RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 170, 17 April 1939, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE BAY OF PLENTY UNION ANNUAL REPORT Tlie following, annual report was submitted liy the president, Mr. AY. T. Burrett, on behalf of the executive, at the annual meeting of the Bay of plenty Rugby Union, held at AVhaka.t'ane during the week-end:— * - Your executive has pleasure in sub-) the following report for thej season 1938. "; 'i

HURINUI SHIULD. —Once again the ltangitaiki suto-union demonstrated its supremacy by withstanding all challenges for the Shield. It is true that three games were drawn, but no suto-union was able to defeat them for the premier trophy, and Rangitaiki’s retention of the shield establishes a remarkable record upon which they arc to be heartily congratulated. Believing that their action would encourage football, not only in their own territory, but throughout the Bay generally, Rangitaild sportingly requested the Bay Union to accept the return of the Shied. All suh-miions were circularised! with the information, and as no objections were received, the executive have accepted the return of the shield, and granted' Rangitaiki the last challenge of .the forthcoming season. I'lie methods ■ of choosing the first

holder<.etc.•' will delegates ;to the ' • CUP!—The' final ' of this cam petition was won by Opbtiki, who defeated Rotorua, at Opotiki by a small margin.

SHALFOON SHIELJI) (Junior rep.). —Rotorua juniors lifted, tins trophy from Whakatune in flip first challenge of the season, and withstood all'succeeding challenges. (Reports indicate that a high' standard!' of football prevailed in these junior rep. games. SOUTHERN TOUR.—Following a visit toi the 1 Bay district by Mr. Ned Parata, our delegates to they N.Z.R.U. annual meeting finalised a tour of the South Island. This ambitious undertaking avus only made possible by the generosity of the Southern Unions, with special reference to Canterbury and Southland. Games . wef-e played with Canterbury * (draAvn), J Vincent County (lost, 1G—8), Southland, lkmfurly Shield holders (lost *s—B), Otago (vvon 6—5),' and South Canterbury (lost 1C—8). Mr. Tat Anderson proved a very capable and efficient manager. The Bay Union Avas fortunate in having associated Avith its southern toiur the famous. All Black Mr. W. J. (Billy) Wallace, in the capacity of co-manager and coach. The executive expresses appreciation to sub-unions who all co-operated in the series of trials held' jVrior to the final selection. The Union hlis in its possession a number of letters from liysts > of various'hotels at* which the team stayed, complimenting the Union on the team’s gentlemanly behaviour.

' MAORI 'ALL. . BLACKS.— executive extf|ndk:.cdngratulations to the three Boy *pTayefs,~ E. -.Howell, E. Holiapata, and Wi Kaipara, avlio. Avere selected and played with’ distinction for the New Zealand Maori team which toured Fiji. Many followers ,of the game in the Bay have considered that recognition of’ Eddie Howell's ability has been long overdue, but some, consolation can be derived ,froih the fact that when his. turn finally came he reaped the highest honours the game can offer by captaining an overseas touring side.

REP. GAMES.—Subsequent to. the south tour, games Avere. played versus Waikato at Rotorua (lost 19—8) and versus PoA'crtv \ Bay at Gisbprne lost 20—22. In tlie Waikato match the Bay forip was notJgdQcl and Waikato Avere easy winders;: £ The game at borne, AvJiich to assist Poverty B^ ; *whoAfetd been isolated by floods/' Avas a spectacular matcli in which a number of young Bay players slioAved to advantage. Tauranga-Te Puke combined played Central Hawke’s Bay at Te Puke, being beaten by* a close margin.

SCHOOL FOOTBALL.—Your UtL ion, in addition to increasing* football!, grants to schools A\as procure a substantial graafe toAvdkjs the cost; of the primary school aJjOotljiaU, touriiji-; inept conducted b$ jMI e;> ill oto run subtinion. af|-s*hb-unions to. doi their utmost to enepur-, age,. OHxi • fb’stef-*.#'libni IWStball Avithin their bo u nd^ii*ids'di !r - 1 { REFFREES—tjMjIJtV are expressed! to the, members of tliej-rel-X’ I'eCi? I '' a ssoci aStjJffs 1 FINANCE,^IiMC|BnP s finances, which shoAV, aiiL ldste of £'3o "oil the season’s workings are, nevertheless, very satisfactory Avlien it. is considered that the huge south tour Ava.s undertaken, that unfortunately one southern Uiiipn-s subktkntial as'expected, that increased grants were made to schools and to referees.* "association, Vnd that funds, 'were made; available to.combat the rival code. fy-iN-Z. RUCtB Y UNION. —Urate! ul ‘tliaiiks are due, to _ headquarters,* fbf the tendered;Your- executrvei tru.sts that all subjhaihus wijrj; l experience a prosperous and successful season. . • ...i £: