Wesley College in Perth is a lovely school, with great facilities.
In March 1992 I was manager of the NSW team to play WA in the Sheffield Shield Final. The trip was 10 days and the game was one of the best games ever played at the W.A.C.A. The fortunes of both teams flowed until finally the home team won the shield.
Soon after our arrival in Perth, we received a visit from a former Blues player, John Rogers, who was a teacher at Wesley College and a good friend. John offered the NSW team the use of the school’s ground and net facilities.
The team arrived at the school and we were shown the change rooms. As I walked into the room I saw a familiar face,eadmaster, Rod Keffotrd, whom I had known when he was teaching at Barker College in Sydney. We greeted each other, I thanked his for his hospitality and asked if we could reciprocate in any way.
“Well, we have a school assembly in half an hour, which Geoff Lawson has consented to address and I was hoping you would be able to attend yourself and, if possible, arrange for a couple of other players to join you, “Rod responded.
Like all good headmasters, Kefford never misses out on a chance to obtain a “quid pro quo”.
Half an hour later, “Henry” Lawson, the brothers Waugh, Mike Whitney and myself walked up onto the stage at the Wesley College school assembly. Lawson addressed the boys in his usual thoughtful and eloquent manner, the boys loved it.
When the assembly finished, Rod Kefford and John Rogers took us on a guided tour of the school. We walked around and then, by popular request, we ended our sojourn in one of the school bathrooms.
“Well, what do you think of Wesley?” asked Rod Kefford.
“It is a most impressive school Rod, you must be very proud, “I said. Three of the others endorsed my sentiments.
“Well, I don’t think much of it!”
Everyone turned to look at Mike Whitney.
“I beg your pardon?” said Kefford.
“It’s nothing like my old school, South Sydney Boy’s High,” replied Whitney.
I remember exchanging glances with Steve Waugh; this attitude was so out of character for Whit, who could lay claim to being Australia sport’s nicest man.
“No, this is not a real school – not like South Sydney Boys,” Whit reiterated.
Kelford asked, “Why is that?”
Whitney began to laugh. “Call yourselves a school, what a load of crap. Just look at this bathroom – there is no graffiti on the walls and not one cigarette but in the urinals.”
Then Whit winked at Rod, slapped him on the shoulder and walked out to practice