REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAMME

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 50, 27 August 1938, Page 23

REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAMME

WELLINGTON'S ENGAGEMENTS

(By "Drop-kick.") Today Wellington is having its fourth Rugby representative match of die season—the return match with the Taranaki representatives, who are on their way south to fulfil a programme of engagements similar to that which will be undertaken by Wellington later on. There were some disappointing performances on the part of some Wellington players, just as was the case with Hawke's Ba]-, in the match at Athletic Park last Saturday, but, taken all in all, the game was quite a thrilling one for the spectators, and it provided some of the spectacular features of Rugby. For both teams it would prove beneficial, and both should be all the better in the south for the experience. The same should apply so far as today's game is concerned. Hawke's Bay are making a bid for the Ranfurly Shield, and so are Taranaki and Wellington if the opportunity is still offering when these teams reach Otago.

Before stepping out against Taranaki today Wellington had the following, record in representative matches this, season:— V. Taranaki, at Hawera, lost, 8-9. v. Wairarapa, at" Masterton, won, 27-12. v. Hawke's Bay, at Wellington, lost, 12-13. There will be a return to senior (top grade),championship football next Saturday, when the final series in the competition will be decided, and to make the occasion a doubly interesting one the Wellington Rugby Union has decided to stage the two matches on which the championship depends at Athletic- Park. Petone. and Athletic are level "at the top of the ladder, and they are the only two teams with prospects of annexing the championship title. Petone will meet Johnsonville in the early game, and Athletic will then play Wellington, the matches to commence at 1.45 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. respectively. Wellington's remaining representative engagements are:— September 10.—v. Auckland, at Wellington. September 14.—v. Southland, at Invercargill. September 17.—v. Otago, at Dunedin. September 17. —v. Manawatu,-at-Wel-lington. September 21.—v. South Canterbury, at Timaru. September 24. —v. Canterbury, at Christchurch. September 24. —v. Wanganui, at Wellington,