WITH OTAGO TEAM

Evening Star, Issue 23350, 21 August 1939, Page 10

WITH OTAGO TEAM

“ ALICK " M'DONALD COACHES FORWARDS

MITCHELL NOT AVAILABLE FOR AFRICA [From Our Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 21. The Otago team to meet North Auckland at Wiiangarei on Wednesday has been selected;— Full-back: R. Silver. Three-quarters; D. Murray, N. A. Mitchell, A. E. Churchill. Five-eighths; W. A. Perriam, J. Kearney. Half-back: W. Campbell. Forwards : Front row —J. Walker, C. Quaid, P. Treacy; middle row—G. Gregg, L. Hill, W. McClelland, W. Jolly'; back row, L. Naylor. Silver suffered slight concussion against Wellington, and is also feeling the effects of a bad kick on the back. He received medical attention, and although ho is much improved it is still doubtful whether he will bo fit to play on Wednesday. In the event of Silver being unable to play, his place at fullback will probably be taken by W. A Black. j The tourists have been royally entertained by the Wellington Rugby Union, and much appreciated was the opportunity afforded after the game of meeting such famous All Blacks as W. J. Wallace, “ Rangh” Wilson, and Mark Nicholls. The teams were entertained at dinner in the evening, and on Sunday afternoon were taken for a most comprehensive and eujoy r ablo motor' drive through the Ngahaurauga Gorge to Petono and Day’s Bay, where a stop was made for afternoon tea, the return journey being made through the Government and new private settlement in Hutt Valley. The entertainment of the Otago team has been looked after by Mr Harold Murphy and Mr H. B. Simmons, of the Wellington Rugby Union, the latter an old Oriental player and referee in Saturday’s game. This morning the team practised at Athletic Park, special attention to the scrummaging of the forwards being given by the old Otago and New Zealand skipper, “ Alick ” M'Donald, whose Wellington pack had such success against Otago. T. Berghan returned home on Saturday night. He was given a rousing send-off by the members of the Otago and Wellington teams, who were headed by the Taieri packman (J. Barron) with the pipes. So far no advice has been received as to who is to replace Berghan. N. A. Mitchell informed the • Star ’ yesterday that he would definitely not be available to take part in the All Black trials, and would not be a candidate for the South African tour.