Pubdate: Fri, 31 Oct 2003
Source: Marlborough Express (New Zealand)
Copyright: Independent Newspapers Limited 2003
Contact:  http://www.marlboroughexpress.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1139
Author: Tony Skinner, And Nzpa

CANNABIS CAKE: POOL ASSOCIATION APOLOGISES

The Marlborough Pool Association has written to its sister organisation in 
Dunedin apologising following a cannabis cake scandal at a tournament in 
Dunedin at the weekend.

A 36-year-old Blenheim woman has been arrested after four members of the 
Marlborough team were treated at Dunedin Hospital after eating a cake 
allegedly containing cannabis.

Marlborough Pool Association secretary Lyn Bowman-Rutledge said a letter of 
apology was being sent to Dunedin this morning regarding the incident.

The player involved had resigned from the team, Mrs Bowman-Rutledge said.

"We have apologised for what happened and hope we can get our credibility 
back," she said.

As the case was before the courts she said she was unable to comment further.

Police allege the cake was passed around in a hotel near the Metropolitan 
Club where the tournament was held, and eaten by eight or 10 unsuspecting 
team members.

The Dunedin Pool Association had earlier demanded that its sister 
organisation in Marlborough take action over the cannabis scandal, which it 
said blighted an otherwise successful tournament.

Association president Elly Finnerty said the incident was particularly 
disappointing as it overshadowed the first win for Otago in the South 
Island 8-ball tournament since 1991.

"All that people have heard is that the Marlborough team that came to play 
had cake trouble. We have been trying for years to improve the image of pool.

"Sponsors will be really hard to attract after reading about that," Ms 
Finnerty said.

"We do view it extremely seriously. With any sport, publicity like that 
doesn't help."

Many juniors were involved in the sport, receiving coaching, and their 
parents might now be thinking twice, she said.

A self-employed cleaner is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on 
November 21 charged with supplying cannabis.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom