RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 22718, 4 August 1937, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—-As everyone knows, Otago was beaten on Saturday by Southland because it lacked the leadership of J. Hero in the forwards. lamin no way trying to belittle Harry Simon’s captaincy, as no one in New Zealand could have played with such brilliance as this player, who did all in his power to keep the shield in Otago. Before Southern reached the premiership in 1935 Otago had not held the shield for a number of years. Last year Southern had approximately half of its senior team in the Otago team, and successfully defended the shield. At the end of last year J, Hore announced his retirement from big football, as also did Caughey, of Auckland. When Hore was picked for Otago a few Rugby critics immediately rushed to the Press with letters, forcing this player to state that he was not available. Yet any Rugby follower can spe that all the All Black selectors are waiting for is to sec if Oaughey plays another game like Saturday’s before his inclusion in the All Blacks. I have been examining the , Auckland papers in the Library, and so far can see no . criticism on the part of Rugby fans there, so why kick about . Hore, who, had Otago critics kept quiet, would have probably saved the shield for Otago?—l am, etc., Spoiling Chine. August 3.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I wish to protest against the action of the Otago Rugby Union in playing all junior grade football matches

in Dunedin on Saturday. A large number of footballers have already made arrangements for accommodation in Invercargill over the coming week-end, thinking, of course, to return the compliment paid to them by Southlanders last Saturday. Surely there are enough Saturdays left to complete all grades. The second grade matches are to be played irrespective of the fact that the junior representatives are playing in Invercargill next Saturday, and not only this, but the Rugby Union has decided to play off two ot the top teams in the second grade. I would warn the Rugby Union to look after its junior footballers more than this.—l am, etc., JUNIOE. August 3.