Ground Markings Do Not Match Surfaces

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31061, 17 May 1966, Page 6

Ground Markings Do Not Match Surfaces

One of the sources of most unhappiness at South Hagley Park, at least, is the poor conditions of the markings.

Many of the intermediate lines —halfway, 25 yard lines—run at anything but rightangles to the side-lines and often forwards are, with fair justification, in front of the kicker at kicks-off. There is considerable pasture lying on the grounds and some trylines are not merely indistinct they are simply not there. This adds to the worries of the referees and can be disturbing to teams which have tries of doubtful quality awarded against them. This poor marking is a pity because in other respects grounds are ideal. The absence of any heavy deluges —so far—is reflected in the lack of mucky grounds and, conversely, surfaces are not as hard as they often are early in the season. The fact that most grounds are a little yielding is a boon to players who are

accustomed to blisters and bruises in early-season games. THE MOST UNKINDEST CUT He was one of the multitudes of tiny Christchurch boys who play Rugby in the under sst grades but for a slight defference: he wore white shiny headgear. He was also a very determined forward and emerged from one ruck with ball in hand, wearing a most ferocious scowl, and with the headgear covering most of his face. Like an embryo C. E. Meads he ploughed through the flimsilydefended field in front of him; on and on to the goal-line and a triumphant but unnecessary dive. Unnecessary, also, because the goal-line was his own. SOME OBSERVATIONS The Merivale under 19 team is fortunate in having a forward of G. Furlonger’s ability. As well as leading a welldrilled pack, he jumps high in the line-outs and on Saturday kicked many penalties that found touch well up the line. When the Merivale-Papanui and Shirley under 18 teams met on Saturday a fast and open game was the result. The Merivale back-line, especially the five-eights ran and played the ball well. The Lyttelton under 16 team has a pack of fiery forwards. Dennis Mahar and the Gallagher twins, Kerry and Kevin, all took advantage of any mistakes the opposition made getting quickly to the loose ball and either kicking it through or forming quick rucks. An outnumbered Christchurch under 198 team was well beaten by Marist on Saturday. Winning most of the ball from Christchurch’s under-powered forwards. Marist’s hard-running backs made good use of the ball. SELECTION GOVERNED BY ECONOMICS Two little fellows were talking to their big brother about “footie.” “That boy down the road gave me a pair of football boots,” said Five Year Old. “Yes, and he’ll get in the school football team,” said Seven. .- Big Brother: “Why?” Seven: “Because he’s got a pair of football boots.” Q.E.D. AID TO YOUTH A feature of their games probably most appreciated by

mostly around the under 19 some lower grade players, and 20 grades, is the occasional refereeing of their matches by some of Canterbury’s leading referees. These referees are still fairly strict in their application of the rules but attempt to help these younger players during the game with explanations and suggestions.