| DUNEDIN - Kevin Nicholson, a regular at the Gardies Tavern, addressed a small subdued crowd following an emphatic innings by Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.
"Stevie deserves this, you know," the 32 year-old returning student told resident sports critic Norm Tomlinson (74) in the downstairs sports bar. "The guy's a legend - even if he is an Aussie. I told him so right in this very pub." Nicholson, on his fifth jug of Speights, then raised himself to perform a solo standing ovation. While keeping his cigarette in his mouth and avoiding smoke rising into his eyes, Nicholson showed similar patience and precision as demonstrated by Waugh in his innings of 102. The innings led Nicholson to recall memories of the 1992/93 season when A.B.'s Aussies showed up at upstairs Gardies one Saturday night. “While Merv Hughes got booed by all the Scarfies, Stevie Waugh served drinks behind the bar. I asked him for a beer and a double Southern Comfort and Coke. While I'm waiting I tell him that he's a f***ing legend, possibly the best allrounder in the world next to Sir Richard. And, ya know what? He gave me the drinks for free!" Nicholson then started an unsupported chant of "Waugh is a legend!" before attempting to segue into his infamous Frank Bunce story. Nicholson alleged that in 1994 Bunce gave him a full bottle of Speights downstairs at the Gardies, during an "informative discussion on the technical points and tactics of great All Black centres. I've still got Buncie's Big Bott sitting on the mantelpiece in my room," Nicholson whispered to Tomlinson before the latter could make a clean break for the pokies. Neither Steve Waugh or Frank Bunce were available to confirm nor deny Nicholson's claims.  Alec Stewart congratulates Waugh on his record ton |
| Gardies Legend Hail's Waugh |
Saturday, 01 February 2003 12:00
