Change over for Northern Rugby

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 468, 12 January 1993, Page 9

Change over for Northern Rugby

At the recent northern Wanganui rugby football sub-union annual general meeting, one of its longest serving presidents bowed-out after six years at the helm. Robert Cleaves has held the position of President since 1987 and has also served as the President of the Wanganui Rugby Football Union. One of his final duties as President was to deliver his report for the 1992 rugby season. "It is with pleasure that I present my report for the 1992 rugby season. The season started with a domestic series which was rather messy, playing some games early and doubling some up in the combined round. Easter also caused problems which will be addressed this season. However Huia played grand football and came out the winners of the sub-union round. In the senior reserve a new format was introduced and I believe all teams enjoyed it. Utiku and Old Boys led all the way only to be pipped at the post by Waiouru Panthers, who then played the top Wanganui team for the McKee Cup. "The Northern Wanganui Representative side again turned on the magic retaining the Bebbington Shield for a historic fourteen defences and also retained the Grace Cup and Pownall Trophy. Coached by Jim Ward and again captained

by Peter Stratton, the team gave their best on and off the field. "The Colts were selected by Robert Auld and played with the commitment that we have come to expect from our younger players. "Once again quite a number of players went on to represent Wanganui in all grades. "The sub-union con-

gratulates Bruce Hansen on his selection again to the divisional XV, Ralph Wallace and Patrick Sullivan for selection for the services tour of the United Kingdom and Aaron McCann for his selection to the New Zealand Rugby News Youth Team. "The financial position of the sub-union is the envy of most other rugby organisations, this

primarily due to the administration, the players and the clubs and their loyalty to the game." Donations and grants for the year were made to St Johns, Northern Wanganui Referees, Taihape and Ruapehu Colleges, Rangitikei Primary School Reps, Aaron McCann ( New Zealand Youth XV), Patrick Sullivan and Ralph Wallace (New

Zealand Services ) and Bruce Hansen (New Zealand Divisional XV). "Over the six years I have been president I have seen a desire to achieve by all players and officials. This was started by our representative sides and has spread through to our club sides, having, Huia, Utiku and Old Boys playing off for the unionwide championship. Ohakune/Karioi in the division 2 final, Utiku and Old Boys in the J1 final, Waiouru in the J2 final, Panthers in the McKee Cup and Pirates in the nlate final means that

the sub-union is in good heart. My congratulations to all clubs. As this is my final report I take this opportunity to thank the Secretary and Treasurer for all their efforts together with the management committee, delegates, St Johns and the referees for their loyalty over the years to me and the game of rugby and I wish all the clubs, players and administrators and the president elect a successful 1993 season." Just prior to Lynton Pyne taking the chair as the incoming president, Robert was farewelled on

behalf of the sub-union by Colin Thomas. Colin spoke of Robert's contribution to rugby in the region and the dedication and effort he put in behind the scenes. Robert was also farewelled by Brian Vaughan, the chairman of the Wanganui Rugby Football Union management committee who thanked Robert for his efforts both in the Northern Wanganui area and as President of the World Rugby Federated Union. Robert is leaving the administrative side of rugby and is pursuing his coaching ambitions with Taihape Pirates.