SEDDON SHIELD RUGBY RECORDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27082, 17 May 1949, Page 8

SEDDON SHIELD RUGBY RECORDS

Buller, from whom Otago on July 30 will face its first challenge for the Ranfurly Shield this year, is the present holder of the Seddon Shield. This trophy was originally purchased by the combined Seddon Shield districts of Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, and Buller with a view to fostering Rugby in these districts and also to commemorate the name of Mr Richard Seddon. Golden Bay-Motueka came into the competition later. . Marlborough was the first winner, and since then the shield has rested mainly in Blenheim and Westport, with the other teams holding it for an odd year. Buller has held it for 19 seasons, Marlborough on 15 occasions, Nelson 4, West Coast 3, and Golden Bay-Motu-eka 2, with Buller at present in possession. Previously the challenge system was in vogqe, but the rules have now been changed, and the order for challenges has been drawn by ballot for the next four years.

A Well-merited Honour Advice was received last week from the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association that the president of the Otago Association, Mrs C. Sonntag, had been elected a life member of the parent bod}\ This is a fitting tribute to the services of a very keen and capable worker in the cause of hockey extending over a long period. Mrs Sonntag learnt hockey at school in Dunedin and was later instrumental in forming the Technical College Old Girls’ Hockey Club, which later became known by what is now a much more familiar title—King’s. She has retained a keen interest in this club and is now the only foundation member of the club still taking an active

part in its affairs. Mrs Sonntag later played in the North Island, where she was selected to represent both the Waikato and Auckland provincial teams. On her return to Dunedin, she played a prominent role in local hockey, representing Otago for a number of years and also served actively as umpire and as a member of the management committee. For the past 10 years, Mrs Sonntag has been president of the Otago Women's Hockey Association and coach of the Otago representative teams. In 1948 she was elected president of the New Zealand Association and in that capacity was largely responsible for the successful conduct of the “K ” Cup tournament held in Dunedin last year. All local players and officials will join in their congratulations to Mrs Sonntag on the honour which has been conferred upon her. Welcome Re-appearance

W. Meehan’s re-appearance for the Northern soccer team last Saturday was appreciated by his team-mates. He has been its centre-half and mainstay for a number of years, and in consequence of his steadying influence the Northern team gave an excellent allround display. Meehan adopted a new role on Saturday, that of an attacking centre-half, and his well-directed short ground placements were an improvement on his defensive long-range clearances in the air. Meehan represented Otago last year, and if available. should again be in, the running. English Team for Games '

The English team for the Empire Games at Auckland in 1950 will leave by the Mataroa on December 16, it was announced at a meeting of the Empire Games Organising Committee in Wellington last week. The Mataroa is expected to reach New Zealand on January 21, and would not Sail against before February 26, it was stated. Because/of this, the English authorities had indicated their willingness to allow their athletes to compete in centres other than Auckland after the Games ended on February 11. It was decided that the question of the Organising Committee receiving a percentage of the gates from these events be discussed with Messrs A. D. Bayfeild, H. I. Austad, and H. Amos, of the New Zealand Empire Games Association.

1000 Runs In May Although W. M. Wallace, New Zealand's best batsman so far in the tour of England, is unlikely to score 1000 runs in May—B2 of his 530 runs were made on the first day of the tour, on April 30—he has a chance of reaching his 1000 before the end of this month. His total of 530 runs includes his score of 171 against Leicestershire on Saturday. Only three batsmen— W. G. Grace, W. R. Hammond and C. Hallows —have scored 1000 runs in May, but three others—T. Hayward, D. G. Bradman, and W. J. Edrich—have reached four figures before the end of May. Bradman accomplished this feat twice. Before the end of May the New Zealanders play first class matches against Cambridge University, the? MCC, Oxford University, and Sussex. Improving Rugby Side

Port Chalmers- showed its best form this season when it drew with Taieri on Saturday at Tahuna Park. Changes in personnel had previously allowed little co-ordination, but on Saturday the Port men displayed the beginnings of an understanding. Possibly their most enterprising player was D. Grant, who at first five-eighth gave useful service. A tendency to cross-field running and inability to pass well at top speed were faults he would be wise to eliminate as soon as possible. Further out, Port Chalmers was not so well served but E. Holden (fullback) performed creditably. In the forwards, Port Chalmers missed J. Henderson, whose leadership has usually been an asset. Nevertheless, it conceded little to the fiery plainsmen. Hotop Pleases John Hotop, whose reputation as one of New Zealand’s five most promising players last season preceded him whep he moved from the Bush Union’s area to Southland this year, has not belied that reputation. Playing for Waikaia in the Northern Sub-union’s competition, Hotop, according to the Southland Times, has pleased the men who control Northern Sub-union Rugby. One

official said he had all that it took to become a champion inside back. Hotop will be the cynosure of all eyes when he makes his appearance for Northern in the Country Day matches at Invercargill on June 6. He is no stranger to Rugby Park; he played there in the Waitaki first fifteen against Southland Boys’ High School.