BRIGHTER RUGBY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 109, 9 May 1936, Page 4

BRIGHTER RUGBY

PROBLEM IN PRETORIA PLAYERS NOT FIT i A "DISTURBING” POSITION | liug'by in Pretoria is facing a seri- ! I uus financial position, and the Pretoria j j Rugby Football Sub-Union, in the re- ( port for last year, is making an appeal for bright**!’ and more attractive games. It draws attention tu the uninspired Rugby indicted on the fans last season, and adds that “this drab football was due in no small measure to the fact that the large majority of players were not fit. This may have been due to* the long and strenuous season. . . But will the position be remedied) this year? The sub-uniou is holding its annual meeting in Pretoria soon, I and one of (he items will be the con- I sidcration of the report of the dis j cussions which took place during the [ close season regarding the suggestions | the sub union made for the betterment j iof the game in the Transvaal. The I new plans included an inter-zone competition. I Teams are warned of the possibility! of being dropped from the senior com-j j petition because of drab play. Takings Fall The annual statement shows that re ceipts for ordinary league matches inclusive of season tickets decreased by over £3BO on the amount received dur- , ing the 1934 season. “This position is indeed disturbing and will recall to mind the warning given by the sub-union in its 1934 re-i port, wherein it told members that unless brighter and more attractive football was played public support would not bo retained/’ the report states. “The seriousness of the situation cannot be over-emphasised and a duty rest on all members to do everything in their power to induce their clubs to make every endeavour to play bright and attractive football. “No doubt other factors, such as competitive sports, more general public participation in games in order tu keep physically fit, diverse attractions and so forth contributed towards this unsatisfactory financial position, but the fact must remain that the public interest shown in any game of sport will primarily depend on the performance of players and the responsibility fur play of a high standard definitely tests with the clubs. “If a club docs not fulfil its functions and if its players are not physically jit, then one fears that no amount of administrative control. however drastic, or publicity, or direction can achieve much success. "Although the sub-uniou is in a sound financial position as far as cash reserves are concerned, the disquieting feature of the finances for the season was the fact that it would not have been possible to show a profit for the season had it not been for the visits of the Capetown Hamiltons team and the Western Province team. Fortunately. the returns on these games were satisfactory, yielding an amount I of £248 7s Id/’