HEARTLAND HEROES

Former Thames Valley player Paul Herbert

Te Aroha man Paul Herbert or ‘ Herb’ as he was affectionately known to all and sundry epitomised everything that is good about Heartland rugby. The former Mercury Bay player and later Waihou club stalwart locked the Thames Valley scrum several times in the 1980s.

Herb also enjoyed a lengthy sabbatical near Greymouth after rolling up late one evening at the pub run by his two former Silverstream school mates, Winston and Bernie Monk. For the next two years Herb became a resident guest of the Paroa Hotel, coming close to West Coast selection on several occasions.

A towering lineout forward standing around 6’ 7 Herb was well known for his friendly nature, heart- warming idiosyncrasies and complete larrikinism. His post- match escapades are the stuff of legend although not all fit to be printed in this type of publication.

A difference of opinion with Grizz Wyllie in Greymouth will be remembered fondly just like some of Herbs rather risqué items of fancy dress attire.

Te Aroha locals still recall the day in which the big man consumed at least 28 pints of Guinness in one sitting at the Grand Tavern, a task he performed with military precision, following several days of detailed planning.

In recent years Herb would regularly be found walking to the summit of Mt Te Aroha in his trademark floppy hat and stubby shorts. Sadly the genial giant passed away peacefully at home, soon after returning from a rugby tour to Argentina with his beloved Waihou club earlier this year.