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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Results

Sat 27 Jun	2:30 pm	A	Rundle Cup	West Coast	06 - 16	Match Center
Sat 11 Jul	2:30 pm	H	Rundle Cup	West Coast	03 - 03	Match Center
Sat 25 Jul	2:30 pm	H	Seddon Shield	Marlborough	05 - 08	Match Center
Sat 15 Aug	2:30 pm	A	Representative Match	Nelson	12 - 09	Match Center

MATCH RECORD
Played, 4; Won, 1; Drew, 1; Lost, 2. For, 33; Against, 26

THE 1936 SEASON:
After the success of the previous year it was rather disappointing for Buller to lose the Seddon Shield in the first challenge of this, a quiet season.

Only the neighbouring Unions were met, the four contests taking place resulting thus:

v. West Coast At Greymouth Won 16 to 3
v. West Coast At Westport Drew 3 to 3
v. Marlborough At Westport Lost 5 to 8 {Seddon Shield}
v. Nelson At Nelson Lost 9 to 12

Further recognition was given G.A.Orman (Millerton Rangers), he once again being selected for South Island.

Excerpt from the Rugby Almanac 1937 edition –

Buller had a quiet season of four matches in comparison with their Southern tour and eleven games of 1935.

Disappointment was occasioned by the loss of the Seddon Shield to Marlborough in the first challenge. Later, however, the side showed more of their true form and it was a pity that their matches were not played later in the season, especially as the back division had developed very fine combination.

Several of the former representatives did not appear in 1936, these being A.Graham, W.Neighbours, H.Power, P.Ahearn, E.C.Holder (to English League) and D.Fairley (injuries), backs, and C Robertson, O.Todd, E.Moreton, E.Harding and S.Lowther forwards. Of the other old reps., A.Dunn, full-back and centre, J.Hill, wing, A.Strachan, wing and five-eighth, S. Stewart, five-eighth, and J.Easton, J.Brown, J.Buttress, J.Stewart and G.A.Orman, forwards, still played prominent parts. M.Hill and A.Reid, halves, and J. Johnson, forward, played only once. Newcomers in A. Dickey, wing, W.Handscombe, centre, G.Mason and K.Corrie, forwards, were able to hold. their places in the side. The final match of the season found several not available and opportunity was given to others. S.Stewart was outstanding both in his play and leadership. He was captain of the team. J. Hill, Handscombe and Strachan were always prominent. The best forwards were Orman, Mason and Brown.

The following table shows how the players appeared in the four matches, the Key being:
1 v. West Coast     2 v. West Coast     3 v. Marlborough    4 v. Nelson

MATCH RECORD
Played, 4; Won, 1; Drew, 1; Lost, 2. For, 33; Against, 26

June 27, v. West Coast, at Greymouth
Won 16 to 3
W.Hanscombe, J.Hill and S.Stewart, tries
S. Stewart, 2 conversions and penalty goal.

July 11, v. West Coast, at Victoria Square, Westport
Drew 3 to 3
S.Stewart, penalty goal
Referee: Mr.A.W.Alloo (Buller)

July 25, v. Marlborough (Seddon Shield), at Victoria. Square,Westport
Lost 5 to 8
J.Brown, try; S.Stewart, conversion.
Referee: Mr.H.W.Blazey (Canterbury)

August 15, v. Nelson, at Nelson
Lost 9 to 12
S.Stewart, A.Dickey and J. Hill, tries.