BEBBINGTON SHIELD COMPETITION.

Shannon News, 4 June 1929, Page 3

BEBBINGTON SHIELD COMPETITION.

TWO CHALLENGES IN. BUSH WANT GAME IN JULY. Thursday a challenge from the Bush Rugby Sub-Union for the Bebbington Shield was received by Mr J. Casey, secretary of the Horowhenua Rugby District Council. Last season the team from the other side of the range were beaten by a fairly close margin, 13 points to 8, and they are evidently keen io capture the trophy, if possible, this year. In the covering letter, the Union asks for the game to be played some time in July. Notification is also contained in the letter of the desire of the third grade reps, to play a match against this district in return for that played at Pahiatua between the Horowhenua and Bush thirds last season,, when the former had a win by ,18 to 14. It is suggested by the Bush Union that the contest this year be a curtain-raiser to the Bebbington Shield match.

The list of representative fixtures in Horowhenua promises to become a substantial one, and the local Council i 3 faced with a little problem in adjusting the dates. Bush have asked for a date in July, “if the Council succeed in withholding Dannevirke’s challenge”; but the date! of Saturday, July 27th, has already been submitted to the latter Union. In accordance with the principle of priority of challenge, it would be necessary to bring the Dannevirke game nearer in time if Bush are to play in July. The Council has also to keep in view the possibility of a challenge from Rangitikei; and at. the same time, for the sake ofa satisfactory gate, it is desirous of having all challenge contests played on Saturdays. By a resolution carried in the form of an- amendment, at the last meeting of the management com mittce, Foxton is entitled to provide the ground for the Bush match, having been accorded the, right to the firs' challenge received after that meeting.