HUNTER SHIELD CONTEST

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 169, 4 August 1937, Page 9

HUNTER SHIELD CONTEST

-Presa AnRriciatfon.l

Attitude of Clubs in Dannevirke Sub-Union

(Bv Telegraph-

DANNEVIRKE, Aug. 3. The Hunter Shield competition of tho Dannevirke Rugby Sub-Union appears , likely to come to an abrupt conclusion, owing to the inability of clubs to place teams in the field for the flfth round decided upon by the management committee. In accordance with notice previously given to the Dannevirke Sub-Union, Ruahine definitely played on Saturday their last game for the present season, having withdrawn 'from the competition for the reason that owing to the commencement of seasonal operations their players would find it impossi'ble to enter the flfth round. Seen this morning, the secretary of the Old Boys Club stated that there was 110 foundation for the report that Ms club were also withdrawing from the competition. They would be in the field in the event of the fifth round proceeding. - The secretary of the Excelsior Club also stated that, provided a full team was available, Excelsior would turn out. At present a mimber of their senior players were out in the country and quit'e a number found difficulty in getting away. The position in regard to the Aotea Club is doubtful. A number of the players have signified that they would be unavailable for future ma^ches this season. The team only entered the field to make fohr teams in the competition, and they have expciienced some difficulty in keeping their side intact. The sub-union management committee !ias decided to play a further game in the competition on Saturday afternoon, between Gldi Boys and Excelsior. Even if Excelsior secure a win they are too £ar behind in points to draw level with their opponents. This match, which will probably be the final in the championship, will also count for the knpckout competition. It cannot be claimed that the conclusion of -the competition under such circumstances will give entire satisfaction to the teams or the suppoTters of tho game. The position of the teams after Saturday 's matches stands: — Ruahine 18, Old Boys 17, Excelsior 13, Aotea 0.