Manager’s Tribute To South Africans

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1949, Page 6

Manager’s Tribute To South Africans

(From Claude King, N.Z.P.A. Correspondent with the All Blacks.)

PORT ELIZABETH, Sept. 18.

Mr J. H. Parke”, in an interview, said his first thanks went to the team for making his tar’- as manager so pleasant and for the manner in which they accepted their defeats. He pointed out that Mr A. McDonald was a member of the 1905 All Blacks, which had only one loss and he himself was a member of the 1924 team, which was unbeaten. It was easy tc be good winners. This team had had seven losses, including the whole of the test series. He ws proud and knew New Zealanders would be, of the manner in which the team took these defeats. He drew attention to South Africa’s wonderful record in international rugby. The 1921 and 1937 sides had lost only three matches in New Zealand. The 1928 All Blacks had lost five matches in South Africa. That alone placed South African Ri”'

well on top and the present tour confirmed South Africa as world champions. He wished to make no excuses, but probably it would be conceded that a Rugbv tour of this country was the most strenuous assignment that could be given to any sporting body. The present tour was the most strenuous assignment that could be given to ■any sporting body. The present tour was, he felt, much more arduous ti in that taken by the 1928 All Blacks. Though the itinerary had been worked out with the utmost consideration for the tourist, it had involved some tremendous travelling. Mr Parker congratulated South Africa on its test achievement. He said the All Blacks might have won two with better kickin" but the facts were that South Africa took all the opportunities that came its wa v 'and that was all that counted. His only disappointment the game in this country was the fetish for the loose or wing-forward -"me, which was more destructive than anything he had known during his experience as a wing-forward. Apart from that, he felt that the Rugby was of a really good standard. As a result of the tour South Africa had brought to light players who were now household names. The public support for the game had been amazing. Even though the test rubber had been decided, the ground was packed for the final game. He understood the takings for the tour exceeded those of the 1919 New Zealand Army side, the 1928 All Blacks and the 1933 Wallabies lumped together. Mr Parker’s final message was ori thanks for the unbounded hospitality. I “We will regret parting from the thousands of good friends we have made here, and will look _ forward to reciprocating all the kindnesses showered on the team when the Springboks visit us.’ Grey Technical Have Win In Christchurch The Greymouth Technical Old Boys beat Papanui Technical Old Boys by 16 points to 5 in a match at North Park, Christchurch on Saturday. The game started off with rugged but fast play by both sides. Greymouth were the first to open the scoring when Jones was successful I with a penalty into the wind. Papanui went into the lead when Rudd, crossed iff. a handy position. The kick was easy for Joy. Shortly after Smith scored for Greymouth and Clones converted. The half-time score 'was Greymouth 8-—Papanui 5. On the resumption of play. Cameron scored for Greymouth, for Jones to add the extras. At this stage

i Greymouth were in control and ap'peared likely to run up a big score but Papanui defended strongly and never let up. Bail’d crashed his way lover but Jones missed the kick. The final score was Greymouth 16, Papanui 5.