RUATORIA RUGBY TEAMS PREPARE FOR SEASON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 10

RUATORIA RUGBY TEAMS PREPARE FOR SEASON

(Herald Correspondent.)

Practice Rugby by Ruatoria teams at the week-end showed a good standard for season-opening play. In a junior match, which was much more even than the score suggested, Hikurangi defeated United, 9-nil. Among the newcomers, Bob McCulloch, who played last season with the Gisborne High School second fifteen, showed dash and initiative.

The senior match was not as fast as the junior, but gave indications that both United and Wanderers will field better teams this year than last. Wanderers had replaced a third of their team, C. Tucker, K. Te Rauna, S. I-laenga, and J. Morrell previously playing for other clubs. A newcomer to the forward ranks who will be watched with interest is E. Harrison. United also fielded new blood; L. Martin and J. Pipmen in the backs, and P. McDonald, hooker, all of whom will be difficult to dislodge. The final score, United 31, Wanderers ,3 was not a true indication of an enjoyable game.

The referee for both matches was Mr. M. Tawhiri. Knock-out Competitions

The knock-out competitions commence on Saturday. The draw is: Senior (Percy Burton Cup).—At 2.45, United v. Wanderers, No. 1 ground; City v. Hikurangi, No. 2 ground. Junior (Ben McClutchie Cup).-—At 1.15. City v. Hikurangi, No. 1 ground; United, a bye. At a recent meeting of City Junior and High School supporters, it was decided to amalgamate the two teams under the name City. Referees Request Oral Test

At the annual general meeting of the Ruatoria Rugby Referees’ SubAssociation on Monday the following officers were elected: Chairman. Mr. P. Whaipooti; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. C. Reedy; president, Mr. S. Ngarimu; delegates to East Coast Rugby Referees' Association. Messrs. S. Goldsmith and P. Whaipooti. Other members of the organisation are Messrs. T. Wi Repa, W. Goldsmith, M. Tawhiri, C. Tucker. L. Goldsmith, T. Seymour and D. Oneroa. Tme meeting recommended to the East Coast association that the referees’ examination bo held orally and as early as possible this season.