RUGBY LEAGUE Kumara’s Prospects Reviewed

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1946, Page 9

RUGBY LEAGUE Kumara’s Prospects Reviewed

This year for the first time since League was introduced to the province, Kumara will field a senior team. Some years ago the township provided a team in the West Coast senior Rugby competition, but in the League code its. teams have never played above junior grade. ' Kumara won the junior championship last yeai’ with a strong side and this, no doubt, was largely responsible for the club’s decision to field a senior team. A strange fact, however, is that very few members of the champion junior thirteen will be playing in the new sidei Many have left the district and others are remaining in the junior team also being fielded by the club. The revival of the Magpie Rugby club in the Camerons district has also complicated the position, for the district has hardly enough men to field three teams. Not Encouraging Marist club travelled to Kumara last week to give the new side a trial, but the result of the match is hardly likely to arouse enthusiasm in the township, the local team being soundly beaten. There are few youngsters in the team, though most of the players are under 30 years, and one of the major drawbacks is the general lack of knowledge of the finer points of the game and the lack of playing experience. The backs went fairly well and, with several players yet to make an appearance, may mould into a fairly good combination. A few more games will probably make all the difference. J. Calder, the New Zealand forward, returned to the game after many years in retirement and played full-back. He was surprisingly fit and gave a sound display. Even after his boots began to hurt his feet and he had to play in his socks he was still a force to be reckoned with, until one of the opposing team accidentally found the remedy, and Calder retired early in the game with an injured foot. Outstanding Youngster

C. Reedy, a youngster who played for AVest Coast juniors on the wing last year, was outstanding on Sunday. He is speedy and determined and has shown promise. The other wing, M. McGrath, also showed form L. Lisle, the former Kumara player, who is turning out for Kohinoor this year, played in the first five-eighths position. He gave a solid display. Kumara was not stdong in the forwards, though, with P. Henham hooking,it secured possession from the majority of the scrums. J. Calder, junior, was the outstanding Kumara forward and played an excellent game. Decision to Establish Headquarters The AVest Coast Rugby League will have its own headquarters and. registered offices from how on. At the meeting of the management committee held last evening, a sub-committee set up for the purpose reported that an option had been obtained on rooms in Mackay street next to the Star-Sun offices, and it was resolved that a lease of these be obtained. A contribution of £5/5/- was made by an anonymous donor towards the room’s fittings, and Messrs J. Oakley, J. Griffen, L. Coffey and the secretary, Mr. T. F. McKenzie, were appointed a sub-committee to make recommendations as to the room’s equipment. Mr. AV. Meates presided at the meeting and also present were Messrs E. Longley, E. Pattinson, J. Griffen, C. Stone, J. Kicld, B. Ramsay, J. Oakley, N Messenger, Rev. Bro. Clarent and the secretary. Reserve Grade The recommendation from the Runanga club that a senior reserve competition be played this year was fully discussed, but it was eventually decided to leave the grades as they were in the meantime.

Members expressed the opinion that a reserve grade was not necessary at present and could not be conducted without difficulty. Several members were of the opinion that the reserve grade was required because some players did not like being classed as juniors. The Rapahoe Club sought the approval of the Centre for the transfer of eight former Runanga junior players to its junior team.—Approved, subject to the consent of the Runanga Club. Mr. AV. A. Swift, the League’s delegate to the New Zealand League, advised that no official advice had been received from the English League regarding the proposed visit of its team. Mr. Carlaw, who was in the shipping business, was, however, watching the transport position from Australia and no effort would be spared to bring the team to New Zealand. The position was far from satisfactory but nothing further could be done at the moment.

“If Mr. Dean can get a team across by air there is no reason why we can’t,” said Mr. Stone. The secretary pointed out that New Zealand could not dictate to the English team, and the transport position was being watched. Caretaker Appointed.

Following a report by the grounds committee, it was decided to appoint Mr. C. McDonald caretaker of Wingham Park The report, which stated that the ground was in better condition than it had been for some years, recommended that a telephone be installed at the caretaker’s residence and that preparatory work be carried out at the Park. The recommendations were approved, and it was decided to request the Runanga, Marist and Kohinoor clubs to assist with the work at the ground. The chairman reported that considerable damage had been caused to the stand and other buildings on the Park, and though the caretaker had disturbed several hoodlums he had been unable to have them apprehended. AVith the installation of the telephone he could advise the police. The South Auckland Schoolboys’ Control Board advised that it desired to adhere to the weights and ages for schoolboys as set down at the conference last year. It was decided to advise the Board that the West Coast League had approved of the weights and ages recommended by the Auckland League. It was decided to hold a field day for schoolboy teams on Saturday, April 27, at Victoria Park. It was decided to erect a large score board at Wingham Park.