N.Z. TEAM’S SPEED

Press, Volume C, Issue 29634, 3 October 1961, Page 21

N.Z. TEAM’S SPEED

Doctor Given Credit

(NJC. Preu Aset*-—CexvrigMJ LONDON. October 1. After wee** on the waggon'' tha Nd* Zealtnd Rugby Leaffud tourixt* had a "big binge” tent night to MMHwte their vietoty over Great Britain- toe “Daily Sketch” reported. Deecribtng the up*et as toe biMMK itoock to toe history of 'uMtmaanH Rugby League, toe writer said toe guest of honour and ‘‘ufiming hero” at the celebration was a local doctor. The doctor we* celled to by toe tourists several Wveks ago because they were worried about their tack of speed. The captain, D. Hammond, aaid at to* cetebratien; “He advised us to cut out alcohol and drink only oraitge juice or, if we could stomach It, just water. It certainly worked. I’d My we are now five yards fatter. “Mind you, after all that fruit juice, toe promiee of a party and tome beer if we won was a pretty good incentive.” The manager, Mr C. Siddle, raid: "Nothing he* been too much trouble for the doctor. He practically laved with us this week trying to get three of our tram (Cooke, Hadfield and Fagan) flit.” The “Daily Sketch,” noting that the English selectors now had a “real headache,” said of the beaten home aide: “Thia teem doesn’t deserve an inquest. It just wants burying.” It said that after the match the British team were angry because the crowd had been cheering against them. The newspaper Mid: “Galling though it may be I can understand toe attitude of toe spectators. For too long they have beefi starved of the superb sort of Rugby served up by New Zealand.”

New Zealand Team Congratulated “Heartiest congratulations for excellent win. Give special cbeario tn Cooke, Bond and Amer. Wish you well in future games." This was a message contained in a cablegram to the manager at the New Zealand Rugby League team (Mr C. H. Siddi*) congratulating the team on Its win against Britain in the first test at Hrodingly, Leeds, last Saturday, sent by the Canterbury Rugby League's Board of Control.

Nomination* For Selector* The following nomination* front clubs for next season’* New Zealand end South Island Rugby League selector* were reoclved «t a delegates' meeting of th* Canterbury Rugby Leagu* last evening:— New Zealend: Messrs W. Telford and D. R. White (Auckland). New Zealand and South Island: P. A. Smith. C. R. Mountford, R, K. Andrews, E. Butts (Canterbury), and T. F. McKenzie (West Coast). Saturday’s Draw Ths Canterbury Rugby Leagued draw for Saturday, OcSenior.—Linwood v. Blackball, Sylvan street. 2.45 p.m, (L. Ughttoot). Senior Reserve—Linwood v Blackball, Sylvan street, 1.15 p.m. (F. Duane).