RUGBY IN FIJI

Evening Star, Issue 20585, 10 September 1930, Page 4

RUGBY IN FIJI

AUCKLAND ’VARSITY TEAM'S TOUR [Special to thx ‘Star.’] AUCKLAND, September 9. Members of tiro University team which pluyed matches in Fiji returned by the Niagara last evening. The visit is the third paid by a University team to Fiji, the lirst being in 1920. The team spent between two mid three weeks in Fiji, their stay being prolonged by nine days owing to the fact that the Tofua, with passengers from the Tahiti on board, was unable to take passengers trom Suva for New Zealand. The team played four matches, two being won and two lost. Of the three games played against the Fiji representative team the first, two were lost by 5 points to .13, and 6 points to 11 respectively, and the third was won by 13 to 3. The fourth match which was played against a B representative team, was won by 32 to 0. The team was in happy mood when it returned last evening, and it received an informal welcome from other University students. The manager, Mr M. R. O'Shea, registrar at the college, said the tour had been enjoyed thoroughly by every member of the team. The games played had been very even and fast, and the stylo had been typical University open play. An excellent spirit had prevailed in all the matches. Mr O’Shea said the players found the grounds in Fiji very hard, and in the first match several of the Auckland players were injured. It iiad been diflicnlt to get a full team together for the remaining matches, but none of the players had suffered serious injury. The 'standard of play had greatly improved, and the Rugby game seemed to have become very popular. The representative team contained some good forwards and some fast backs. The Natives are taking to the game quickly, and thep appear to relish playing it. < Mr O'Shea said; “Wo saw, a game played between Native teams, and the players all wore broad grins. They played in bare feet, and ono man kicked a goal from halfway without boots.”