RUGBY UNION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 66, 21 April 1944, Page 4

RUGBY UNION

BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH MEETS NEW JUNIOR REGULATIONS The annual general meeting of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union was held at Wha'katane on Saturday, April 15. twenty-four authorised delegates from Opotikb, Rotorua, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rangitaiki and Whakatane being present. At the commencement of the meeting, the minutes of the previous, one were read and confirmed, whilst the report and balance sheet were taken as read and adopted. The election of officers was as uni der: — Patron: Mr F. J. Burt (Rawgijtaiki). Vice-Patron: Mr Les Clarke (Rotorua) . J President: Mr A. E. Spratt (Te Puke). Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr W. S. Henderson (Whakatane). Hon. Auditor: Mr J. A. Ruddy (Rotorua). Hon. Solicitor: Mr G. Otley (Whakatane) . Executive: President, Secretary, Messrs W. T. Burrett (Opoti'ki), J. A. Guinness (Tauranga), Les Clarke (Rotorua), F. Darvill (Whakatane), F. J. Burt (Rangitaiki). Selectors: Messrs Burrett (Opotiki) Fisher (Tauranga), W. Scott (Rotorua) . Maori Representative: Mr Tat Anderson (Rangitaiki). Delegates l to New Zealand Rugby Union Meeting: Messrs J. A. Guinness, W. S. Henderson. It was decided that the first match for the Apanui Hurunui Shield be played on the first Saturday in July* and that the first three matches be played fortnightly, whilst a draw be made for the order of challenge. This resulted as follows , : Rangitaiki v Rotorua, July 1; Whakatane. v holders, July 15; Opotiki v holders, July 29; Te Puke v Tauranga. The last two challenge dates are to be arranged later after consultation with the holders. It was agreed that if any sub-union was unable to fulfil its engagement advice must be sent to the Bay Union Secretary at least 14 days prior to the date set down for the. match.

No matches are to be played for the Parata Cup this season.

As regard to the Shalfoon Shield, it was resolved that, the executive should arrange the draw as the challenges come in. An alteration was unanimously made to the Shalfoon Shield rules re weights and ages, etc., and the rules now read: "That for jjlayers 20 years and under there is no weight, limit. For players over 20 years, there is a limit of 12 stone, while no player over tihe age of 23 years, is eligible to play in, the competition."

In connection with Junior football, it was. settled that any player over the age of 23 years is now ineligible to play Junior football in the Bay of Plenty Union's area, whilst delegates are to be sent to the New Zealand annual meeting hi Wellington to arrange suitable rep. matches.

With regard to grants for school footballs, it was. decided to make an immediate distribution of these to sub-unions for purchase of balls on the same pro rata Dasis as last year, while delegates to the next New Zealand Rugby Union meeting are to press for an increase of 100 per cent in the allocation of grants to country districts. The 1943/44 balance sheet, shows an expenditure of £43 for school footballs which is, to say the least, an exceedingly good figure, and proves that a deep interest is taken by the Union in school football.

In conclusion, Mr J. A. Guinness was nominated for the office of vicepresident of the N.Z.R.U. and the secretary was instructed to write to the New Zealand Rugby Union, to obtain information regarding supplies of football linings. ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union states that there was a decided impetus in the competition for the Apanui Hurunui Shield, three years having elapsed since so many challenges were played. Rotorua, the first challengers, lifted the Shield from Tauranga, and defended it throughout the season

against Whakatane, Opotiki, Rangitaiki', Te Puke and. Tauranga.

In the Shalfoon Shield too, there was also a welcome improvement, three matches being played compared with one the previous' season.

With regard to school football, although the grant for new balls did not arrive from headquarters

till late in the season, a distribution of £43 was made from the branch funds whilst a grant of £5 was also made to Bay Secondary School Reps, who travelled to Auckland to play.

In general there appeared to be a more buoyant attitude towards the game last season, and from reports which are coming to hand, the prospects look quite bright for another good one this year. Rotorua, who predominated last year, will no doubt be slightly weakened by the departure of the Army and Air Force camps, from the town, but it should even the. sub-unions a bit more and stimulate inter sub-union interest.and competition. It is earnestly hoped that such will be the case and that all sub-unions and clubs will enjoy a good season.

REFEREES MEET

BAY OF PLENTY ASSN. The annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Association was held in the Borough Chambers on Saturday, April 15. . Delegates were, present from Rotorua, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rangitaiki and Whakatane., The election of officers resulted as follows: — Patron: Mr F. Burt. President: Mr G. Fisher. .Vice-president: Mr F. Darvill. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr R. H. Woolliams,. Delegate to Bay of Plenty Rugby Union: Mr Woolliams. Appointment Board: Messrs Fisher, Darvill and Woolliams. The thanks of the Association are due to the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union for their generous, donation during the past season. It was decided to charge an affiliation fee of 10/6 for this season. THORNTON ANNUAL MEETING The. annual meeting was held in the Thornton Hall on Tuesday, April 4. Mr A.. Robins presided over a fair attendance. He. complimented the club on. the seasons activities and the healthy position of the club. The secretary read the minutes and balance sheet of the previous season which were adopted and signed by the chairman. After the year's work the club had a credit balance of over £11 and 17 football jerseys which were purchased last. year. The election of officers resulted as follows: — President: Mr A. Robins. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr T. Eagleson. Delegate to Rugby Union: Mr C. Hyland. Club Captain: Mr A. Magee. Selector: Mr C. Wiriutu. Coach: Mr G. Mexted. Committee: Messrs; J. Law, T. Mexted, 8.. Pennie. .