Town-Country rugby play-offs

Press, 7 April 1982, Page 6

Town-Country rugby play-offs

The Canterbury Rugby Union will endeavour again this year to have an end-of-season play-off between the town and country senior champions. Also proposed is a curtainraiser between the country runner-up and the town D.C.L. Shield winner.

However, the union ran into the familiar timing problem when it tried last evening to set a date for the games, to be played under lights at Denton Oval.

The date suggested by the competitions committee was Wednesday, August 25, which is just three days after the town C.S.B. Trophy'final.

Some members were not happy with this date, although it was said to be acceptable to the country clubs. The. main objection was that the Canterbury team would be on tour in the North Island at the time and as a result the teams could be below top strength.

There was also a view that it was too soon after the town final, Mr Rhys Williams noting that when his club (New Brighton) won a senior championship it ‘celebrated’’ and would, therefore. be in no condition to play

another important game so soon. There. was an equally strong feeling, based on past experience, that the games would not achieve their objective if left until September, because. teams usually disband once their championships are finished. The union decided to support the games in principle and do its best to have them played. However, before confirming them the opinions of all the town clubs would be sought and, specifically, whether they would be willing to play on August 25. The question of sponsorship is also to be investigated. Some lower grade selectors were appointed last evening, but gaps remain to be filled because of a lack of nominations. Those appointed were;— Senior B, Mr M. Sturgeon (back selector still required); second grade, Mr D. Burney (forward selector still required); under-21 colts, Mr I. Burdon (fresh nominations to be called for a forward selector); and under-19, Messrs B. Stewart (backs) and D. Pirie (forwards). The draw for the first round of club matches on Saturday week allows for two senior games at Rugby Park, although there are showering facilities for only two teams.

This was confirmed as a trial, with the teams in the main game having claim to the showers. The referees also lost their own shower and changing room in the fire which destroyed the main stand last year. It was suggested that the referee of the main game could share the showers of one of the teams — the winning team being less likely to object.