NERVES IN SPORT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 6 January 1923, Page 3

NERVES IN SPORT.

The Prince of Wales' ordeal in quali- ■ fying for leading the Royal and An-1 cient at St. Andrews, was commented on by a writer recently, who said that even professionals have confessed to a shakiness at the beginning of an im-! portant match. At the same time there are many golfers who regard the critical putt as a much more severe test, especially in a foursome where a partner's half-crown may depend on it. What about cricket The first appearance on a rually big ground and the long walk from the pavilion to the wicket have been the undoing of many a young batsman. But is this more nerve-racking than the wait by the pavilion rails for the ballooning hit which seems to be hours on its way? The kick-off in either code of football is not specially nerve-rending; perhaps the worst moment is that of the goalkeeper in Association who has to decide whether to run or stay in; or of the full-back in Rugby who must "go down at the feet" of a pack of forwards with the ball. j Lawn tennis is more kindly in this respect than other games, but all rowing men know the dreadful period before it is time to launch the boat for a big race. In boxing Siki provided sufficient evidence of the feelings of a comparatively new man facing a champion. Hunting men, with plenty of confidence once they are away, have confessed to some qualms in the long wait at the cove-side; and the deer-stalker is not often master of himself when, for the first time, the rifle is pushed in his hand and he is bidden to shoot. .