RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 June 1932, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

JUNIOR SECOND ROUND. CO3VOIBNCES ON SATURDAY. The second round of the junior chamipionship competition will commence on Saturday, when Athletic will meet Eoxton Eire Brigade at Prouse s Paddock. When (these two teams met xn the first match of the competition a ■very good game resulted, and as bot.i combinations have improved, spectators are again looking forward to some keen football. Eoxton Eire Brigade gave the leader of the competition, Eoxton, a hard game when they met and were only defeated by a very small margin, so Athletic will not have matters all their onvn way on Saturday.

•Reviewing 'the first round, the standard of football in the northern division has been very good, and with the experience gained and physical fitness achieved, the -coming round should see some sterling contests. Poston, the leaders in the northern division, have so far been unbeaten and judging by /their displays, have a big chance of avinning this division. Practically in all their matches, with the exception of their contest against Poston Pi re Brigade, they have put ap (big scores. A very nippy fifteen, who play spectacular football, itheir tea/m work is an object lesson which many a team could study. Athletic, next on the ladder, have suffered only one defeat and that at ith© hands of Poxton. When these two feams (meet in the second round, spectators should be rewarded with a hard struggle. Athletic will no doubt be out to revenge their only defeat, but will have to give a vastly improved display to that when they met Poxton previously. Shannon, with five points, are third on the competition, and have the material to mould into quite a good team. At present there is too much individuality instead of concerted work .amongst their players. Poxton Fire Brigade are fourth, with four points. 'This team gave the leaders a very hard game and at the conclusion were only defeated .by a narrow margin. This is their first season and they have done quite well. A good t gaane should result on Saturday when •they meet Athletic at Prouse’s Paddock.

The most inexperienced team is Motujti, who have one point to their credit. With more experience Motuiti will develop into a good team'. Possessing sornie (Ifleftjy tfor.wards they have a solid pack, .‘but their hacks are weak. Kereru have not opened their winning account, . and have only played four games. Evidently through lack of physical fitness they cannot keep pace with their better trained opponents. This team possess a number of good players and if backed up sufficiently hy the remainder, should improve in their coming games. Paraparauanu with a lead of four points over their nearest opponents — Waikanae and Kuku, 6 points each — have a very strong claim to the championship of the southern division. It •will ibe remembered that the present leaders in both division, played off in

the final of the junior championship last season, when Eoxton won. Perhaps these two teams will again contest the final.