From Bank And Stand

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28051, 20 August 1956, Page 10

From Bank And Stand

AMONG THE 51,000

New Zealand’s full-back, D. B. Clarke, had musical encouragement for his magnificent kicking on Saturday. It was the kind of music he hears whenever he plays for Waikato—the clanging of a cowbell. And the bell was wielded by a Waikato supporter, Mr J. Edwards. Occasionally he had competition from a bugler who played the signature tune of “Take It From Here.”

“Mr Rugby” Unmoved.— Dr. Danie Craven, manager of the Springboks, watched the game from No. 3 stand. Those seated near him were frequently more interested in the reactions of “Mr Rugby” than the game itself. Every time the All Blacks did anything spectacular hundreds of eyes were turned towards Dr. Craven. But he appeared quite unperturbed.-. ¥ Too Young.— Towards the end o! a test match some players probably wish that they could shed a few of their years On Saturday the official programme did that for the All Black flanker, W. H. Clark. But it made him just a little bit too young for. international Rugby. His age was given as 6 instead of 26.

Long and Short.— As vice-captain of the New Zealand team. A. R. Reid was second on to the field. Even spectators who have seen him before looked again to make sure a ball boy had somehow not acquired a black jersey. Reid (sft 3in) was immediately behind the massive R. H. Duff and besides J. A. du Rand. These two forwards towered a foot above the All Black half-back. Another long-short combination brought up the rear—tht Springbok scrum half, T. A. Gentles <sft 3in) and the All Black flanker, S. F. Hill, who is 11 inches taller. ¥ Rubbish Disposal — Not all the thousands on the embankment were untidy on Saturday afternoon. Several collected a]J the paper, half-eaten sandwiches. and other rubbish around them, and lit a bonfire just before the game started. Protests from those nearby who objected to the smell and the smoke stopped the rubbish disposal squad.

¥ rree View.—Quite a few spectators saw the match without contributing to the New Zealand Rugby Union's funds, although their view of play was distant There were two on the roof of the gasworks, four steelnerved enthusiasts on a shunting lignt tower at Waltham, 200 on a scaffolding stand behind No. 3 stand, and. more on a wooden stand beside it. Pilots ana passengers in nine aircraft which new over the ground saw the game jpiermittently from a much greater

TT^*. ouveni ra-—The Canterbury Rugby ♦Y 1 L , h .ave one unexpected account to debit against the match—me cost of two corner flags taken by a souvenir hunter.

¥ e ®\ sa P pear * n g: Crayfish. Several Cta £°S s on the embankment at* more before the game than they might nave if they had stayed at home. One group sat down in a circle and ate oranges, apples, sandwiches, sausages, and cakes. Spectators nearby cast longing looks at the food disappearing rapidly. When the party started another meal about an hour later, the crayfish reserved for it found their way somehow to other mouths.

Unwanted Pies.— Ennui or annoy' ance led to a brief burst of pit throwing on the southern extension of the embankment. It was late in the afternoon, when, presumably, appetites had been satisfied.

¥ Sound Drowned.— Each time New Zealand scored, the cheering of the crowd could be heard in Cathedral Square. But the bugler on the embankment who played the “Take It From Here” signature tune after each try may be disappointed to learn that his contribution was drowned in the roar.

Impartial.— Canterbury’s prestige was not at stake on Saturday. That is probably the reason why hundreds in the crowd were imparti>‘ with their favours. Thcv wore New Zealand and South African colour together. There were even somt - ’ obviously not South Africans—who wore green and gold ribbons, and were not criticised by the good-tem-pered crowd.

Periscopes for Sale— Business was brisk at the entrance to Lancaster Park on Saturday. There was • steady demand for foam rubber cushions, and an inflatable variety, but the best business was done ®y the men who offered for 5s the simplest form of periscope--two sma»‘ mirrors set at an angle on the WP and bottom of a piece of wooflMore than 200 were sold— mostly 1° spectators of medium or less height.