SURPRISE BY CENTRAL

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 14

SURPRISE BY CENTRAL

(By "Rake.")

In local Rugby League matches Central were responsible for the biggest surprise, to date on Saturday when they fielded a greatly-renovated thirteen, which more than held their own against Petone, who had not been defeated until then. When it is remembered that Central started a few weeks ago with two players and three officials* and now have two teams and 50 vice-presidents, it will be seen that there is something in the revival. Mr. E. Elliott, the new treasurer of the Board of Control, was associated many years ago with the Auckland Fire Brigade Rugby League team. He is an enthusiast who should revel in the hard pioneering work ahead. '

The Central forwards, in particular, gave Petone no quarter in the game at the Showgrounds Stadium on Saturday and the sprinkling of spectators were treated to a really entertaining game that at times rose to quite unexpected heights. ,One of the tit-bits of the game was Holmes's try. All the backs handled in exhilarating style and Central's wing man put the finishing touches on like a champion. , This player has pace and weight and is one of'the best of handlers. He is an ideal winger, but might even do better at centre.

Petone did not throw the'ball about as they did the' previous week, ■ partly because of the deadly tackling and also because they-were not the usual combination in the backs,' several newcomers being tried out. From now on

Petone will not be able to take any risks with either of the toity teams. Central had quite A formidable pack,. and in Swanston,\ of . Christchurch, they have a real fllpd. He hooked'the ball from almost every scrum and provided the team with a leader that was badly needed. When a player of the type Of Worsley had to be stood down it will be understood/aust what a handy lot of packmen Central have. For future games they will <, have the services of the 14st O'HaUoran, from Auckland, and a very promising youth in Scott. The latter was seen \n action at the club's gymnasium the other even in C t Thorburn is making good Central's pack. He is gamenessitself and should retain his position, though there are several likely-looking, newcomers who might do equally, as. well. Two of the younger players who are showing improvement are Kidd) and Kennedy. A brother of Kidd's is, also likely to be seen out in the near future. He has the weight that his brother at present' lacks, and they should take a high place in the game. ' Mr. G. H. Bassant, the president.of the St'. George Club, is taking a keen interest in the welfare of the "dragonslayers," and- the game generally. ' Carter, an inside back who has earned representative honours on the West Coast has joined up with St. George, and will greatly strengthen the rear division. ' ■ K. Mailman, the ex-Berhampore winger, played for St. George last .Saturday. ' , J, Wright, who hooked for St. Pat's when that team won the Union senior B championship, will rake for St. George Wright is a. good all-round forward. . ■ ■ The St. George Club has settled

down to hard training and team talks. A sound move-has been the appointment of an official critic".whose duty it is to make a close study of play and furnish a report on training night..