Sportsman’s Notebook Selectors Unlikely To Experiment

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30126, 9 May 1963, Page 22

Sportsman’s Notebook Selectors Unlikely To Experiment

The first indication of the AU Black selectors’ preferences for the New Zealand team to play England and later to tour Britain will be shown when 30 players are selected from the 71 on trial today to take part in the final trials on Saturday at Wellington.

Because all were chosen’on last year’s form, the announcement of the teams last w-eek did not arouse the usual interest. Even the emergencies added to the trials through withdrawals are tried and well-known players. The games will probably serve in the main as confirmation that form of last year has been retained and that most of the players have gained a necessary degree of fitness.

For the tests against England it is unlikely that the selectors —Messrs N. J. McPhail, R- G. Bush and J. L. Finlay—will indulge in any flights of fancy and will prefer experienced players—at least for the first test on May 25. Weak Positions However, there will be considerable interest taken in the trials, mainly because of the doubt surrounding some of the positions which were weak against Australia last year or where players of equal ability are vying for the same role. Second and first five-

eighths, lock and hooker are those which probably will interest the selectors most. In the main game two very experienced players, P. T Walsh and W. A. Davies, are matched at second fiveeighths. and in the first game R. C. Moreton and T. N. Wolie. more adventurous than the other two, will mark each other. Whichever is selected may give an indication of the type of Rugby to be played by New Zealand this year. In the lock position there are three seasoned players, the Meads brothers and I. N. McEwan, and one youthful player, A. J. Stew art, offering for the two positions. S. T. Meads forced his way into the All Blacks last year and Stewart was a reserve. Either could gain a place this year In recent years the hooking position seems to have been between D. Young and J. N. Creighton both are playing well at present—but F. J. Colithurst, of Auckland, has been mentioned as their successor. * ¥ ¥ Badminton Entries

Sixty - four teams are entered in the Canterbury Badminton Association’s interclub competitions this season. There are five teams in A grade, 15 in B grade, 14 each in C, D, and E grades, and seven in the President's section.

The majority of matches will be played in the Skellerup Hall and the Cowles Stadium will also be in use ¥ ¥ ¥ League Telecast Viewers will have their first opportunity to watch a direct telecast of a Rugby League match in Canterbury when the senior competition match between Papanui and Marist is shown on Saturday Marist won on both occasions the teams have met this season but the games have been attractive and close.

Papanui should give a far better display than it did against Sydenham last Saturday. The side will be strengthened by the return of J. Bond, G. Turner, and T Bisman. However. Marist will have M. Mohi and G Cooper playing again. Bond was selected for the Kiwi team to Australia while Cooper, Turner, Mohi. and Bisman were strong candidates for the tour. * * ¥ Rugby Clash The meeting between Lincoln College and University A in a senior reserve match on Lancaster Park south on Saturday will probably create as much interest as some senior games.

Last year Lincoln College entered in the senior reserve grade for the first time in an endeavour to win its way to senior status, but did not succeed Once more Lincoln is challenging for senior grading by winning the senior reserve and again its most serious competition should come from University A. Both teams are unbeaten this season and in their match against Air Force both won by more than 30 points.