Former South Canterbury lock Duncan Bell dies

Waimate stalwart played 200 games for club

South Canterbury rugby has lost one of its good guys.

Former South Canterbury lock Duncan Bell died on Wednesday.

Bell played 65 games for the green and blacks from 1979 to 1984.

He was best known for his service to Waimate rugby, where he played 200 games from 1976 to 1988.

Following his retirement, Bell took the Waimate senior side to the Skinner Cup in 1990, his first season as a coach.

Tony Stevenson, who is involved in Waimate rugby and knew Bell for 25 years said he was a big loss, not just for Waimate rugby but the whole Waimate community. "He was well-known around here, and he'll be [sorely] missed."

Stevenson said he will always remember Bell's uncompromising style on the field, and his gentle nature off it.

"He was very competitive on the field, he wanted to win but he played fair.

"He had no time for fights or any of that. He was the life of the party, and always willing to have a chat. He had a very astute sports brain."

Stevenson said in recent years Bell had taken up lawn bowls but was still seen at the rugby clubrooms regularly.

"He was one of those guys the younger ones looked up to and listened to.

"He was just such a talented sportsman."

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