New grading in Rugby

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32895, 19 April 1972, Page 18

New grading in Rugby

The Canterbury Rugby Union has a new system of identifying its lower grades. Apart from the secondary schools grade, all grades below under 19 have been given a numerical prefix. Outlining the new system to last evening’s meeting of the union's management committee, the chairmen of the competitions committee (Mr C. H. J. Rhodes) said that for a start both the numerical number of the grade and its restriction of age and/or weight would be given in draws and results. In time just the number would be used. The new practice follows a suggested change at an earlier meeting when it was pointed out that with the under-weight grades now also having age restrictions there could be: some confusion.

Mr Rhodes reported that the number of teams at present entered in all grades was 410, an increase of five on last year. More entries were possible. Twelve entries had been received for the experimental 10-a-side under 11, under sst grade. As well as an under IS tournament, an under IS south Island event will also be held this season. The chairman of the coaching and development committee (Mr M. R. Barnett) reported on a meeting he had in Wellington last week with representatives of South Island unions, at which the format for the under 18 event was decided. Because of costs and travel problems it was not possible at this time to hold an under 18 tournament in the one centre, as was the case with the under 16 players, said Mr Barnett. It had been decided, therefore, to hold regional trials in three areas: the Seddon Shield districts, Canterbury-Mid-Canterbury and South Canterbury, and Southland, Otago and North Otago. Games would be arranged Involving under 18 players in each of these regions and would be watched by three selectors, who would than pick two teams for a final trial, after which a team

would be chosen to play the North Island. “This system might not be as good as a tournament, but It will get the thing started,” said Mr Barnett. It was imperative that both schoolboys and club players had an equal chance of selection.

Two senior reserve players were stood down for three Saturdays when they appeared before the committee, after having been Ordered from the field last Saturday. B. Phillipson (High School Old Boys) was charged with kicking a Sydenham player in the back of the head and P. Tulia (Hornby) with striking a Burnside player several times. Phillipson denied the offence; Tull* admitted striking one blow after the Burnside player had repeatedly hit his team-mates. _ On the motion of Mr R. W. Thomas, the committee agreed to inform clubs that firm action would be taken this year tn ■tamping out rough play. Colts selectors. —Messrs B. D. Bowick, nominated by New Brighton, and Mr W. B. Hasse, nominated by Belfast, were elected this year’s colts selectors. The unsuccessful candidates and the dubs which nominated them, were Messrs E. G. Legge _ IMerlvale-Papanui). A. Pash (Suburbs), W. McCallum (Christchurch), V. Wilkinson (High School Old Boys) and M. Hope (Shirley). ' Loan withdrawn. — It was decided to withdraw s loan of $2OOO made to the Kaikoura dub.