Manawatu Representative Side

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 173, 25 July 1939, Page 2

Manawatu Representative Side

TO PLAY ASHBURTON ON SATURDAY Tho Alanawatu Rugby fifteen to play the touring Ashburton side at Palmerston North on Saturday has been announced by the Manawatu sole-selector, Mr. J. A. Colquhoun, as follows: Full-back: D. Buick (Old Boys), 12st. 71b. Wing three-quarters: D. Little (’Varsity) 12st., J. G. Mitchell (’Varsity), 12st. Centre; A. Stewart (’Varsity) 12st. Five-eighths: J. Finlay (Feilding Old Boys) 13st. (second), J. Thomas (Kia Toa) 12st. (first). Half-back: N. Parris (Kia Toa) lOst. 71b. Front row: I. Dustin (United), 14st. 41b., L. Thorne (Kia Toa) 13st., C. Porter (Old Boys) 13st. 71b. Locks: G. Terry (’Varsity) 14st. 81b., R. AI. AlcKenzie (Kia Toa) lost. Sib., captain. Sides: T. Newman (Feilding) 13st. 71b., 11. L. McLaren (’Varsity) 14st. Back row: W. Powell (St. Patrick’s; 13st. 91b. Reserves: Forwards, B. o’Dea (Old Boys), L. Findlay (United), Y. Fleming (Old Boys), A. Williams (Kia Toa); backs, AI. Dernier (Feilding), C. Edlin (St. Patrick’s), J. Howell (Old Boys), F. L. Irvine (Old Boys). NINE NEW PLAYERS INCLUDED TO BE TESTED FOR SOUTHERN TOUR Including nine player who did not partake in the last Alanawatu representative fixture, against Wanganui on June 5, the team to play Ashburton, although an indication of tho final selection, includes players who will be tested iu view of tho Manawatu challenge match for the Ranfurly Shield. Probably two or threo positions may see changes, depending on the performances of the players on Saturday. Averaging 12 stone in the backs and 14 stone iu the forwards, it appears that tho most satisfactory combination has been selected, one which should develop into a stronger side than that which defeated Wellington but was beaten by Wanganui. A notable feature is the inclusion of five University players—the threequarters, Little, Stewart and Mitchell, and heavy forwards, Terry and McLaren. Tho wing three-quarters of the highly-successful University side, Little and Alitchell, have been playing brilliant football during the last live or six weeks. Noted for his versatility, Stewart, usually second five-eighth, has played in several positions in the University backline this season, and should co-ordinate well with Little and Aiitchell as centre-threequarters. This position has been well-filled by Guild in club-footbajl, but in a recent game against United, Stewart played a particularly attractive game at full-back, frequently linking up with the threequarters to add considerable strength to attacking movements. The defensive strength of the Manawatu side should be strengthened by the inclusion of D. Buick as full-back. Previously a three-quarter, Buick has rapidly improved his play as full-back for Old Boys, and in recent encounters has made himself tho logical choice for the position in the representative team. With considerable talent from which to select, tho forward pack is actually one best-suited for a match with a Southern team, against which hardrucking, heavy forwards are required in preference to the ty*pe that excel it loose play. In tlic game against Wanganui last Saturday, Ashburton proved that they could play hard in the forwards, and the same must certainly be said of Otago and Southland, whom Manawatu will later encounter. B. McCashin (St. Pat’s) not being available on account of a foot injury, the

front-row forwards are the most suitable offering, with nuggety L. Thorne centre-hooker. Terry, McKenzie and McLaren, three of the heaviest, were certainties for tho middle row, but Newman’s and Powell’s positions might bo as easily filled by Williams, Findlay on Fleming. The forwards, incidentally include several useful place-kickers, including Terry, McLaren, McKenzie and Powell.

Also a valuable place-kicker, J. Finlay has wisely been chosen as second five-eighth, a position in which he should play with better purpose that wing-forward. Ho will bo coupled with Thomas, Kia Toa Jive-eighths, who could not be left out of the side. Parris replaces Edlin at half-back. Parris and Thomas were both seen to advantage in the recent game botween Kia Toa ami Old Boys. Edlin may not have been seen at his best because of injuries, but Parris is a dangerous attacking back and is quick to find openings. As the Oroua Sub-Union will have a representative fixture with Southern j Hawke’s Bay, holders of the Bebbington Shield, on Saturday, none of their players was available for the Manawatu match. WANGANUI DEFEAT ASHBURTON TOURING TEAM STRONG “In a match notable for its hard forward play, deadly tackling and sound display by the losing team’s full-back the Wai.ganui Rugby representative team beat Ashburton on Spriggens Park on Saturday by 14 points to 11. Wanganui scored two tries, one of which was converted, and kicked two penalty goals. On the day there was little between the two teams, Ashburton showing superiority forward and splendid defence against the more dangerous Wanganui backs,” states the Wanganui Chronicle. Considering the brilliant showing of the Wanganui team recently in Palmerston North, tho Ashburton team must be a strong one to make such a favourable impression. The Wanganui commentator continues: “When a team can play hard in tho forwards, has backs who can tackle and is reliably served on the last line of defence, it will take a good side to beat it. Wanganui found that out on Saturday. “Tho Asliburtou team had plenty of life forward and its form suggested that to cope with Hawke’s Bay, South-