Bookshelf

Press, Volume C, Issue 29536, 10 June 1961, Page 5

Bookshelf

are “clean” or “dirty.” The book is delightfully written and its fresh approach should appeal to Rugby followers in New Zealand.

Until a few years ago, books on Rugby football were rare. But in recent times there have been many published tn New Zealand, dealing in the main with tours, or particular players In “Champagne Rugby” (A. H. and A. W. eed; 204 pp.) Peter B. Minogue, of Auckland, breaks fresh ground, for his story is of secondary school Rugby throughout New Zealand. For all the vast crowds which watch international Rugby matches, there is a general belief that secondary school Rugby is still the best, for player and spectator. It is clear that Mr Minogue shares that feeling, for his enthusiasm tor school Rugby is transparent on every page. But it is a soberly-told tale, and an interesting one. Although reference to individuals of outstanding ability is inevitable. Mr Minogue has wisely based his review—which must have required a tremendous amount of research more on the traditions and triumphs of the schools than on the boys themselves. In this enjoyable book, the growth of secondary school Rugby is traced, and some magnificent matches are vividly recalled. He pays particular attention to some of the long-standing fixtures in the various centres, and

the book is handsomely Illustrated with action pictures and group photographs. There is a chapter recording the results of major matches among the schools since 1876 —a source of reference which will be used time and again in the years to tome by all those with an interest in school football. Mr Minogue is to be congratulated on a fine book.

There is nothing pretentious about Richie Benaud’s Way of Cricket (Hodder and Stoughton; 247 pp>. He writes simply and effectively. Much of the book is devoted to the game's techniques, and a cricketer of any age would find these chapters most instructive and helpful. But there are some most Interesting reminiscences, views on how cricket should be played, its future, its personalities, and he completes a good first book by recalling a few of the most thrilling matches in which he has taken part. The illustrations are frequent, and good.

Few of the scores of writers on cricket have given more pleasure that A. A. Thomson, whose fluent style and sparkling humour have been a delight. In Cricket Bouquet (Museum Press, Ltd., 208 ppt. Mr Thomson roams about the counties, discussing players, and the differences between cricketers as a race, from different parts of the country. But this time he is not quite at his best. Perhaps that is no more than paying Mr Thomson a compliment on what has gone before; by ordinary standards “Cricket Bouquet” makes very good reading.