Bulls

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7193, 27 June 1933, Page 5

Bulls

From Our Own Correspondent Rugby Notes. The win of the Bulls seven in the To Kawau tournament at Oroua Downs on Wednesday came as a surprise m most quarters. It was rather a coincidence that the finalists (Bulls aud Oroua Downs) have yet to play off the final of the Kaugitikci Senior tournament, which, owing to tho failing ligiu oil the day in question, could not bo played. Of course, it must be conceded that the Bulls seven was much stronger in the back division than it was in the first tournament; and, while on the subject, which is to be the position of the Bulls team when the final comes to be played, for one of tho team (Kelly Fitzgerald) is now out of action, having sustained a broken leg? According to most soven-a-side rules replacements arc not permissablo, but as Fitzgerald did not receive his injury playing in tho tourney, it is hardly likely that this will apply in his ease, and his plaeo will probably be filled by either Cameron of Simpkinson. Saturday’s match between Bulls and Rata saw the latter side get their icvenge by a four point margin. Bul.s were overshadowed in the rearguard by the visitors who used every effort to bring the ball into play. The Rata halfback, S. Hartley, was the shining light of the backs, aud was the keynote of practically every passing.rush.. Had Bulls been as well served in this respect by Simpkinson, it is possible that the backs would have made a better showing. It is quite evident tlniu among the local players, there are a few too many captains, and this no doubt made tho Bulls players indecisive in some of their actions. The Ohakca senior team has shown a big improvement since the season commenced. The forwards us yet uic nist nearly fit enough, and Saturday’s game against Taikoroa must bear this fact out. They should concentrate or. making their hooking cleaner and quicker, for a snappy heel-out enables a half back to set his backs in motion before the opposing pack can do any smothering. . . The inability of: the Bulls juniors to fulfill their engagement at Bulls last Wednesday is a matter of regret, for being a homo match, there seems no reason why some sort of a team could not have been fielded against Athletic. The idea of Rugby is or rather should be the playing of the game, and it is the duty of all concerned to encourage the younger footballers in the belief that a match played and lost is better than a forfeited fixture.

The Maori rep. match at Marton on Wednesday last was the most spectacular game seen in Rangitikei for years. Zero Kane, the Rangitikei half back who has not missed representative honours since 1915, was in his element, and gave an object lesson to. many both in rush stopping and creating openings. The Taihapo forwards were in better condition than their opponents, and had the game lasted much longer, it is practically certain that the visitors woudl have equalised the score at least. Chase, Taihape’s left winger, was the outstanding back on the ground. Both G. Hartley and Lambert went well and shared honours with Kane.