RUGBY UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26769, 12 May 1948, Page 3

RUGBY UNION

Waitaki Sub-union Protest A letter was received at the weekly meeting of the Management Committee of the North Otago Rugby Union on Mondaynight from the Waitaki Sub-union supporting the protest of the Georgetown Club against the transfer recently granted by the union of B. Finlay from Marist (Wellington) to Excelsior, on the grounds that the sub-union regarded Finlay as a Georgetown resident, that several players had left town clubs to play for Georgetown, and the sub-union failed to recognise any difference in Finlay’s case, and that Finlay's Oamaru residential qualifications were open to question. ( Mr W. Berry moved that in view of the North Otago Union's previous decision, the whole matter be referred to the New Zealand -Rugby Union for a final decision. Mr H. Cross seconded the motion. Mr F. E. Arscott moved as an amendment that the union adhere to its previous decision. Mr R. Allan in seconding the, amendment said that as a body the union was called on to make decisions which might not suit everyone, and if the union did not adhere to its previous decision it was showing weakness. Mr Berry: It goes deeper than that. The relationships between the union and subunion are going to be antagonised if we allow the decision to stand, but if it is sent on to the New Zealand Union for decision the onus will be removed from the North Otago Union. Mr Loder said he agreed with Mr Berry. He thought that full details of the transfer should be forwarded to higher quarters. On 'being put to the vote the amendment was lost and the motion was carried. . Finlay was granted permission to play for Excelsior until such time as the New Zealand Union’s decision was received. It was decided at the weekly meeting of the North Otago Rugby Union on Monday night to run the seven-a-side tournament on the King’s Birthday in seven competition grades as at present conducted by the union. It was decided that two sections—one an open grade for country schools, and the other open to all town and country primary schools up to six stone—be run in conjunction with the tournament, and to invite entries from business firms in Oamaru for an interfirm competition. Mr D. S. Loder was in the chair, and there were also present—Messrs E. Strachan, J. Macmillan, H. Cross, J. Benson, R. L, Brown, W. Budd, A. T. Francis, F. E. Arscott, W. Berry, R. Allan, A Low and J. Firman.

The Junior Advisory Committee of the Otago Rugby Union wrote asking for a lower grade representative match at a later date.—lt was decided to accept the invitation. It was reported that the Waitaki Boys’ High School was agreeable to provide day boys’ teams during the school holidays to play in the various competitions. Maheno's request for its junior team to be regarded to Third Grade was agreed to. Draw for Saturday \ Seniors.—Excelsior, v. Maheno, Oval. 2.45 p.m.; Athletic v. Old Boys, No. 2 ground, 2.45 p.m. Juniors.—Athletic v. Old Boys, Oval. 1.45 p.m.; Excelsior beat Waitaki by default. Friendly game: Excelsior v. Enfield, No. 3 ground, 1.15 p.m. Third Grade.—Old Boys v. Maheno, No. 3 ground, 2.45 p.m.; Excelsior v. Athletic, No. 2 ground, 1.15 p.rp.; Waitaki -B v. Waitaki A, to be played later. Fourth, Grade. —Non-competition: Athletic A v. Enfield, No. 4 ground. 2.45 p.m.; Athletic B v. Waitaki, No. 4 ground, 1.15 p.m.