I’m referring to duck-shooting and the question as to whether it should override organised sport.
The duck-shooting season lasts for two months — May and June — but its local impact is much wider. Specifically, I’m referring to its intrusion on local sport.
Last week, two of the three Citizens Shield games were played at night, not the usual Saturday afternoon.
The results are already known, but this came on top of Anzac Day, when further reorganisation or disorganisation took place. The two occasions are well known in advance, yet in many rugby and other sporting spheres, the situation has become a schemozzle.
Obviously, the decision locally should be made by the union but the decision makers appear to spare little thought for other groups such as the loyal spectators, many of whom find rugby cold in the evening and are asked to watch in conditions far from perfect, both for players and spectators.
Lighting is variable from ground to ground — from good to not so good.
In fact, it has to be asked whether the rugby union is providing a safe workplace.
Rugby is promoted as a family sport.
For some, Saturday afternoons are when town and country people head to the local rugby ground to see the game of the day. It becomes a family occasion and a meeting place of supporters and opposition.
I wonder whether the local rugby decision makers are considering looking ahead for next season. After all, the times of Easter and duck-shooting are known well in advance.
Should not better use be made of Anzac Day afternoon? An earlier assessment of the season could give the administrators some feeling and time for planning before those who just look after No1 have their way.
After all, presuming duck-shooters are not in a majority among rugby players, then it may be possible for some balance to be found so players can enjoy their rugby and their shooting.
Round seven of the Citizens Shield will be played tomorrow.
The competition looked like a roll-on for Old Boys but Athletic Marist’s effort against the unbeaten leader showed that the team may well be close to showing some of its potential.
The game itself was a great running game, Old Boys getting home five tries to three. Athletic raced out to a 14-5 lead on the back of some accurate goal-kicking by first five-eighth Antini Brown.
For Old Boys, the return of goal-kicking halfback Inoke Naufahu from injury has given the side added impact.
Up the Valley, Tyler Burgess kicked four penalties and converted Sam Forsyth’s try to beat last season’s champion Maheno at Kurow, thanks to some strong defence.
Valley held on to beat Excelsior 27-24 and again it was a goal-kicker who dominated.
Dan Lewis, a better than average first five-eighth, scored 22 points for Valley, even though it was outscored by Excelsior by four tries to two.
- Terry O'Neill