RUGBY FOOTBALL West Coast Union Had Highly Successful Season

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 March 1948, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL West Coast Union Had Highly Successful Season

“The season of 1947 can be considered one of the most outstanding in the union’s history. With an earlier start than in any previous season, which gave extra playing days to complete the various competitions, and the friendly spirit and co-operation of the sub-unions, clubs, and Referees’ Association made the season most successful.” In the foregoing paragraph, the president of the-West Coast Rugby Union, Mr F. W. Baillie, sums up the 1947 season in the course of his report, which will be presented to the 'annual meeting of the union tomorrow evening. “The total gate receipts for representative and club fixtures amounted to £1177 Os 3d, which shows an increase over the previous season in representative matches of £436 3s 7d and club fixtures £32 6s 9d,” states the report. “This is very satisfactory and clearly demonstrates the increasing support given by the public and the popularity of the Rugby game. On the expenditure side the expenses of transport, accommodation, etc., ol the various representative teams was £555 2s 10d, which is £226 6s lOd greater than the previous season, but this was due to a larger number of representative teams travelling. Members will agree that this expenditure is warranted and worth while. The amount expended on the upkeep of the ground for wages, top dressing, etc., was £237 10s sd, and the playing area has greatly benefited by this expense. “Members will be pleased to learn that a permit to build the grandstand has at last been granted, and work on it has already commenced. This essential amenity to our ground has been the subject of discussion by the union for many years and it is gratifying to know that our long endeavours have now corne to a successful conclusion. It is hoped to have the stand completed in time for the first representative game in June.” . After reviewing the season in detail, Mr Baillie comments as follows:- —The trial match between combined Buller-West Coast and the other Seddon Shield districts war. played last season at Greymouth and was not a good exhibition of football. It is doubtful whether the game, which usually shows a loss, is worth while, as it does not appear to achieve the object for which it was intended. _