KUSABS CUP MATCH SATURDAY NEXT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7471, 12 August 1920, Page 3

KUSABS CUP MATCH SATURDAY NEXT

Game to be Played at Te Puke

Seldom if ever has a Kusabs Cup contest occasioned such interest as the meeting on Saturday next at Te Puke between the Tauranga and Te Puke Rugby Unions' representatives. When these'teams met at Tanranga on June 12 last a splenaid game resulted, and victory went to Te j Puke by the narrow margin of ; one point, the score being thirteen points to twelve. It is worthy of mention that in' that match, G. Gardiner—admittedly one of the i greatest forwards in the Dominion —was responsible for the whole j Te Puke score. He secured two tries, converted each, and landed a penalty goal. On the same day D. Borrell, a notable Tau ranga three-quarter, distinguished himself by registering nine of the twelve points for Tauranga and also took a prominent part in securing the remaining try, which was scored by G. lies, who is also a brilliant player. THE TAURANGA FIFTEEN

The Tauranga fifteen for Saturday next has undergone considerable changes since the match of June 12, and if the day i.« fine and the ground dry should be capable of giving an attractive display. A. Hardy, full-back, is a sound defender and is likely to be well tested on Saturday.

- The three-quarter line — the lies Bros, and D. Borrell —is a rattling good one. The trio are fast, field cleanly, and are effective attackers and sound defenders.

J. Tau and J Don will be the five-eighths, and the pair ought to work well together. Tau is one of the sturdy stamp, and \ should be able to stand up to the hard play. Don has long since established his reputation as a tip-top five-eighths, and should again be a conspicuous figure on Saturday. J. Borrell, as. half-back, has earned his place by consistent work. He is Very nippy and has the knack of opening up the play at the opportune time. Witana Murray, the rover, is one of Matakana's leading warriors, and if in his best form should fill the position with credit. _ The forward set reads like a good hardworking combination. Weight is combined with spewed, and the vanguard may be relied on io show out well in the various departments. TE PUKE TEAM Like the Tauranga team the Te Puke fifteen has been considerably changed compared with the team that gave battle on June 12, the principal alterations being in the back division. The rearguard j which now includes Kokiri, P. Wihapi, A. Hicks, and Torrens, will be decidedly stronger and may be depended upon to do their part in making the game open and spectacular, as such a match should be.

The full-back, A.'Hicks, is a powerful kick, a clean fielder, and a sound man for the last line of defence.

P. Wihapi, Kokiri, and Wini Tapsell form a redoubtable threequarter line. All are fast and nippy, capable of striking effectively, and also well versed in all the points calculated to counter the opposition's designs. G. AsherandTorrens will work together as five-eighths. The former has a thorough knowledge of Rug'py and knows how to make the play open. Torrens has a reputation for clean work, and is well worthy of bis position. N. Boucher, the half - back, should be seen to advantage behind the pack. -He is quick in launching attacking manoeuvres and very reliable in defence. G. Gardiner, as rover, is the right man for the position. He is exceedingly dangerous as a scoring player, and his great strength and kicking ability are two good assets .to bis team.'? He will need more than casual.observation from his opponents.

The forwards are a clinking lot, md with one exception are the same as played at Tauranga in June. They have weight and pace to recommend them, and will without doubt have a big say in the settlement of the issue. Notes

Fine weather is essential for good football, and if the elements are favourable the spectators should be rewarded with an attractive display. It is expected that a large number of enthusiasts will make the journey from Tauranga, and this will only be in keeping with the generous support that the Te Puke sporting community, has accorded football at Tauranga thisseason. Friendly rivalry in the realm of sport makes for better sport, and also serves to bring the people of the two districts together in a pleas ant way. For the information of travellers it may be stated that the ferry steamer Ruru will leave the* Town Wharf at 12.30 o'clqci-c on Saturday, connecting with the train at the Mount at Ip.mThe train is to leave Te luice immediately after the match.