Football.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1445, 27 July 1933, Page 8

Football.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

The Ratana Cup Match, (By “ Crossbar.”) It would be unfair to comment too closely on the form shown by players in the Ratana Cup match, as the adverse weather conditions prevented players not only from playing good football, but from showing anything approaching their true form. So bad were conditions that in the second half there was danger of several players collapsing owing to the cold. This especially applied to wing threequarters and fullbacks, who were, owing to their positions, away from play for periods.

As it was no untoward occurrence happened, but this may be due to the fact that the referee wisely closed the game 15 minutes before time at the request of the losing team.

It was unfortunate that the weather was so bad, as with a fine day the Maoris would have been assured of a good attendance. The first Ratana Cup match drew a good attendance owing to the novelty of the fixture, and those attending were amply rewarded by the open and fast nature of the game. This made the second fixture an attractive one, and with almost a representative . set of backs enthusiasts were keen to see the home team again in action. .

Though disappointed, the crowd nevertheless found plenty to be amused over, though doubtless the players did not always see the funny side, when the game was played in the centre of an immense sheet of water.

Despite the atrocious conditions the Carroll brothers showed wonderful form, and seemed to revel in the wet. J. Carroll produced the form of a couple of seasons ago, and was always in the van of the home forwards without shirking his work in the tight. Another such display and his ppsition in the representative team will be assured again.

W. Carroll, at five-eighths, - was outstanding on defence, and time and time again covered his fellow backs and stopped threatening rushes which might have ended in a score. It would have been hard to improve on his display under - the circumstances. .

A special word of praise must also be given to Fox. who played a rare game. So good was his showing that he should be given a trial with the representatives. He has weight and pace, and used both on Saturday to good effect, rising superior to the conditions.

Story also played his usual dashing game, but did not quite master the footing as did the others mentioned.

Further detailed criticism is almost impossible, except that had the weather been fine the visitors gave the impression that they might have extended Matamata to the limit. Their forwards were grafters, while their inside backs were very clever, and at times handled the wet ball in a surprisingly skilful manner, and bored holes in the home defence which but for W. Carroll might have turned the issue.

FINLAY CUP. Matamata v. Rotorua. The Rotorua team to play Matamata, at Matamata, on Saturday, is as follows:—IIeke; Morrison, Morrison, Waerea; Mcßae, Hamihora; Thompson; Waerea, Tengaio, Mcßae, Rogers, Taiapa, Solomon, Tepurei, Mackie. Emergencies: McDougall, Greening, JUNIOR FINAL.Hinuera v. Walton. The following players will represent Hinuera juniors in the competition final game against Walton on Saturday:—Fullback, A. Lansdown; threequarters, W. Hopkins, S. Germann, R. Johnston; five-eighths, E. Hawke, J. Walsh; half, H, Walsh; forwards, T. Horan, H. Hawke, R. Warrender, E. Scott, A. Swann, W. Connell, A. Campbell, J. Skinner. Emergencies: O. West, A. Rooke, H. Pitkin.

RUGBY DEBATE.

High School Fixtures.

Question of Jurisdiction.

For an hour and a half something in the nature of a “ stonewall ” discussion took place at Tuesday’s meeting of the management committee of the Matamata Rugby Union, being a continuance of the debate which was held at the previous meeting, when a resolution was passed debarring High School players from playing for the school on the same day if selected for the third grade representative teams. The chairman (Mr. J. E. Cummings) held that no distinction could be made between the school and any other club. No club could play outside matches without permission from the union.

The school delegate (Mr. J. R. Whelan) claimed that the committee had no jurisdiction over what a player did in the morning, and that in previous years no stipulation had been placed on school players. The chairman replied that this was the first year the Cucksey Cup had been competed for. It would not be fair to the representative team to drop High School players as suggested. In any case the games might not clash again for two years. Mr. Whelan: I should like a ruling as to whether the union has power over a boy in the morning.

The chairman: Yes, if the school is affiliated. Continuing, the chairman said the committee had given way to the High School in every way in such matters as age and weight limits,, etc., until he did not know what the position was without looking it up. He could guarantee the union had helped the High School more than any other union in the Waikato in regard to their schools.

Mr. Whelan admitted they had had most fair treatment, and said the school had endeavoured to arrange its own competition, but the travelling had been too great. Mr. J. H. Hawes thought a solution might be found in letting the boys play two matches in the one day. The chairman said this would not suit the selector.

Mr. C. E. Barry pointed out other clubs might ask for the same concession. All over New Zealand committees had jurisdiction over representative players. It was suggested that the High School pull out of the competition, and their players join up with other clubs. Mr. Whelan held this would be a bad move for the game, as school teams were recognised as providing good football.

Mr. W. D. L. MacDonald held the High School game would deteriorate too if the school pulled out. It would be a mistake if the boys joined up with other clubs. Mr. Whelan: We have to put the school first.

The chairman: My opinion is the players should play for the union. We have done our best to fit in. The question is whether the boys should play for the union or the school. Mr. Whelan: What we want is permission to play our games without any stipulation. We claim you have no right to tell boys what they shall do on a Saturday morning. Mr. Hawes: I think we should judge every match on its merits. The chairman: That’s what we are doing. On the chairman calling for a motion for the third time, Mr. Whelan moved that the union place no stipulation on High School teams when granted permission to play outside matches. Mr. Hawes seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously amidst some amusement. Mr. Whelan: That still leaves the union with power to stop our games. The chairman: Yes, in future the school will have to fit in.