RUGBY NOTES

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1929, Page 7

RUGBY NOTES

(By “Tackier.”) SENIOR. .

SUBPBiSE DEFEAT. The defeat of Old Boys by Portland came as somewhat of a surprise to followers of the competition, and possibly as a surprise to the Old Boys themselves. Portland, though a. steady combination, have not occupied a very high place on the ladder, but the form they produced on Saturday indicated that they were a team of latent possibilities. Certainly an ‘analysis of the scores shows that both sides only crossed the lino once and the remaining points were made up by free kicks. Nevertheless Portland were able to easily hold their opponents. The disparity between the two teams was not great, but Old Boys did not display as good fonii as they produced’ on the previous Saturday, when the backs threw the ball about m good style and with accuracy. Britland played a good game, and Sligo also showed) patches of clever work. Wilson, for Portland, was prominent and his kicking was very sound. Paki and Mackie both played steadily.

POOR EXHIBITION. Old Boys juniors did not produce football of a standard expected, from ex-secondary school boys on .Saturday in 'their match with School,' and their whole exhibition lacked sparkle and initiative. School improved immensely before -tl’ie end-of the game, and began to play some good football. Williams played a really line game behind the pack, without any unnecessary flourishes or futile tactics in trying to break through alone, and he deserves a regular position in, the team. Izzard missed a number of passes, but the Behoof passing was not of the best. Doel made several breakaways for Old Boys, and his speed was a useful factor, enabling him to score twice. FRIENDLY RIVALRY. In the game Mangakahia v. Hikurangi, the play was of the friendliest nature and conducted iu an excellent spirit, throughout. M. Rika, who was responsible, for a try for Mangakahia, was in good form, and Rarity played an excellent game. Mcl.mes, too, displayed some clover football.

The game ’Karamen and City was between a battling set of forwards, rising even above' themselves in their desire to .win, and a superior bae;< division which was starved by its own pack and bustled 1 by the other. Will at little back play there was did not get very far. Both sides trad defensive tarriers which were almost impenetrable, and time and time again resolute collaring accounted for speed. It was hard football, and the referee needed! to be always watchful. Besides having superior forwards, iMaungakaramea won because the

desire to do so was more real to them than their opponents. . They were a lot of zealots, inspired by confidence in themselves. ODIOUS BARRAOIvING. No’comment, on the play would be complete without reference to tin barracking of a. certain section ot “ heroes' ’ on the sideline. Either they knew nothing at ail .about football, or, what was more likely, Were blinded by partisanship. .Much of the comment was biased, indiscriminate mudi unfair. Such noisy clamour of unloosed tongues would; be ridiculous and laughable were it not for the fact that, given enough of it, players are likely to be affected. Really good sportsmen may lose their 'heads and their sportsmanship on account of unconsidered criticisms by the men who piefer to play their football on the line.

One particularly annoying feature concerned wholly inaccurate and iguoiant remarks passed about an All Black who was taking part in the game. Luckily the offenders in this respect were few, but it is no compliment either to the loyalty or commonsense of tliis handful that they should ‘‘pick to pieces” one who comes from the same centre as themselves, and who has been considered Jit by the best judges in the land to gain the highest honour possible, for a New Zealand Eugby player. it has been proved many times that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country, Im't footballers should receive .different treatment from their public, who, after all, are supposed to be sports themselves. Then another objectionable 'phase was the odious comparisons drawn be-

tween Kerr, North Auckland's fullback, and McLennan, a young player who has created a tremendous impression this season by his line play. Whangarei is indeed fortunate to have .two such exponents of the position. Both are lit for any rep. team, but to say. ■as a number did on Saturday, Hull Kerr was useless, and 1 a burden to his side, was an insult to a critic-As imagination. On the day, Kerr war splendid. His kicking was littd short of nueanay, his collaring was good,, and, besides being- the last line of defence; he was looking for points ail the time. He made one mistake, .McLennan also played great football, but on several occasions made slight errors, which experience wi ! eradicate. On the day he was not flubetter full-back, although he nun have been an equally good player. in spite ot his youth, he is quite good enough to wear a Whangarei rep. Jersey at least, but with Kerr in the running “ Tackier’' is of the opinion that McLennan would he more useful ns centre three-quarter, or even fiveeighths, where lie displayed his line unselfishness and scoring ability for the junior reps, last year. Bui wliv the uncharitable compare sous of Saturday? They show parochialism, serve no useful purpose, mid arc not becoming of Rugby supporters. Good-mi fu red barracking, and even merited criticism when it is not made too harsh and personal, is the best thing in the world, but ignorant bawl lug is to be deplored.

P. W. L. D. Por Agst. Pts City 7 0 1 — .102 29 12 'Ivaramoa 0 5 1 — 07 34 10 Old Boys 7 4 3 — (3!) 43 « Portland • 0 2 3 . .1 35 50 ' 5 M ’kahia 7 1 4 2 20 85 4 Hikurangl 7 — r> 1' 32 85 1