Finlay Cup

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XXI, Issue 1122, 14 July 1922, Page 3

Finlay Cup

Tbe secretary at a meeting of tbe Waipa Rngby Union Executive, reported that Mala Mata waa unable to keep its engagement for tbe match for tbe Finlay Cup, in consequence of all available dates being taken. He had written to the Kawhia Union, which had talked of issuing a challenge for tbe trophy, aa it would be possible to arrange a match with that Union’s representatives. So far n reply had been received. ’ The chairman moved that on 15tb July, tbe date reserved for tbe Malamats match, tbe senior representatives play another team to be chosen by tbe selectors.—Mr Hawkins seconded tbe motion, which was carried. The secretary and Mr Hawkina were empowered to arrange other representative matches if possible. ' FOOTBALL NOTES. (By " Ex-Rep.) It is understood there is a likelihood of tbe Kawhia District “ reps” going out to Te Awamutu in search of the Finlay Cap, which is at present held by the Waipa Sub-Union. Any subunion affiliated with tbe Waikato Union is eligible to compete for tbis cup, and after the good form shown by our reps, against Raglan, tbere is every reason to think that Kawhia will give a good account of itself if tbe best team is available. Should Henderson (who has not played since he was injured early in the season) and Carrie (who is playing a great game and scored two tries lart Saturday for Awaroa) be able to play, they will further strengthen tbe reps. It would give the game here a great impetus if the cup werp won by our men, for all challenges would then be played in Kawhia.

There is no doubt about the great difference these rep. matches make to our players. Tbe experience gained stands them in good stead in their olu contests. It is surprising, however, to note (>ow much better s< me of them play in the rep. match, compared with tbeir lethargic play in club matches. Tbe selectors must have "squared” them to play up and justify their selection and they rose to tbe occasion.

It is reported that tbe Raglan R.U. intends to arrange for tbe services of a Waikato referee when playing tbe return match with visiting Kawhia reps. This course was adopted last year, when our representatives played Raglan on tbeir own ground, and tbe decisions throughout tbe matches gave the utmost satisfaction. That this district can turn out to libellers who, with a little experience in town teams, can bold their own, tbe recent brilliant exploits of Wattie Barclay (who learned bis football here) is evidence. Playing for tbe Maori team against New South Wales in Sydney in tbe final test match last week, Barclay scored three tries, and just pulled the match out of the fire for his side, scoring in tbe last few minutes, leaving tbe Maoris winners by one point (28 points to 22) after an exciting game. 8 nny French is another from this district who has made a name for him self in Rugby football. Thia season’s rule book recently otme to band from tbe Auckland Union. Tbe main alterations are that tbe wing forward does not need to wait behind tbe scrum till the ball is out, but can follow tbe ball round as was the case a couple of seasons ago, end that, when taking a kick at goal from a mark or a try, tbe ball must be placed by a player other than the kicker.

After seeing an outside referee in tbe recent “B" iep match played hers it was apparent our loctl referees can hold their own with outsiders and have nothing to learn with regard.to tbe interpretation of tbe rules.