GOOD SEASON

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32703, 17 April 1946, Page 7

GOOD SEASON

RUGBY ON THE PLAINS REPORT BY PRESIDENT HEAVY COST OF TRANSPORT The last season must be classed as one of the best in Plains football, stated the president of the Hauraki Plains Rugby Union, Mr H. T. P. Evans, in his report to the annual meeting of the union. He congratulated the union on the season they had enjoyed. ‘‘Now that the majority of our servicemen have returned from overseas, owing to the finish of the second world war, sport, particularly rugby.. should l leap l ahead,” he said. “To those relations of players who have unfortunately paid the supreme sacrifice during the hostilities I extend on behalf of the union our deepest sympathy, and to the returned men we trust this season will once again see you all on the playing fields. The Financial Position As would be seen by the balancesheet, continued Mr Evans, the union’s finances, were not in the same position as last season, although it must be considered as not financially embarrassed. Assets showed very favourably. The biggest liability was again transport, being about £57, and jerseys, etc., costing £7B, must be considered as good as cash. As far as representative fixtures were concerned,, the union had! had perhaps its best season for many years. The outstanding team was the junior one, as for the first time in history Plains held both the junior challenge cups, namely, the Sharebrokers’ and Johnston Cups. The Sharebrokers’ Cup had only on one other occasion been"won by the union, in 1927, and the Johnston. Cup had never been won

by it before. Challenges from Waihi. Paeroa and Thames for these trophies had been successfully staved off. Tn the Poland Cup, Plains was defeated by Te Aroha narrowly on its home ground. The senior representatives played Thames, Waihi, Te Aroha, Waiuku, Takapuna and Grammar Old Boys for two wins, three draws and three losses. Six of the representatives were selected for Thames Valley in its match against Waikato. The third grade representatives challenged for the Mic Lean Cup, held by Te Aroha, but were unsuccessful. The Ngatea High School, after holding the Coulter Cup for the last season, was beaten by Matamata in the final game of the season. Affiliated Clubs

The following clubs were affiliated: Ngatea (three grades), Waitakarurn (two), Turua (three)’, Kerepeehi (two), Patetonga (one), Miranda (two) and Maramarua (one). The winners of the various cups were: —'Seniors: Dent and Hauraki Cups, Ngatea. Juniors: Patetonga Shield, Waitakarurn; Westphalia Cup, Patetonga. Third, grade: White Cup, N'gatea; Mbrgan Shield, Kerepeehi; seven-a-side Dovell Cup, Ngatea. The congratulations of the union were extended to the various on their successes. The Referees’,Association was now firmly established and thanks were offered 1 for the services so freely given on all occasions. The president also extended thanks to the selectors, coaches and other officials who assisted during the season, to the management committee, which so ably assisted him at all times, to club officials, with the hope that their help would again be available in the interests of the code, and 1 to the Press, and. conveyed best wishes to incoming officials for a prosperous season.