RUGBY PROSPECTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9488, 12 April 1921, Page 2

RUGBY PROSPECTS.

It is to be hoped that football this year m the Ashburton County will receive the support which it deserves, and that there will not be a repetition of the somewhat unsatisfactory pondi"fcions with regard to a game which m other centres has. a large and enthusiastic following. The players themselves seem anxious that such a state of affairs as that which came about last year should not recur, and they have already commenced practices "m anticipation of a good season. This year sees three town clubs iri the field — Old Boys, Ashburton, and Celtic, the last-named being a new body. It is unfortunate, however, that the introduction of a new club is coincident with the elimination of one of the oldest Rugby football organisations .of the County, the Southern Cross Club. A great deal of last season's difficulty was attributed to the half-holiday question. While the fact that, the town observed Thursday and most of the country districts observed Saturday undoubtedly must have interfered to a certain extent with the games, it must be borne m mind that football is carried on successfully m other centres'" where exactly similar conditions prevail. Another contributing cause has therefore to be looked for, and may it not be found m the general apathy which, as far as sport is concerned, has more than once been charged against Ashburton ? Rugby, is a game worthy of encouragement, as it is. a healthgiving branch of athletics. However, | a more active and general interest is anticipated this year m the good old game, particularly among players, while there is also the prospect of a fairly early introduction of Saturday half-holiday, which will then remove the cause which !has been given for last yearns unfortunate wosition. The clubs are apparently taking a greater interest m the affairs of the union, for at last night's annual meeting 10 nominations were received for the five vacant yice^presidentshipß. This is a good indication, for very much can be done by the clubs themselves m pushing the game along, keeping interest alive, and maintaining and improving the standard of the play.