Representative Rugby

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 174, 26 July 1939, Page 2

Representative Rugby

PUKETOI TEAM TO MEET BUSH TO-DAY AT PONGAROA The sole selector (Mr. P. H. Donovan) has chosen tho following to represent Puketoi in a match against the Bush representatives, to be played at Pongaroa this afternoon:—Full-back, Peters (Pongaroa); three-quarters, F. Hodder (Pongaroa), I. Hay (Coast), 11. Urquhart (Pukehinau); five-eighths, F. Herbert (Tiraumea), D. Bowie (Pukeliinau), vice-captain; half-back, L. Berry (Pongaroa); front row, H. Maranui (Coast), J. McMillan (Pongaroa), W. Meech (Pongaroa); back row, G. Laing (Tiraumea), captain; G. Thompson (Coast), J. Meech (Pukehinau), R. Newlands (Pukehinau), E. Lynch (Coast). Reserves: Backs, V. O’Brien (Tiraumea), C. Gichard (Pongaroa), M. Harold (Pukehinau); forwards, C. Bellshaw (Tiraumea), C. Watson (Pukehinau). There has been a complete reshuffle of the back line. Hay has been shifted to centre, and his usual position at fullback has been taken by Peters, who has been showing good form for Pongaroa. F. Herbert has been moved from centre to second five-eighth, and L. Berry has been shifted from that position to halfback. As was the case in the previous match against Bush, when the result was a di-aw, Hartgill is unavailable, on this occasion through injuries, and another absentee will be the forward, W. Thomas. The forwards are identical with those who represented Puketoi in the previous match, and are a fairly weighty pack, including such heavy players as Laing, J. Meech. and G. Thompson. The back lino contains several fast men, including the wingers, F. Hodder and H. Urquhart, the latter of whom will be playing his first match for Puketoi. In addition, Herbert, second five-eighth, has speed, as he has demonstrated in recent club matches. Peters, who has been selected for the full-back position, is safe, and never allows himself to become bustled. Although Hartgill will no doubt be missed, Berry is very sound at half-back, and is a good substitute, and the Berry-D. Bowie combination should function satisfactorily. The ground at the domain is in a slippery condition after recent rain, and it is likely to be heavy.