BRITAIN v. OTAGO

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 June 1930, Page 7

BRITAIN v. OTAGO

TEAMS FOR TO-DAY’S MATCH

LOCAL DEFEAT PREDICTED

[SPECIAL TO “STAR.”]

DUNEDIN, June 13., The British team for to-morrow s match will be: — , . •> Bassett, Morley, Aarvold (captain), Bowcott, Reeve, Spong, Murray, Rew, Parker, O’Neill, Black, Farrell, Hodgson, Beamish, Ivor Jones. ■ otago: —Stevenson, Wilson, Fookes, Lindsay, Giles, Bradanovich, Francis, Scott, Hore, Souter, Sonntag, Dunne, Finlayson, Murtagh, Collett. The British team was selected after the arrival by the express this evening, when the Greymouth party iejoined the advance guard which had come on from Christchurch. Except for Sobey, who is still hobbling on crutches, and whose injury seems to show little improvement, all those who came on yesterday had practised today, both Jennings and Bassett turning out, so that two sound full-backs are again available. Much will depend on Bassett’s ankle. If it remains sound after to-morrow’s game he will greatly strengthen the test side. . To-morrow’s team is picked with an eye to the test on the following Saturday, being obviously a probable test team. It is the same as that which met Wellington except that Novis, Kendrew and Prentice have made way for Reeve, Rew and Farrell. Hodgson takes the blindside position in the back row, leaving the open side to Jones. Local expectations are that Britain will win.

It is interesting to note that in three games in which Aarvold and Beamish have both played, Aarvold has now been captain twice and Beamish once. Brilliant sunshine, in which the countryside was seen at its best, attended to-day’s journey from Christchurch to Dunedin. Nevertheless, two consecutive days’ travelling left those who participated distinctly weary by the time they reached Dunedin. They were relieved to find the usual civic reception supplanted by a more informal and enjoyable affair in which the Mayor extended a welcome in the hotel lounge. The weather prospects for to-mor-row’s match are favourable at present, and a fair and steady glass gives a reasonable hope that there will be no change.