RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 19640, 20 August 1927, Page 3

RUGBY

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR (Pen United Press Association.] NAPIER, August 19. The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union tonight passed the following resolution relative to the South African tour trial games and the North and South Island match;—“ In view of the tour to South Africa early next winter, this union suggests to tho New Zealand Rugby Union that tho North-South island game this year be confined to those available for the tour. This game would be tho culminating object ol players engaged in tho trials, and would be of immense value to the selectors in gauging tho merits of the candidates, for All Black honors. Further, this union is of tho opinion that the published statement as lo who arc considered certainties for North Island honors, is embarrassing to both players and selectors, and. if true, is not in the best interests of (be game.” POETASTER SOLD. Press Association—By Tclcgnipli-—Copyright. SYDNEY, August 19. Mr Percy Miller lias purchased Poetaster, who will he retired lo the stud and mated with Windbag. MARION WEIGHTS. The weights for the Trial Plate at tho Marton Jockev Club’s Meeting arc all 8.7, instead of 8.0, as previously telegraphed. BILLIARDS, AMATEUR CHAMP! ON SHIP. In tile first session of the final of the New Zealand amateur championship last night, Freeman, the Federal player secured a lead of 280, playing a- sound, consistent game, scoring on most of Ins visits, and compiling quite a lot of useful breaks up to 33. Roberts, for ninety-nine visits to the table, made only 388 points, while Freeman, for tho same number of visits, scored 068. Freeman’s average was 0.75 and Roberts’s 3.8. In the later stage of the _ session Roberts made thirty-three visits lor 120. 'The breaks were:—Freeman, 25. 31, 21, 20, 20, 22. 37, 33, 22; Roberts. 21, 24, 20, 27, 42. RANFURLY SHIELDMANAWHENUA THE PRESENT HOLDERS. [Bek United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 19. Tho Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union’s claim to possession of the Ranlurly Shield by appeal against the New Zealand 'Union’s recent decision failed. The appeal council of the Now Zealand Union lias advised the controlling body that it unanimously dismissed the appeal. This means that Mauawhonua, for the first time in history of Ranlurly Shield matches, now holds the trophy. Taranaki still has a chance of securing the trophy, as its match villi Manawiicnua for the shield on 31st inst. lias been approved. If Manawhenua retain the trophy they will ho required to defend it against Wanganui on September 3. Then Canterbury will meet the present holders on September 7. Mamnvhonna is, at present, on tour, and is to play Auckland at Auckland | to-morrow. This match, however, will not he for the shield tropin- which is at 'present at Hawke’s Bay. hut as soon' as the Hawke’s Ray Union is officially notified of the decision of tho Appeal Council, the shield will no doubt bo scut on to tho new - elders. HAWKE'S RAY’S 'INTENTIONS. [I sit United Press Association.] NAIM Eli, August 20. What is believed to he an indication by the Hawke’s Ray Union that it will not now take the shield appeal to the Supremo Court was given at a, meeting hero last night, when it was decided to ask tho New Zealand Union for instructions as to where to forward the trophy. This decision is taken hero in wellinformed circles as indicating that the Ray will hand the shield to the new holders and then let the mailer drop.