RUGBY REVIEW

Opunake Times, 15 March 1949, Page 2

RUGBY REVIEW

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

NEW SEASON’S PEOSPECTS

Mr. K. J. Wallis, president of the Opimake Rugby Football Chib, presented the following leport at last Wednesday’s annual meeting:— Finance: The Club’s finances show a sound position as will he disclosed by the Balance Sheet. The senior team, although meeting with little success, nevertheless played some good games against leading teams, and with a little luck might possibly have finished fhe season much closer to the top of the championship ladder. Opimake juniors had a good season’s football and finished the season runners up to Pihania, and one point behind them. Oaonui club was always a hard nut to crack, and had the distinction of beating tbe champion team, Pihania.

Our congratulations are due to the Pihaina club, and the Opunake District High School fifteen, who carried off the Coastal Junior and Third grade championships respectively. Both of these teams were narrowly defeated in the, Provincial finals.

The thanks of the Chib are extended to the coaches and selectors of the various grades, who devoted much of their time to the advancement of Rugby Football in our district. The annual match with our Taumarunui friends took place at Taumarunui on April 10th., and resulted in Opuuake retammg the Pennington Cup. We also enjoyed a visit from Taumarunui Juniors on 4th September, when Opuuake were successful in retaining the Carr Cup after a good game-

Representative honours were rained bv the following players; S. Hohaia and E. Spence (NorthSouth Trials); S. Hohaia, IT. and T. "Waiwiri and C. Smith (Taranaki Maori Eeps.) I regret to record that W. Humphries, a member of last year’s senior team has been in New Plymouth Hospital _ since last July, following an injury received on the- field. Latest advice indicates that he is progressing favourably, and we trust that his health will soon he restored.

In conclusion we desire to thank all those who have assisted the Club, either financially or otherwise, during the past season.

Particularly we would remember the services rendered '.o rugby by the Beferees, and also the St. -Tohn Ambulance Division, whose members cheerfully give so much of their time in attendance at our games to lock after any who may sustain injury. Special mention too, should be made of the Press, for the publicity given to our activities. Prospects for the new season appear bright, and we confidently anticipate that the Club will take a prominent part in Taranaki Bugby during 1949.