School sides 'picked-on’ in Rugby

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 15

School sides 'picked-on’ in Rugby

School Rugby teams are 'Sometimes “picked on” by open club' teams and one parent is concerned at “ever-increasing violence” in the sport. Mr A. M. Deans wrote to the Canterbury Rugby Union on Tuesday evening, voicing his concern at rogh play. He said he had sons who play in the under-16 and under-15 grades respectively. After noting that his sons enjoyed the game in the past, he would have encouraged them to continue in the game. Mr Deans said “it would not surprise me if they gave it up,” and he would not stand in their way.

“They go to a well-known private school,” said Mr Deans, and suggested this was the reason teams “were out to get them.” He also suggesetd line umpires should have the power to intervene in cases of rough play. The president (Mr S. H. J. Rhodes) observed that “no doubt there are occasions when school teams are picked on bv onen club sides.”

Three teams from the prestige under-19 grade dominated the Referees’ Golden Jubilee Cup competition. The winner was Christ’s College with an average of 36.46 points (out of 40).

It was closely followed by the grade winner, Marist (36-14), and the schools’ championships winner, Christchurch Bovs’ High School, with 35.83.

The award is decided largely ot) the basis of bearing and sportsmanship, and Mr J. G. Mullins suggested that the regular allocation of senior referees to the under-19 grade may have been a contributory factor.