Country Upset About Rugby Selection

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32017, 18 June 1969, Page 19

Country Upset About Rugby Selection

The absence of Country players from the Canterbury Colts team to play Mid-Canterbury at Ashburton on June 25 was questioned by Mr M. R. Barnett, president of the sub-union association, at a meeting of the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening.

The team was designated as a Canterbury side, but it contained only players from the Christchurch competitions, he said.

The Mid-Canterbury match was being played earlier this year, and there had not been sufficient time to play the Town - Country colts’ match, said Mr J. Storey. The union should investigate the possibility of holding a trial match earlier, or calling for nominations from country areas, said Mr D. B. Doak.

"We cannot just ignore

the colts in country as we have obviously, done this time,” he said. Mr Storey, who will be the manager of the team, was empowered to ask the selectors (Messrs L. P. Foster and R. R. Eastgate) about the basis for selection and whether the views of the co-opted country selector (Mr D. C. McMillan) were sought SENIOR PLAYERS The team, which will still be known as Canterbury Colts, contains several you; g players who are making their mark in Christchurch senior Rugby this season. C. Read, the Shirley No. 8, and the three-quarters, R. Moore (Lincoln College), N. Winsloe (Suburbs), and R. King (New Brighton), have all been prominent try scorers this year. Three members of the side are competent goal-kickers. The team is:

D. S. Cocks (Shirley, vicecaptain); Moore, Winsloe, King; T. White (New Brighton), B. McKay (Linwood); W. Dickson (New Brighton); Read; W. Broughton (University A), S. Reid (University B). V. Stewart (Marist). P. Mcßride (University B); K. Duke (New Brighton), B. Paul (University A, captain), J. Phillips (Linwood).

Reserves.—Backs: B. Moore [University A), M. Lake (University B). Forwards: T. Sutherand (Suburbs), P. Dalzell [Christchurch).

Training, lighted ground, Hagley Park. Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. —Advt

Retiring.—After 24 years as a member of the management committee of the Canterbury union, Mr I. M. Willoughby will step down on June 24. He has been the representative of the Canterbury Public Schools’ Amateur Sports Association on the union during his long period of service. His replacement will be Mr R. A. Gowan. New Member.—The management committee also welcomed Mr G. G. Don (Belfast) to its ranks. He takes the place of Mr S. R. Southall (Marist), who was recently transferred to Wellington. Recognition.—The committee will send a letter of congratulations to W. F. McCormick on his feat of scoring a record 24 points for New Zealand against Wales last Saturday. Mr J. K. Torrance said he acknowledged that Rugby was a 15-man game, but he felt the Canterbury fullback’s achievement was worthy of special recognition. Suspended.—An under-16 player, ordered off in a game last Saturday, was suspended for four playing Saturdays for misconduct, abusive language, and questioning the referee’s decision. The hearing was held in committee.