TOMMY CHASE TURNS OUT AGAIN FOR MANUKAU LEAGUE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 99, 28 April 1945, Page 17

TOMMY CHASE TURNS OUT AGAIN FOR MANUKAU LEAGUE

In the absence of Ralph Martin, as the Manukau full-back, Tommy Chase has stepped into the gap to reveal a remarkable retention of his high-class form of ten years ago. Chase first came into prominence as a Rugby Union player in the Wanganui district when, at 17. years of age, he was a member of the New Zealand Maori team which visited Australia in 1935. Chase then hailed from Taihape, the home town of the famous "Moke" Bellis.

Chase came to Auckland in 1937 and played for Manukau and in a short time he established a fine record as a full-back, five-eights, and a very reliable goal kicker. As a custodian, he was noted for soundness, rather than anything spectacular. In later years, Tommy has had more than his share of injuries. A broken leg a year ago wrote what was thought to be "finis" to his football days. He was a member of the New Zealand Rugby League team which visited England in 1939, when the war called an abrupt halt to what appeared a successful venture. Chase was missing from the playing fields last season but in .the two games already played he has kicked ten goals, and has bright prospects of taking the goal-kicking honours for the season.- . : .