LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 23 March 1935, Page 6

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

CENTRE’S ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the President (Mr. A. 11. McKane) of the West Coast Rugby League Centre, to be presented at the annual meeting of delegates on Tuesday evening, is as follows:— Gentlemen, —1 have pleasure in presenting the annual report of the West Coast Rugby League for the 1934 season, which, generally has proved most successful, and it is satisfactory to note that the season closed with a credit balance.

Competitions.—ln the senior grade four clubs were represented, namely, Marist. Pirates, Blackball, and Runanga, and the games for the various trophies were characterised by some keen, open play, which delighted the uniformly large attendances, and reflected credit to the players. On play the League game is strong on the Coast and it is especially encouraging to note that players recently promoted to the senior grade showed such promise as to denote that they will go far in the code. The winners of the Championship. Marist, were outstanding in the matter of young players, their win being due in no small degree to the inclusion of several of their 1933 juniors. By their performance in the Championship and their winning of the Bradshaw Cup, Blackball showed that they are reaching the form that a few seasons ago stamped as an outstanding team. The reward of perseverance was gained by Pirates taking the Knock-Out Cap and the Thacker Shield. Composed as it is of young players, this side deserve every credit. For the first time in several seasons Runanga. failed to win any of the competitions. The handicap of having no home ground was undoubtedly a contributory factor to their failure, and it is to be hoped that this season will

see this obstacle removed. Ngahere, Marist A and B, Pirates, Runanga and Brunner took part in the junior competition, which was won by Ngahere, a team that has shown form that ranks them with the senior grade. Inangahua Initiative.—The progress of the Rugby League code in the Inangahua district is a source of great satisfaction to our supporters, and the enthusiasts of that district must be congratulated on Ihe manner in which they have revived the game. Representative Games.—The outstanding representative match of the season was staged at Victoria Park, ■when, after a brilliant exposition, Canterbury wrested the Northern Union Cup from the West Coast. Later in the season Coast journeyed to Christchurch with the Anisy Shield, and were again defeated. Naturally the loss of both trophies was disappointing to us, but is good to see that Canterbury can field such a strong side. Three mutches were played with Inangahua, who demonstrated their merit by winning two of the three games. The bugbear of had weather marred two of these matches, with the resulting effect of depreciated attendances. Our junior representatives ■were successful in defeating Inangahua twice. Mr. Sneddon’s Visit. —In the early part of this year we had a visit from the Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League, Mr. C. Sneddon. Mr. Sneddon met members of the Executive and gave an informative talk on the workings of the League, and also answered questions. The visit was of great value to us and was responsible for the clearing of many issues that were in doubt. Broadcasting.—Our thanks are due ito Mr. P. Blanchfield for his weekly 'radio broadcast on matters appertaining to Rugby League. These talks I were greatly assisting to the furtherance of the Code. , Inter-Island Match.—Six Coasters were included in the South Island team against the North Island, namely, T. McKenzie, F. Scott and W. Morris (Inangahua), T. O’Connor, W. Glynn, G. Scott (Coast), all of whom gave good accounts of themselves.

Referees’ Association. —This Association was revived and was responsible for excellent work, and it is to be hoped that the interest of the members will be sustained during the. forthcoming season. Junior Advisory Board.—As in previous seasons the Junior Advisory Board rendered valuable service to the League, and the manner in which the members of the Board administered the running of the lower grades was exemplary. Wingham Park.—The Park is in excellent order as the result of the drainage improvements. The sheep again proved a valuable asset. Thanks.—Our thanks are due to the Press and to those officials who worked for the advancement of the Code. MARIST CLUB’S REPORT. The annual report of the President of the Marist Old Boys Rugby League Club (Mr. C. Hall) to be presented at I the annual meeting' to-morrow morning is as follows:— It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I present the annual report for the season ended 1934. The Marist League Club, taken from every viewpoint, has had its most successful season in its long career. On the field of play the Club gained many honours. Two of our members, Messrs. T. O ’Connor and G. Scott, represented tho South Island at Auckland and acquitted themselves very well. Eight members gained representative honours, namely, A. Beban, T. O’Connor, J. Roberts, E. O’Brien, J. Kennedy, A. Anderson, G. Scott, and J. Beban.

Finance.—As you will see by the Treasurer’s report the Club to-day is in a healthier financial position than for many years past. Donors.—Our thanks are due to all those worthy supporters who helped us throughout' the year and particularly to Rev. Father Long, Mr. B. Smith, Mr. F. Chunn, and Mrs. Bradshaw’. The ladies who on every occasion rallied to our call and did Trojan service are deserving of special thanks and they undoubtedly helped the Club in no small measure. The Social Side.—The Club have been steadily improving the social activities every year and last season proved the most successful in its history. The- annual ball as usual was voted the most successful ball of the dancing season and this year no effort is being spared to make an even greater success. The Club also ran several dances and euchre parties which proved very successful. The fourth grade team were treated to an evening at the pictures in appreciation of their sterling performances for the season. The annual banquet will go down in memory as the greatest social evening we have had. Spiritual Side.—For the first time, the Marist League Club held its General Communion and Breakfast. The functions were so well attended that we intend to hold them annually. The officers and members worked very well

together and it is due to general harmony existing in the club that such a successful year was experienced. The presence of many young committeemen all filled with enthusiasm and energy augurs well for the club in years to come. I can honestly congratulate the members on their keenness often in the face of odds, on their improvement in team work, and punctuality, and perhaps the most important of all, on their good behaviour both on and off the field of play. In conclusion the Club publicly thanks its many supporters, donors, and also the Press, for the valuable and fair publicity it has given to our Club. x