RUGBY AFFAIRS.

Shannon News, 20 April 1926, Page 3

RUGBY AFFAIRS.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. The Management Committee of the Horowhenua District met in the De Luxe Theatre rooms, Mr J. J. O'Connor .being chairman, whilst Messrs Hannan, Procter, Brann, Moynihan, Emmett' (Referees' Association), Robson and the secretary (Mr J. Casey) were also in attendance. Apologies were received from Messrs Rimmer, , McDonald, Anderson, Austin, Lynch and Robinson. < SEASON TICKETS. Following the discussion at the ManawaturHiorowfaenua Union's annual general meeting, relating to the issue of season tickets applicable to both districts, the management committee ictf 'the Ho'rowhenua district discussed the matter, the chairman (Mr J. J. O'Connor) saying the sale of such, tickets would be a great gain to this district, . Also, they would sell more readily than if they were available only to matches in the Horowhenua district. Mr Moynihan moved: "That this union issues season tickets, at one guinea each, admitting each holder and one lady to any matches controlled by the Manawatu-Horowhenua Rugby Union." 'Mr Emmett seconded the motion which was affirmed. Mr Hannan asked whether Horowhenua ticket-holders at a rep. match in Palmerston would receive the same consideration 'as Manawatu ticket-holders in the way of reservations and other privileges. Mr O'Connor informed Mr Hannan that the conditions would be identical. INSURANCE SCHEME. It was resolved- that the scheme of insurance in existence under the Horowhehua Rugby Union's constitution remain in effect throughout the season, and the conditions relating thereto be enforced. , CANVASSING PLAYERS. Foxton Club forwarded the following resolution: "That the Horowhenua Union Management Committee consider the advisability of pa-event-ing canvassers from,going into other districts and taking players away from their residential clubs." Mr Emmett observed that nothing could be done as any action in this direction would mean the breaking-up of the County Club, which was recruited from all -pails of the district. 'Mr O'Connor concurred, adding that unless there was a charge of bribery the management committee could- take no action. • Mr Hannan considered that it was impossible to take definite action until the union was spread into districts.

SHANNON -TEAMS. From the Shannon Club advising that senior, junior, third and fourth grade teams would be entered by the club.—Received. GROUNDS FOR MATCHES. Mr R. H. Slack, Manakau, "offered the use of his grounds for matches during the coming season.—Resolved to thank the writer for hie* generosity- " ... . ' A similar letter of appreciation has been transmitted to Mrs R. Prouse, for her kindness in prof-erring a paddock for the purpose of playing matches. The committee expressed its gratitude to Messrs McMillan and Donovan for permitting. the use of their rooms, whilst Messrs Hannan and McMillan were thanked for the manner in which they had assisted in entertaining the combined-union members.

FIXTURES. Matches for -Saturday next are, as under:— SENIOR. Southern United v. Wanderers, at Paraparaumu, 3 p.m. Weraroa v. County A, at Levin, 3 p.m. Otaki v. Hui Mai, at Otaki, 3 p.m. County B v. Foxton, at Foxton, 3 p.m. Shannon a bye. JUNIOR. Awahou v. Hui Mai, ut-Manak.au, 3 p.m. Shannon v. Miranui, at Shannon, 3 p.m. Foxton v. Weraroa, at Weraroa, 3 P-m. ? " > „, , Wanderers v. Tokomaru, at lokomaru, 3 p.m. , Otaki, a bye. THIRDS-NORTHERN. Foxton v. Weraroa, at Foxton, 3 p.m. Shannon v. Wanderers, at Prouse s '' Paddock, 3 p.m. THIRD—SOUTHERN. Otaki Maori College v. Southern United, at Maori College, 3 p.m. Otaki v. Kuku, at Kuku, 3 p.m. FOURTHS. Foxton D.H.S. v. Levin D.H..5., at ■ Weraroa, 1.30 p.m. Shannon v. Fovton, at Shannon 1.30 p.m. Weraroa a bye. RUGBY RESULTS. Last saturday'7~match'es resulted in the following scores:— SENIORS. Wanderers 5 v. Western United 10. County A 17 v. County B 14. Hui Mai 11 v. Feilding 8. JUNIOBS. Wanderers 0 v. Western United 14; THIRDS. , Wanderers 3 v. Kuku 6. Weraroa 5 v. Western United 3. WESTERN UNITED (PAUMEBSTON N.) 10 v. LEVIN WANDERERS 5. Western United journeyed from

.Palmerston to Levin on Saturday to play their annual match with Levin Wanderers. Glorious sunshine prevailed in fact the weather was hardly suitable for football. The visitors won a cleanly contested game mainly through being in better condition than the local men, who badly need to get down to serious training in view of the commencement of the competition games next Saturday. The teams lined out as follows: | Western United (Red and Black).— ) Backs: McArley, Reay, Vautier, Lysart, Velvin, Edgeley, Ormond. For- | wards: Butler, Algar, Crawford, Cock--1 croft, McKay, Wells, Hutchins, and ) Huntington. Wanderers (Black).—Backs: D. Ryder, W. Phillips, Graham, Williams, F. Phillips, Jacob, T. Winiata. Forwards: Edginton, Kuiti, E. McLeavey, Reside, Tatana, Skelton, Williamson, St. Clair. Western won the toss and went to the attack. Ormond sent Edgeley away, but F. Phillips intercepted a pass and the Blacks swept upheld, the ball, however, becoming dead at the crucial moment. A nice passing rush initiated by W. Phillips came to an end with Jacob being smothered' a few yards from the line. The Red forwards cleared in good style, and carried play into Wanderers 25 only to be penalised for off-side play. A similar rush a few minutes later was also spoilt in the same manner and the Blacks relieved. The Red and Black forwards were feeding their backs much more frequently than their opponents, but the Wanderers' backs were smothering effectively. Tatana, Edginton, and McLeavey headed a loose rush from midfleld, and carried on in fine style for McLeavey to top off the movement by scoring under the posts. Jacob kicked an easy goal. Wanderers 5, Western United 0. The Palmerston men soon retaliated, some in and out passing started by Edgeley, who was proving very elusive, ending with Velvin shooting across in a handy position, the try being converted, making the scores 5 all as half time was called. Wanderers vanguard started off at, a great pace after the Interval,.. an electrifying rush down the centre, of the field causing McArley to seek relief with a force down. From now on the visitors practically took charge, many o* the Blacks showing visible signs of tiring. The Western forwards battled their way towards Wanderers' lino, and from a melee in front, of the goal one of the Reds managed to score a try, which was j again converted. Western 10„ Wanderers 5.

After a spell of defending the local men sparkled a bit, "and took a turn on the attack.- but tne opposing rearguard were equal to the occasion and kept them out. A period of desultory kicking between both set 6 of backs followed, and time. was called without any further alteration in the score Mr Sciascia refereed well.

MANAWATU-HOROWHENUA RUGBY UNION.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual meeting of the Combined Union was held in Levin, Mr A. Hannay being in the chair. Also present: Messrs W. Carruthers, J. R. Hardie, K. Eglinton, H. Crawford, 0. Skoglund, T. Collins, C. W. White, J. R. Proud (secretary), N. Emme'tt (Referees' Association), J. Robson, F. Robinson, J. Procter, B. Brann, '\V. Moynihan, J. O'Connor, J. Casey, W. Hannan. Apologies were received from Messrs S. Austin and. J. Rammer. REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. In the annual report, the commit- , tee stated that it desired to thank ail who had worked so hard in the interests of Rugby and had brought about the amalgamation of the two unions. Lt was considered that in the near future, if football were thoroughly fostered the Manawatu-Horowhenua Union would be able to hold its own with the larger unions of the Dominion. The union had affiliated about 1500 players in grade football under the jurisdiction of the four districts. The"main work carried out during tha season; was attending to representative matches and drafting the union and district council rules. Although the selected teems did up a s expected they certainly played good football, and if careful selection were made during the ensuing year, it was considered that a good reprei sentativie side could be placed on the field. Five representative matches had been played, including 1 one ' with Wiellingjcn against the New South Wales team. One win and four losses had been the result. Thir-ty-one players-19 backs and 12 forwards—had been selected from the union as representative players; of these, 15 were from Manawatu-and 16 from* Horowhenua. At present there was no accident insurance scheme, but the matter was one whirl) should be brought forward by the incoming committee. As regard's finances, <tihe union commenced its career' without a single" shilling, and after heavy.outlay at the start, which would not, however, occur again for some time, had ended) its-year with \ handsome credit balance. Nevertheless, the funds would require careful handling during the ensuing year, as all representative matches had to be re-played. The cost in connection with- these would be heavy, and a scale of players' expenses should be drawn up. Th;mks were due to the Manawatu and Horowhenua Referees' Association, Drs. Hunter, Will, Markov nnd Twhirrg, for valuable services to injured players, and the Police and Rallwav Department, for as-

sistance in many ways. Five meetings had been held during the year —three in. Palmerston North and two in Levin. The attendances had been exceptionally good and much beneficial work had been done. In retiring from office, the committee wished to express appreciation of the assistance and support it had been given by the committees of the District Councils, and trusted .that the incoming members would be extended the same help. The balance sheet showed that receipts were £689 2s Ud, as against expenditure of £548 7s Id, leaving a credit balance of £l4O 15s lOd. There were no liabilities. Both the repoi't and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Hannay, retiring president, congratulated ttie new r union upon a most creditable position. He wanned them of the necessity for careful handling of finance during the ensuing season, in view of approaching matches with other teams. . Many Were disappointed with /the results of rep. matches played during last season, but now that the amalgamation was established they should be able to put forward a really good team. They would not, however, meet with very much success unless the players were taken .to Palmerston or Levin, before the match, and properly trained—of ithat he was positive. Moreover, the gates ensuing from having a trained team to meet the opposing fifteen, would be a good deal better than had been in evidence hitherto-. (Hear, hear). ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The following gentlemen were appointed officers for the ensuing year: Patron: Mr H. F. Gibbons. President: Mr J. JJ O'Connor. Vice-presidents: Messrs A.' Hannay, W. N. Anderson. Treasurer: Mr J. R. Hardie. Secretary: Mr J. B. Proud. Management Commiittee: Messrs H.' Crawford, K. Eglinton, W. Carruthers, T. Gollins, F. Robinson, J. Casey, W. Moynihan. Auditors: Messrs C. W. White and A. S. Fair-e. Selectors: Messrs M. Winiata and W. Dustin, who will have seats on the -Committee without voting power. Delegates to the N.Z. Rugby Union: Messrs J. J. O'Connor-and K. Eglinton. Correspondence, as under, was dealt with:— The Union made application to the New Zealand Rugby Union for .the North v. South match to be played at Palmerston, and was advised that the matter would receive attention at the hands of the incoming management cominit'tee.—Received. Tlie N.Z'. Rugby Union acceded to the request for the reinstatement of ,Mr G. N.. Emmett, of Levin, who had acted as a League referee in. Australia. The Marlborough Union enquired as to the possibility of a rep. team from ManawaiUi-Horowhenua paying a visit to Blenheim during the coming season, as a return visit to the one played in 11)33.—Referred to the incoming committee. Hearty acclamation for the retiring president (Mr A. Hannay) Whose active participation in the Union's affairs during the past season had been very helpful and encouraging, concluded the meeting.

REFEREES CONFERENCE

HOROWHENUA AND MAN AY.. VI'C EXCHANGE VIEWS. A delegation from the Manawatu Referees' Association met the Horowhenua referees at Williams' tearooms, Mr W. Peters, president of the latter association being in the chair. The visitors were welcomed by the president, who. said it was the first, meeting of its kind held in Levin, and as it* was in the interests of- both bodies to exchange ideas from time to time, this, the first conference, should be the fore-runner of many others. Mr E. W. Law, secretary of the visiting association, gave most interesting interpretations of various rules framed at the Dominion conference recently held in D-unedin, and he also outlined 'the meaning of new rulings which have been evolved since the close of last season. The subject tof -rules concerning which doubt hud been expressed was fully surveyed, and after discussion it was resolved that referees of bath districts, Horowhenua and Manawatu, would, in future, act in the same way if given circumstances were similar. The whole of the dis course was very edifying to both visitors and local referees, especially a ruling which affects both players and referees and relate to penalty kick. The new ruling in this case states; "When a penalty kick is awarded, the opposite side may not charge. They must remain passive on or behind the line drawn through the mark where the penalty kick JS awarded, and parallel to the goalline." Previously, there had been a good deal of dissension relative to the subject of penalty-kicks, but now that the above rule has been univer sally adopted, there can be no rnips tion of quibbling. After the conference the Horowhenua referees invited their guests to supper, during' which Mr C. W. Whyte, as president of the Manawatu Referees' Association, thanked the local association for its hospitality and expressed his satisfaction at the great amount of good [which had arisen out of the gathering.