CORRESPONDENCE

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1941, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE

RUGBY CHAMPIONS. [To the Editor] Sir, —I read with amusement “Sport’s” interesting (if not illuminating) letter. I fear he lost himself in the labyrinthine ways of his own mind ! Firstly, he sets out to prove that Steele was a better “Rugby athlete” (a vague phrase!) than King. He ultimately makes the proud boast) that Steele could run faster t-han King. Doubtless, but (as the Americans say) so what ? By the same logic, Jesse Owens should be the greatest footballer’ of all time. By the time he had finished “Sport” had forgotten about the word “Rugby" before “athlete.” Later on he admits magnaminously that King and Steele played ; n different positions. He then tries to overcome that slight difficulty by saying that King once played on the wing. It is a crushing argument, proving exactly nothing! King also once played marbles. Immediately after comes an eulogy on the past brilliance of Steele. We are proudly told that he did not exert himself until he could flash across for a try amid the roars or “Sport” and Coy. A doubtful compliment from such an ardent admirer! “Therefore, I argue...,’ he goes on. O ye Gods—what logic- Because a man saves himself for a “supreme effort” and scores, it is concluded that he has tremendous reserves of energy. The forwards, however, who have slaved all day to give him his chance, are not spectacular enough for “Sport”! King was "stodgy”! I will admit he was less spectacular by a long way. Why ? Because he packed and raked and shoved in the middle of the rucks! Because he worked hard in the tight and not flashily in the loose! Because, in short, he played as a lock —not as a basketball player or a ballet dancer! I modestly think he knows more about a lock’s job than “Sport.” It is a trite, but wise, remark that “comparisons are odious.” To my knowledge, Steele was the greatest back and King the greatest forward the Coast has produced. Each was excellent in his position. Let it rest at that. I am etc., “SPOIL-SPORT.’