Belfast Decision “Disappointing”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30511, 5 August 1964, Page 19

Belfast Decision “Disappointing”

“The Belfast club appears to have turned down a chance of strengthening itself,” said Mr J. O. Hattersley (chairman) at a meeting of the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening.

Mr Hattersley was commenting on a letter from the Belfast club which said that it had decided not to amalgamate with Papanui at present but would consider the position within the next 12 months.

Mr Hattersley said he was disappointed w'ith Belfast’s decision.

“They had a golden opportunity of improving Rugby in the northern area but have declined it.

“The committee may have to look at the whole senior competition and 1 think we must view with concern Belfast’s attitude.”

Cannot Be Dropped Mr J. Storey said that the promotion-relegation rule passed recently meant that no senior team could be dropped from the senior grade. Mr D. B. Doake pointed out that the committee had power to relegate a team, but not on one year’s performance.

Mr Hattersley said that irrespective of the promotionrelegation rule the committee still had to decide on the composition of the senior grade. “It should still be the function of this committee to decide what is the best for senior Rugby.” It was decided to write to the Belfast club saying the union would assist in any way it could with the club’s problems. The new No. 3 stand, which is still under construction, will be used for the first time for the second test between Australia and New Zealand. Mr Hattersley said that the

No. 3 stand seats would be sold as uncovered seating. It was expected that 3000 could be accommodated. Mr Hattersley said that provision had been made for 57,500 spectators for the match. This would consist of covered stand seating, 6645; open stands, 7250; boys’ enclosure, 3000; embankment, 35,500. Representative teams announced were:—

Under 15. R. Rollo, G. Smith, D, Wright, B. Hanham, G. Walker, W. McFadgen. B. Brlmmel, K. Lumm, B. Kerner, M. Gibson, B. Luckman, G. Lowrie, S. Purdon, R. Gearry, G. Trainer, D. Gibson, I. Ingham, R. Gurr, T. Hosson.

Players to report for training at Armagh street gates. Hagley Park, on Tuesday, August 11, at 5 p.m. If not available please Ring 56-532. —Advt. Under sst B.—Backs: J. Hawkins, C. Simons, R. Flack, J. Murdoch, A. Garrett, R. MeManners, C. Lennie. Forwards: H. Marshall, N. Herrington, R. Hardbrow, G. Rusteridge, R. Lodge, B. Hepburn, R. Rudkin, G. Mitchell. R. Kilworth, C. Brewdon.

Training No. 4 North Park, 4.15 p.m.. Thursday. Players not available ring W. V. Cowles, 37-031, during the day. —Advt. Under sst A.—S. Cartwright, J. Hooper, J. Dryland, M. Simpson, B. Harrington, P. Pitman, S. Perkasky, K. McCallum, J. McKenzie, L. Smith, G. Pearce, W. Harding, C. Cracroft Wilson, P. McKay, B. Fearnley, P. Askuith, J. Lewis.

Training No. 4 North Park, 4.15 p.m., Thursday. Players not available ring W. V. Cowles, 57-031, during the day. —Advt. Under 7st 71b.—P. Wells. A. Ellis, B. Winder, S. Wilkes, D Ballagh, P. Consedlne. P. Le Lievre. P. Crockett, B. Norton, B. Jolly, S. Weatherhead, J. Petre, R. Watson, L. Williamson, B. Livermore, M. Williams. E. Peterson.

Training North Bagley Park at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday. If not available ring 31-749. —Advt.

Under 20.—J. Robertson, G. McKechnie. B. Henry, K. Simpson, B. Hopping, S. Alsop, R. Geary, G. Huston, J. Maze. R Doel, K. McNamara, P. Riddell. B. Bampton, M. Dash. R. Brittenden. Emergencies: P. Carson, W. Dowell, P. Harder. P. Cron

Training 7.30 p.m.. lighted grounds. Armagh street, Thursday. —Advt.

Under 17.—C. Henderson, R King, P. Sheehan, W. Tourell, G. Grimwood, R. Winter, L. Dickson, D. Mahoney, D. Symonds. G. Wilkins, K. Clark, R Kelly, J. Brashford, B. Aldridge, K. Sutton. Reserves: A. Bolton, K. McGuire, G. Furlough. J. Inwood.

Practice North Park 1, Thursday, 4.30 p.m. Players not available ring 300 Belfast.

Sst 71b.—A. Candlish, K. Mosburger. J. Doyle, T. Caldwell, G. Symes, P. Arblaster, P. Baker, W Ormandy, T. Drummond. E. Agnew. D. Thornley, J. McCallum. W. Brocklehurst, D. Millar. G. Sharde. Reserves: A Thompson, K. Phillips, T. Simpson, O Hinton. J. Whitworth.

Training. Thursday. 5 p.m.. South Park 17. If wet Monday 5 p.m Players not available ring 87-250. —Advt.