Relive Ruapehu rugby glory in oldies game

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 13, 26 August 1986, Page 24

Relive Ruapehu rugby glory in oldies game

The success of Oha-kune-Karioi this year rnay bring to mind somt of the mighty teams oi yesteryear, some of whom will be playing again this Saturday. Former players of the old Ruapehu rugby sub-union will be taking the field at 3pm at the Raetihi showgrounds. with Raetihi players against Ohakune and Karioi players. Brian Chambers has done some research into musty minute books recently and has found some interesting material. "As far as we can find out the first record ed game between Raetihi and Ohakune was played 90 years ago in 1896". The Ruapehu rugby subunion was formed on 9 May 1908 with the following teams: Raetihi, Karioi, Pioneer. Ohakune, Horopito. Pakihi club joined the sub union in 1913. One entry in 1908 was a payment of 6/3 for gig hire to bring a referee to handle a game between Karioi and Raetihi. At todays inflated prices this would equate to at least $500.00! Although some of the minute books are missing we hope we are correct in saying that Ruapehu joined the King Country union in 1927 and played for that union until 1970-71. After that Ruapehu rejoined the Wanganui union. In latter years the Ruapehu sub-union consisted of only three clubs - Raetihi, Ohakune and Karioi. They were such a close-knit community that their club. games were always played with great

rivalry and competition. Their record was such that they were unbeaten 19 times in a row on two occasions. One of their major triumphs was a very convincing win over Taranaki B. Provision has been made for all false teeth, glass eyes, walking sticks, crutches, toupees and other accessories to be safely stored. The day will wind up with dinner at the Raetihi Hotel, owned by Ray Parr, one of Waimarino's best-known rep players. This will be followed by an evening at the Cosmopolitan club.