AMALGAMATION IS NOT WANTED BY RUGBY CLUBS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 77, 20 April 1949, Page 5

AMALGAMATION IS NOT WANTED BY RUGBY CLUBS

. Objecting s to any possible amalgamation of clubs delegates the Whakatane Rugby SubUnion from the six clubs represented, United, Wairaka, Paroa, Waimana, Taneatua and Poroporo, revealed that they would all be entering teams in the v senior competition during the .eomiife season. - Commenting that it was gratifying to see so many teams available, the president, Mr N. Semmens, said he hoped that all the teams nominated would play throughout the season and not fade away as some had done last, year. Carry On As Before To find the feeling of each club on the amalgamation suggestion he asked the various delegates to state their club’s opinions. For United Mr F. Bryers said his club could field a full senior team and preferred to carry on as last year. Mr C. Pile (Paroa) and Mr K. Hollis (Wairaka) said their blubs felt the same way.

Poroporb favoured amalgamation, said Mr W. Kopae, only if another club affiliated to ft. Mr R. Potter said Waimana would definitely oppose amalgamation.

Players Not Worrying Speaking on the standard of Rugby in the Whakatane Union, Mr R. , Murphy (Poroporo) said that at present it was very poof. Clubs were struggling, resulting in a deterioration of play. Players were not worrying, because they knew they could get a game if they desired. Mostpf them appeared now to spend their time drinking beer or in the billiard saloons. While he had not voted for amalgamation he thought that seven teams'in the competition, as there were last year, were too many for the betterment of Rugby. Following this Mr Semmens put ?the proposal to the vote, which was carried without one objection.