probably the lowest score ever for a Hilton 1st. X1

Billy was a prominent member of the East Griqualand farming community, and he together with his wife Mary Ann successfully farmed a Jersey Dairy Stud near Kokstad. On his retirement he, together with his family Cliff, Sally and Susan, he emigrated to New Zealand

Billy will always be remembered by his colleagues and friends as one of the school’s greatest sportsmen, tough, uncompromising but always fair and playing the game as a true sportsman. He always had a great smile and a fine sense of humour.

We at Kearsney College bid farewell to a great friend and trusted colleague and extend to Maryann. Cliff, Sally, Susan and their families our very sincere condolences.

Graeme Shuker
Finningley 1948