FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 11153, 30 June 1933, Page 2

FOOTBALL

PARATA CUP AND SHALFOON SHIELD. The match for the Parata Cup between the Tauranga and Te Puke representatives, to be played on the local domain to-morrow afternoon, is expected to provide a keen contest. The Te Puke side is a strong one, while several alterations in the home team should strengthen it considerably. Mr L. Anderson, of Rangitpiki, will be referee. The game is scheduled to start at 2,30 p.m. Prior to the senior game a match for the Shalfoon Shield will be played between the Tauranga and Te Puke juniors and is timed to start at 1.15. Both Unions will field good teams. Mr R. R. Packman will control the match. BAY OF PLENTY’ UNION. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union was held on Tuesday last. There were present Messrs J. A. Guinness (in the chair), A. J. Jamieson and the Secretary (Mr M. Siminonds). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and inward correspondence received and outward approved. - The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union wrote offering no objections to this Union billeting its team amongst the different hotels in Tauranga, especially as it will mean a reduction in expenses. Letters have been received from the Tauranga and Galatea Subunions, expressing approval of the allotment of matches- for the season. A letter was received from the Whakatane Rugby Union, disagreeing with the allotment of matches and requesting a meeting of the Union to discuss the matter. As the Whakatane Union was the only Union requesting the meeting, the Secretary of this Union had replied stating that as Whakatane Union was the onlv one desiring this meeting, this Union did not deem It necessary to put each Sub-union to the considerable expense of attending a meeting. It was pointed out, however, that the President and Secretary would be in Opotiki on the Ist July when the matter might be discussed with the Whakatane Union. It was decided to forward free tickets to all newspapers in the Bay. Mr L. Anderson of Matata was appointed referee for the Parata Cup match at Tauranga on July Ist. School Footballs. The Secretary was instructed to write to the New Zealand Union to expedite the School Football Grant. Manihcra YVaititi Shield. The Secretary of the Apanui Rugby Union wrote offering a Shield for competition between Apanui, Opotiki and Whakata.ue Unions and Subunions in the East Coast Union as far down as Tlkitiki and requesting conditions for competition. It was resolved to ask these Sub-Unions for their opinions on the matter. It was also asked whether it would be necessary to play any matches lor same free of the control of both Unions. The only control absolutely essential to the matches would be the permission of the Unions to play these matches. Waikato Match. All Unions are requested to help in the transport of players within their areas for this game, (as the Executive desires to trim its assembly expenses to ait absolute minimum. TE HURINUI APANUI SHIELD. The following players have been chosen to represent Opotiki in the first match of the season for the Te Hurinui-Apanui Memorial Shield, between Apanui (challengers) and Opotiki (holders) on Saturday next: —Backs: G. Fox, Hunia, T. Black, Klngi, Temple, L. Kelly, Jones; forwards; Brown, Newth, Wolfenden, A. Kelly, C. Edwards, Craig, Grace, Maunceli. Emergencies.' Paul, Hawkins, Shadow. NOTES BY “YOUNG BOY.” A REPLY TO “OLD BOY.” Consequent on “Old Boy’s” notes of yesterday’s issue I would like to bring before your notice, and also that of the Tauranga Rugby public; several contradictory and, in my opinion, unfair, ill-timed and illogical conclusions and criticisms contained in that report. My endeavour is not to belittle ‘Old Boy,” but to point out the necessity for a coldblooded, methodical study, both technically and psychologically, of the game and players under review before criticism and comment is brought before the public eye per medium of your esteemed and valuable publication. Let us consider the report from its commencement. It reads “They (Matamata) began taking risks and were successful. ...” The only risk noticeable was the tendency, in the second half, of Solomon to “lobpass,” a method very useful when the opponents suffer from inferiority complex, and incorrect, or perhaps, incomplete, coaching.

Further, “No member of the mata side could he described as tricky....” Perhaps “Old Boy’s” conception of trickiness is something beyond my reasoning powers, but, to my mind, Solomon was trickiness personified, and Carlson’s “dummy” of four opponents was a gem of subtle trickery and worthy at least of the haul of half-a-dozen “suckers.” Moreover, the contributor states; "Matamata should have little difficulty in lifting the Peace Cup” a rash and unconsidered statement; when not backed by knowledge of performance. For “Old Boy’s edification it is reported that they were defeated in the Findlay Cup to the tune of 14-3 or thereabouts. Now for contradiction. He lauds Bidois for his tackling of Horsley (and rightly so) ’but we have the following astounding contrast of logic: “Horsley ran too far with the ball, and got away with it!” Even so, how does it follow that he creates difficulties for his second five-eighths by such tactics? On the other hand, by so doing, he has broken through the opposing back, line and created an opening for his confreres and consequently placed the other side in the ignominious position of “Chase Me Charley.” He classes Carroll as superior to hie vis-a-vis, constituting the greatest weakness of the Tauranga side. The latter part of this amazing statement deserves no comment, but may be disregarded after perusal of former comments by "Old Boy” on the vis-a-vis in question. Continuing—“ The forwards overshadowed our pack in the loose and line-outs but not in the set scrums.” In the loose, yes, but in the lineouts only by persistent and open offside play made possible by the referee’s unfortunate habit of crouching in front of the line-out. If Tauranga held the advantage in the set scrums, why did not the backs see more of the ball? Because it came out of the other side more often, and didn’t get held up in a badly-packed, seven-man forward line. So much ' for the so-called superiority of the Taurauga set scrum.

Now we come to the question of “unfitness.” C. Cameron is-singled out and “spanked” by “Old Boy." Why not Rhodes, Fogerly, Partin* son, Renata, and perhaps Leslie if a “Little Mary” constitutes unfitness? It only needed B. Stewart, with his injured .hand, to complete a In" ward for the local hospital. The fault lies, not with the players, but with the selectors. No unfit player can do justice to himself, his team, or his Union. Apparently the selec* tion committee think differently fro® our valued critic concerning Leslie's and Fogerty's performances as they are “Gone, but not forgotten" for the “First Test.” “Mirrielees had a trying day." So would moat forwards who are played, out of position, at half-back. Speaking generally, I will admit the backs did not tackle in any degree “tigeriahly,” but no back Is going to sacrifice himself on the altar of “low tackles” while fib* pack of forwards amble round on crutches supported by a bevy of wet nurses. Concerning Parkinson, who our. friend eo trenchantly criticises, a close observer during the first quarter hour, would have noticed the sc- - vere kick in the kidneys he received being attended by Mr Warner, remember, I may be wrong, some comment about Tassell, and an. An Black Jersey (Remember. Old 80y..'• .... Mr Editor, what Taurauga Rugby • requires is not puerile piffle of hall- , criticisms, incomplete observationsand panegyrical laudations, but con* structive criticism, helpful comments moral, mental and physical supp ojl ' and above all. an experienced, competent, first-class coach. The gam has deteriorated into a species o catch-as-catch-can, rabbit punchinSv mixed with a great deal of amoro clutches, and a tremendous, amounof volubility. ... Sir, the material is in the h . " union, the selectors are dependao . and the only thing remaining « J“ train hard and conscientiously. * the services of a coach who kli his job, brooks no interference nonsense, and has the confidence, n only of the players and selectors, of the Union, whose duty H is supply to the Tauranga Rugby wO ., this very necessary and welcome dition. ...... Thanking you, Sir, for youi k ness in allowing me to trespass your space and good nature.