SPRINGBOK MATCH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 172, 4 May 1937, Page 2

SPRINGBOK MATCH

ASHBURTON REPRESENTATION.

SOUTH CANTERBURY VIEWS.

DECISION DEFERRED

(Special to the “ Guardian.”)

TIMARU, This Day

The Ashburton Rugby Union is desirous of representation in the South Canterbury team to meet the Springboks at Timaru on August 28. The matter was discussed by the South Canterbury Union last night, but decision on the matter was held over.

Tho Ashburton Rugby Union wrote suggesting that some of its best players be included in the South Canterbury, team to play the Springboks. The letter stated: “As my union has not had the opportunity of meeting the visiting team, it was thought that perhaps you may be able to include some of our players for this match. My union commends the suggestion to your favourable consideration.”

Mr C. L. Cutler: After all, it is South Canterbury which is playing the Springboks, and we have to consider our own players. The chairman (Mr J. H. Harley): How will it affect the gate? Mr A. B. Herdman: If you do it with Ashburton, you will have to do it with North Otago. Mr A. S. Aitken: It would be a good gesture on our part. It was only good luck that we got the game. Tho chairman: They don’t get a hearing from Christchurch. Mr M. J. Angland: lam against the inclusion of outside players. It is hard on our own players by including players from outside unions. We have been asked to play the Springboks. If the match had originally been set down as a combined game it would have .been different. I think we should play South Africa on our own.

•Mr S. H. Sullivan: We will he entitled to do that, anyhow. The chairman asked for a motion on the matter, and Mr Sullivan moved that tho matter be held over in the meantime.

Mr Hepburn: Would you add to that that Ashburton be advised of the decision at a later date.

Mr Aitken: How long will you hold it over? He added that up to the time of the annual meeting of delegates in Wellington the question of a combined ■ match hacl not been thought of. The Ashburton delegate had brought the matter up, but no reason was given why a combined match had not been stipulated. Should Consider Our Own Players. Mr Angland considered that the matter should ibe decided that night. He considered that they should lose no opportunity of providing matches for their own players. Mr- Hepburn: The motion means nothing. We don’t know the strength of our team yet, and we may need assistance. Mr Cutler said that the point he desired to make was that if they had to go to Ashburton for assistance, then they might have to go to Christchurch or even Wellington. They had been given a South Canterbury fixture and it did not matter if they were beaten by *4O points. Mr Hepburn: Yes it does. Mr Cutler: If we have to go outside this time for players, the New Zealand Union on a future occasion might overlook South Canterbury. Mr Aitken moved as an amendment that they include Ashburton and Oamaru in the team to meet the Springboks. He said that in the past they had sought the Kelp of the bigger unions, and now they had a chance to help the smaller unions they should take it. The game was the thing, and the better the game tne better it would be for them. The match would not be interesting if they were beaten y 40 points to nil. The amendment was seconded by Mr Grant.

Mr Angland: A point or order. The amendment is a direct negative. The chairman ruled that the amendment was in order.

Mr Herdman considered that Ashburton and Oamaru should be included, for if they did so they would be fortifying themselves. Next time a big tour carnet round Ashburton or North Otago might get a game, and if a combined match was held this time, they might succeed in making Timai'u the centre for all future games. Mr Angland said that Ashburton and Oamaru might each claim a game alternately. Sub-Unions Come First, The chairman: We have to consider the sub-unions before we go outside. Mr Aitken: Our selectors will be selecting the team. The chairman: If it is to be a combined team, trial games will have to be played. Mr Sullivan: This is oui' match, and we will pick the team. Mr Angland: A sad day for our own players.

The amendment was lost by seven votes to three.

Mr Angland then moved as an amendment that Ashburton be thanked for their generous offer, but that the Union cannot see its way clear to accept it, Mr Cutler: If we lose our identity now, it will be lost for good. Mr Aitken: Our ory has been that we have not been recognised by the North Island Unions, and now we are acting in the same manner. Mr Angland: How does it affect the North Island Unions, 2 The chairman: Everyone for lrimself. Mr Hepburn: And the devil take the hindmost.

The amendment was lost, and the original motion to hold the matter over was carried.