Rugby Football

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 63, 16 March 1938, Page 13

Rugby Football

MANAWATU UNION’S REPORT “Although it is rather early for a forecast of the coming season, players, officials and the public may look forward to an excellent season. With the experience gained on the northern tour our players should show a marked improvement, and therefore the football in general can be looked forward to with confidence,” states the annual report of the Manawatu Rugby Union. “Forty-three teams, representing thirteen affiliated clubs, took part during the season in the various competitions conducted by the union, representing a minimum total of 645 players under its control. “Football seen during the past season was again of the highest standard, and in all grades the competitions proved most successful. During the season a new scheme was successfully inaugurated in the senior competitions. This was the playing of two one-round competitions, with a cup for each round, the winners of each round to play oli for the championship. Kia Toa won both rounds. This, as was sought, held the interest of both players and patrons right to the end of the competition. Once again we appeal to the clubs to pay particular attention to their lower grades, where the footballers of tomorrow are nurtured. We hope to see, in the coming season, the number of teams in these grades greatly increased. ‘‘Thirteen A grade senior and three B grade senior representative matches were played this season, besides two junior and three third grade representative matches. The senior representatives, made a northern tour, drawing one and losing two of the three matches played. However, the experience gained by the players should provo of the greatest value this season. The displays by the A grade team were very pleasing. They won seven, lost five and drew one of the thirteen matches played. Though defeated 39 —3 by the South African touring team, they gave an excellent display, and proved to be one of the hardest forward packs the Springboks met in their provincial matches. “The Abraham Cup for the club championship was won by Kia Toa, with Old Boys as runners-up. The Jubilee Cup was defended successfully for the most number of matches by the St. Patrick’s senior team, who will have their name engraved on it for the 1937 season. Kia Toa held the cup at the end of the season. The Efficiency Cup for competition in the junior grade was annexed by Feilding Old Boys. Since the introduction of this cup in the 1936 season the standard in the junior grade has shown a marked improvement. Old Boys won the Rowland Cup for the junior championship match between Manawatu and Ilorowhenua. ’ ’ Outlining the representative engage-

inents in view for the coming season, the report states that visits are due to Wanganui, Wellington, Wairarapa, Southland, Otago, North Otago, South Canterbury, King Country, Dannevirke, Bush and Horowlicnua, while Mauawatu is due to receive visits from Wanganui, Horowheuua, Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Auckland and Taranaki. For the coming season it is intended to provide a grandstand at Rugby Park (adjoining the Esplanade drive), lhc area is to be made into an attractive playing ground, and used more extensively for big football matches. The union has six grounds at its disposal at Rugby Park, three at the Showgrounds, three at Feilding and one each a’. Bunnythorpe and Woodvillc. During the past year a profit of £242 15s 6d was made by the Union, which records that its finances are in a sound position. The profit includes the union’s share of the revenue from the South African match played in Palmerston North. Bank credits amounting to £6lB 5s 5d are shown in the general account, and there is a special credit of £248 3s 7d for the erection of a grandstand on the Park road area. The loan account shows a credit of £371 9s lid. “We desire to express our thanks to the Referees’ Association for the excellent services they have rendered, and we trust that the harmonious relations between the two bodies will continue, We congratulate R. M. McKenzie on representing New Zealand in the three Test matches, this being the fourth season in succession that he has wen the coveted All Black jersey and fernleaf.” The report concludes with thanks to the medical profession, St. John Ambulance Association, club secretaries, captains, coaches, Messrs J. A. Colquhoun, W. Gleeson, J. Ryan, E. Clevely, W. Simmons, W. Mitchell and others for their unremitting and valued services during the season.