SPORTS NEWS Little New Talent in Island Teams

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1946, Page 5

SPORTS NEWS Little New Talent in Island Teams

Although 13 of those chosen for the North-South match at Wellington on August 17 are gaining island honours for the first time, the selection has brought to light few players whose reputations have not already been established. The war deprived many of them of such honours previously, and possibly New Zealand honours also.

To St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, has fallen the honour of providing the two colts in the side, Lyons and Crowley. Though many might have wished to see younger talent given every chance in the best company with a view to selection against the Australians, and planning as early as possible for the South African tour in 1948, it is fitting that the older brigade in the North-South teams should hahve had this opportunity to qualify for honours missed through higher service to their country. Older Players. Into this category come such players as P. K. Rhind, first chosen to play for Canterbury in 1937, a trialist in 1939, and member of the N.Z. XV against The Rest that season. J. Finlay first represented Manawatu in 1934 when just 18 years of age. A. G. Sutherland first represented Southland in 1936. He was an emergency for the second test against/the Springboks at Christchurch in 1937, and was one of the outstanding wing three-quarters in 1939. During the war- he played most of his football for the N.Z. Services team in England. Fraser, one of the North Island front row, first represented Hawke’s Bay in 1937. E. H. Catley was first capped by Waikato in 1935, played in the All Black trials that season, in 1937 and in 1939.

Nevertheless, there is a sufficient selection of young players to make the match one of more than usual interest. Others who are gaining North or South Island honours for the first time are Scott (Kiwis), Lyons (Hawke’s Bay), Allen (Kiwis), P. Crowley (Auckland), Goddard (South Canterbury), Roach (Canterbury), Argus (Kiwis), Budd (Southland), Hobbs (Canterbury), Hegglun (Marlborough). Scott is one of the most versatile and also dependable fullbacks produced for some time who must be a very strong candidate for the tour of South Africa. College Athlete. Lyons was an outstanding athlete when at St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream, and was a brilliant centre notable foi’ some spectacular tries. He established the college record for 100 yards of 10 l-ssec. z Allen was a Canterbury representative in 1940 and 1941. Goddard was a South Canterbury representative in 1941 and subsequently was the outstanding scoring back in the N.Z. Services team in England. Many experts consider him greater in attack than Smith, but his defence is his weak point. Roach was a Canterbury representative in 1941 and 1942. Budd, one of the newcomers, is a son of the exI Southland and South Island forward, ■A. E. Budd. Hobbs was a Canterbury representative in 1941, and played excellent football in the Middle East. Hegglun is a former Wellington representative. The remainder of those chosen have previously gained, island honours. Callanan was in the 1943-44-45 teams; Dunn in 1944; Smith first gained island honours in 1943; Elvidge in 1943-45; Barchard in 1945; Haig in 1945. Of the forwards, Mcßae won island honours last season as also did Mumm, Ensor and Willocks. McHugh first represented the North Island in 1944, as also did White and Eliott. Herman was a South Island representative in 1943 and 1944. Paewai enjoys the distinction of having played for both islands, the 1 South in 1943 and the North last season and again this year.