Solving a problem

Press, 15 July 1978, Page 12

Solving a problem

KEVIN McMENAMIN

Fairly soon, once the immediate problem of finding enough Saturdays to complete the C.S.B. Cup and Trophy games has been solved, the Canterbury Rugby Union will again have to turn its thoughts to night rugby. Back in May, the lights went out at Denton x Park somewhat abruptly when the union called a pre-

mature halt to its weekly night game. There were good reasons, but undermining them all was an obvious reluctance of some clubs to field teams. If the union repeats past policy there will be more night rugby at Denton Park next month, with the D.C.L. Shield final one game that can be expected to draw a large crowd. But it will be further ahead than next month that the union should be considering when it looks to night rugby again. For various reasons, the floodlit games have caught on with neither the players nor spectators and while the union could be partly at fault, it would be unfair to lumber it with all the blame. The short answer might be that Christchurch does not want night rugby and the union should cut its losses on its investment at Denton Park. But, leaving aside spectators (who should, perhaps, be incidental to this particular argument) the paramount consideration should be what do the players want. There are indications that there are many open grade players who would happily turn out for an occasional night game. It

is the format, mainly late advice, that has been the main bone of contention with the disgruntled senior players this year. So, if the union wants to persevere with night r ugby — and economics entitles it to an opinion — then .it must. get the cooperation of the players. An. editorial in the latest issue of “Cardinal News,” the newsletter of the Sydenham club, offers a scheme that could make a useful starting point for discussion. The writer, Mr Grant Windsor, points out that in England and Wales mid® week rugby is a fact of life, with more than 50 games a season played. He adds that he believes in midweek rugby and has found a number of players who share his view. What Mr Windsor suggests is a separate midweek competition, completely divorced from the Saturday C.S.B. Cup games. It would cater for players of senior, and near-senior, teams and also give an opportunity for regular reserves to have a run. Two games a night are proposed (30-minute halves) and included should be the non-senior clubs, Lyttelton, Sumner, Otautahi and R.N.Z.A.F.. The format suggested is a full round, a second round of two sections and then a grand final between the section winners. On the surface, it looks to be a worth while scheme and one that the Canterbury union might like to investigate. In truth, the union would probably welcome any idea that would shed light, without heat, on its night rugby policy.