Who Will Field Senior Rugby Team In Otaki?

Chronicle (Levin), 8 April 1948, Page 4

Who Will Field Senior Rugby Team In Otaki?

What promises to be a delicate situation has arisen in Otaki over who is to field a senior rugby team this season. Thp amalgamation of Qtaki and Rahui does not seem to fce working but satisf actoriiy , _ at least from the Rahui point oLview, and both clubs have this season applied for- a senior team eadh. At tlie meeting of the management committee on Tuesday night, it was deci'ded that only six senior teams will be allowed. Only one will be considered from Otaki. Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday, Mr. E. J. Cook said that the Otaki team was agreeable to continue with the . amalgamation, though he pointed out that" the Otaki Club could quite easily field a senior team on its own. Dui'ing subsequent comment/ Mr. R. Cochrane said that the present pre'dicament .reminded him. of- the difficulties between the Foxton and Moutoa Clubs many years ago. In that instance much bitterness was voiced, but the situation had eventually been got over by the setting up of an independent committee, whlch had formed a new team from * the seniors available from both teams. That was, he thought, the only way out for the two Otaki clubs. Feilding had - recently adopted a similar plan,- which had worked out successfully. The president, Mr. A. Gillespie, said it was the pblicy of the union, in .view of its size, to field only six senior teams this season, and the question of 'whicli team was going to be nominated from Otaki was a question for the two clubs there to decide among themselves. He approved of the idea of a committee being set up, and said that the union would be only too pleased to offer any assistance. Speaking against the continuation' of the amalgamation, Mr. A. Watt of Rahui, said they considered themselves strong enough to enter a sepior team and that the club would not consider the amalgamation under any circimistances. The club had a good senior team last year and those boys wanted to go up to senior grading, he said. They would piill out altogether if they were put into an amalgamated team. They waiited to play for their own club and not with Otaki Club players. He claimed that senior players from Rahui had not had fair treatment under the amalgamation and only one senior man had been fielded. Rahui .'had some well-known names in its rariks, some being Horowhenua representatives and they could not be expected to play in a junior team"next season. On being asked if he would be willing to attend the meeting, Mr. Gillespie said he would be only too pleased to do so if invited. After further discussion, Mr. A. Watt said Rahui would be agreeable to such an arrangement, but would definitely not consider the same system as last season. It was decided, therefore, that a recommendation.be sent to both clubs that -a public meeting be held in Otaki to discuss the matter, presided over by an independent chairman. ______