COMMENCEMENT OF CUP MATCHES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 118, 17 May 1909, Page 2

COMMENCEMENT OF CUP MATCHES.

- The Cup inatclies in connection with the Marlborough Rugby Union commenced on Saturday. Five games were set down for. decision—two senior and three junior. Of these, four were played, the remaining fixture—Opawa juniors v. Awatere—being postponed. None of the town teams secured a win, the country prevailing in every case. The football, as was only to be expected at the beginning of the season, was not of a, high order; the players lacked condition (in this characteristic they resembled the grounds) and none of the teams possessed any of.that combination which, it is hoped, will soon manifest itself. One or two new faces were seen in the senior ranks, and one or two new players, if they keep on like they have begun, will be well to the fore when the representative team comes to be picked. This fact should stimulate all the members of last year s "reps." who are still taking part m the good old game to do their best, and an all-round improvement in both local and ihterprovincial football should result. The Union's Ground Committee will have to bestir themselves, as the Show Grounds are nowhere near In a fit state to play on yet. There are too many stones on the western ground, and the touchlines of both want properly marking out. The grandstand, too, should be opened for anybody who desires to utilise it. The attendance at the town matches was disappointing; evidently the public need more than a first-of-season. game, to! tempt them so far out of the precincts of Market Square.; The weather, however, was mot all that could be desired, as a bitterly cold south-east wmd blew throughout the afternoon. This may have militated against the attendance. Following were the results of the matches played: SENIOR CUP. t Moutere 14,; Central 6. Awatere 6, Opawa 3. JUNIOR CUP. Waitohi9, Central B 3. ;. Moutere 16, Central A 0.