RUGBY FOOTBALL DITTMAN SHIELD MATCH WILL BE KEENLY CONTESTED

Grey River Argus, 24 July 1948, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL DITTMAN SHIELD MATCH WILL BE KEENLY CONTESTED

At Cass Square, Hokitika, to-day, Westland, the holders of the Dittman Shield, will defend the. tropny against South Westland, who it is reported, are quite confident of winning, and are fielding an exceptionally strong forward pack, with a fairly good set of backs. . ‘ Westland has included in its team several members of the West Coast representative side, and they will be fielding a formidable backline, which should'be capable of giving their opponents a torrid reception. Judging from past experiences, the South Westland forwards are going to prove a difficult problem, especially if the ball happens to be a little ’greasy. It is possible that the match will develop into a forward struggle with the advantage weighed in favour of the Southern players. If this occurs the Westland backs are going to be hard pressed to hold their own against the challengers.

South Westland Players: In the challenger’s backs, D. McBride, J. Muir and S. Nolan have proved themselves capable players, and are going to prove difficult opponents. Muir is perhaps one of the most versatile players in the South and is most enterprising. Both McBride and S. Nolan have plenty ot speed, and possess a good knowledge of the game. „ In the forwards, P. Kirby, J. Curtain and J. Walsh, supported by P. McCormack, will present a dangerous combination that will try the best efforts that Westland can produce.

Will be Strong: The strength of the Westland team will be in a fast line of backs, who have been fortunate enough in being able to take part in a vigorous senior club competition that has helped considerably to improve their standard of play. E. Walker, W. Amberger, and M. Stoop will be the back-bone of the Westland three-quarter line, and they are going to provide serious opposition to any attempt by Southerners who aspire to cross their goalline. „ x „ In the forwards R. Eastgate, Ron Weiblitz and J. Henderson, will not be found wanting and the Southern forwards can expect their most serious oposition from this trio. MASON MADE CAPTAIN

All Black Rugby winger, D. F. (Tim) Mason), formerly of Wellington, and now in South Africa, enjoyed the unusual distinction of be in S elected captain of Union (Cape Town) Club in his first competitive appearance. Mason, according to a Cape critic, had no opportunity to show his pace’s because of weaknesses inside. TRAINING YOUNGSTERS

The Zingari (Dunedin) Rugby Club like Onslow in Wellington, is doing an excellent job in coaching primary school youngsters the rudiments of Ihe game. A panel of first-grade players headed by E. W. Proctor, a brother of former All Black threequarter, A. C. Proctor, supervises the work each Saturday morning. AT RUGBY PARK

The main attraction at Rugby Park to-day will be an encounter between Stars, the runners-up in the West Coast competition and Blaketown. A keen game can be expected as these two old rivals clash.