~ 1948 ~

We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Buller Rugby Union.
We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series since 1934 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

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1948

SEASON

Founded 1894 – (affiliated NZRU 1894)
President:
J.P.McEnaney Esq.
vice-presidents:
G.V.Goodall, R.L.Pratt & H.Taylor
Selectors:
G.V.Goodall, R.L.Pratt & S.C.Stewart
Main ground:
Victoria Square, Westport
Capacity:
5,000
Colours:
Cardinal and Blue

Results

Sat 05 Jun 2:30 pm H Representative Match Canterbury 11 - 08
Mon 07 Jun 2:30 pm H Representative Match Nelson 14 - 09
Sat 26 Jun 2:30 pm H Rundle Cup West Coast 12 - 15
Sat 17 Jul 2:30 pm A Rundle Cup West Coast 06 - 13
Sat 24 Jul 2:30 pm H Seddon Shield Marlborough 31 - 06
Sat 07 Aug 2:30 pm H Seddon Shield Golden Bay-Motueka 19 - 00
Sat 21 Aug 2:30 pm H Seddon Shield Nelson 22 - 00
Sat 18 Sep 2:30 pm H Seddon Shield West Coast 21 - 06

THE 1948 SEASON:
This was a splendid year for the Union, seven of the eight matches played being won. The wins included a clean sweep in the series for the Seddon Shield, Buller scoring ninety-three points against the four challengers, to twelve points, whilst each side scored three tries in the games lost.

The matches played were:

v Canterbury At Westport Won 11 to 8
v Nelson At Westport Won 14 to 9
v West Coast At Westport Lost 12 to 15
v West Coast At Greymouth Won 13 to 6
v Marlborough At Westport Won 31 to 6 {Seddon Shield}
v Golden Bay-Motueka At Westport Won 19 to 0 {Seddon Shield}
v Nelson At Westport Won 22 to 0 {Seddon Shield}
v West Coast At Westport Won 21 to 6 {Seddon Shield}

Many were the trials held throughout the country during this season in the Selectors’ search for players to form the side to go to South Africa in 1949. Twice the contemplated tour had to be postponed, in 1940 due to the intervention of the War, and again this season, when travel difficulties were encountered; the trials intended for 1947 were thus brought forward and occupied considerable attention. What might be termed a “provisional” trial was held at Nelson, where Nelson-Buller played Golden Bay-Motueka and Marlborough, Buller having George Anderson (Granity Rover), William Dickson (Ngakawau), R. P. Hawes (Westport White Star), A.C.C.Luff Ngakawau), C. A. McHerron (Westport Old Boys), W. J. Mumm jnr (Ngakawau), D. S. Neighbours (Waimangaroa United) and Harold Prosser (Waimangaroa United) there. West Coast and Canterbury also met in a similar trial at Christchurch. Following these two contests mentioned, players from the sides involved were then brought together for a trial at Westport, Buller having George Anderson, William Dickson, R. P. Hawes, A. C. C. Luff, W. J. Mumm jnr, Oliver Smallholme (Granity Rover) and J. G. Stuart (Westport White Star) included.

William Dickson, R. P. Hawes and W. J. Mumm,jnr then went on to play in the South Island trial at Christchurch.

The Annual Meeting elected three Life Members, Messrs George Aitken snr, H. A.P. Casey and W. A. G. Craddock being honoured. Each of these gentlemen had rendered great service to Buller Rugby.