Rugby Tournament In Nelson

About 250 players and officials of Catho-ilie Rugby football clubs from all parts of the South Island descended upon Nelson over Easter for the 19th annual tournament. Fine weather and fast grounds provided players 4 with first-class conditions and teams react-ed to them by playing some sparkling Rugby. The tournament was eventually won by Greymouth Marist who beat Invercargill Marist in a rousing final. Nelson Celtic could quite easily have contested the final with Invercargill, losing to Greymouth only I after the playing of three periods of extra time. This was the only match Nelson lost.

The victorious Greymouth Marist side

Greymouth captain and South Island representative Neil McAra receives the tournament shield from Nelson Cel-i tic president, Mr Don McLean.

Vince Nally, Invercargill captain, accepts the runners-up trophy.

Invercargill began the final game with a rousing haka

Nelson forward Bill Bell in full flight as team-mate Cliff Wratt attempts to gather the ball, an incident in the game against Greymouth.

The Nelson team. Back: F. Lawry (manager), W. Tither, R. Jones, D. Exton, P. Egan, P. Bennett, R,McKay, B. Eathorne, A. McLeod, R. Barnett, W. Bell, P. Cleary, D. Taylor, R. Connolly (coach). Front: B. Kennedy, M. Mason, K. Valentine, E. Helem, G. Young, B. Fitzpatrick, W. Williscroft, C. Wratt, B. Thornallev.W. Moses.

P. Nolan, Greymouth wing, has his eye on the corner flag

A view at the tournament banquet in the Celtic gymnasium

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The Nelson Photo News

No 55 : May 29, 1965

Rugby Tournament In Nelson