RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17975, 21 March 1930, Page 11

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

TECHNICAL OLD BOYS. THE ANNUAL MEETING. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. When ihc curtain goes up on Ihe 1930 struggle for Rugby supremacy in Hamilton ihc Technical Old Boys’ Club will be among the serious contenders for that honour, and if enthusiasm can be any gauge of Ihe club’s capabilities on Inc field, it should go l'ar towards achieving its objective. There was a large and enthusiastic attendance of players and supporters of ihc club at its annual meeting last evening, when Mr F. Jones, who was unanimously re-elected for a further term of presidency, occupied the chair. in his annual report on the past season's activities the chairman stated that Ihe 1930 term had been the most successful yet experienced by the club. Teams had been entered in the senior, junior, fourth grade and fifth grade competitions, as well as two fifteens in tlie third grade section. The senior team had shown a marked improvement on previous seasons’ displays, anil although unsuccessful in Ihc quest for championship laurels, had performed with both credit to themselves and the club throughout the year. They went through to the last game of Ihe first round without defeat. A depletion in their ranks, however, had its efl'cel, and Ihc senior team then suffered reverses. Without efficient coaching the junior loam did not come up lo expectations after commencing the season well. This team had to be withdrawn from the knock-out competition. The club was well represented in the third grade section with two teams, •one of which succeeded in winning its division, taking- the championship for the second year in succession. The same team won the "knock-out” competition after a play-off with Old Boys. The other third grade team were rather unlucky in suffering defeat in Ihe final. The fourths also accredited themselves well and were runners-up in Ihe championship. A iiflli grade team was entered also, and this team had done well. The efforts of ihc various teams resulted in the club gaining second position in Ihc Points Cup, being only seven points behind the winners. Training Facilities. Mitchell, SI. George and Dalije.n were seledcd as Waikato representatives, and .Mitchell. St. George, Dalboth and Robinson Hamilton representatives. No less Ilian seven members of the third grade section were selected for representative honours. The Horse Bazaar had been secured for training purposes and had proved a heavy drai on the club's finances. Continuing, the chairman stated that the club had suffered loss through the departure from Ihe'town of Messrs G. Lloyd and A. Buckland. Both had done valuable work in the interests of the club. The report concluded with appreciation of the. co-operation of all responsible for the able management of the club’s affairs over the past season. in replying lo a query of the chairman whether an item of £lO in the 'balance-sheet for rent of the Horse Bazaar during Hie year would be a recurring cxpeiulilurc, Mr Whiting pointed out that the Hamilton-Rugby Union was at present negotiating for Hie erection of efficient facilities at Rugby Park. A shed 401'!, wide by If oft in length was to J>o erected, a portion of which would be equipped with hot and cold showers and 'dressing facilities. Flood lights were also to lie erected on a certain portion of Hie grounds, and this welcome -addition would enable clubs lo practice in the evenings. These, Ihc union hoped, would be ready by the end of the month. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted: —- Patron, Mr W. Fraser; president, Mr F. Jones; vice-presidents, a lengthy list was elected; Secretary, Mr J. Adams; assistant secretary, Mr C. Roswell; treasurer, Mr R. Peters; delegate to management committee, Mr E. J. L., Whiting; delegate to Junior Advisory Board, Mr J. Adams; Messrs W. Fraser and T. A. Crump were elected the club's extra delegates to ihe annual meeting of the union. Mr A. Roberts was unanimously elected to the position of club captain for the onsuing year; coaches, Messrs W. Fraser, T. A. Crump, A. Roberts, 11. Layne and Slow; committee, Messrs N. Mic-thell, H. Layne, N. McLennan. A. Roberts, A. fit George, W. Donaldson, F. Bourn.;. D. Annelt; the social committee of lasi year was re-elected. The appointment of a selection committee was left in Hie hands of the General Cornmi lice. It, was decided lo record on the minutes of the club appreciation of the work of Mr G. Lloyd. Mr Lloyd was unanimously elected a life member. Appreciation of the services of Mr A. Buckland in his capacity of coach of the senior team was also voiced. It was due to his interest that the club had performed so capably, and it was to be hoped that his work would not take him away from Hamilton. It was unanimously decided to place ou record the clu-b’s appreciation of his services. Three-day Gamp. With the object of ensuring the fitness of tiie senior fifteen for the commencement of the season's activities, it was suggested as a recommendation lo the eommillce, by Mr A. Buckland. that the seniors arrange a Ihrec-day camp during the Easter holidays, lie was confident that this would have the necessary effect of -brightening the team up—-combining a pleasant holiday with an ideal opportunity for getting fit. Mr E. J. L. Whiting, in a brief survey of the work of the Hamilton Union during the past year informed Ihc meeting that extensive improvements to Rugby Park had been carried out. It. was rather unfortunate that Hie new proposed stand would not be erected this year, but it was fully anticipated that this would be erected the following season. The insurance scheme had shown a substantial loss, said Mr Whiting. There had grown up a practice among certain players of seeking medical attention for minor injuries. ’l’lie fund was never intended for such, but to assist those who were temporarily or pemianhcuUy disabled and unable to work, and i£ is to be hoped that play—s will realise, this in future.