A Rugby Brotherhood

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1938, Page 2

A Rugby Brotherhood

Four Alisons took the field in the Maori trials. This reminds us of the family somewhere in Hawke's Bay that fielded a cricket eleven in the goad old lays, the- sisters of the players bringing their respective husbands lo make the opposing eleven. And then lucre wore some left over! Local enthusiasts’, took particular interest fn the display of Rangi Short - land in the Maori trials. During the season Shortland has attracted considerable attention playing for Pipiwai and there was a current belief that lie was a certainty for nomination. It was unfortunate, however, that his two inside* men, Ryder and Tabu, gave him so little of the hail that he could not show himself lo any advantage. Unfortunately, ho did not make opportunities that perhaps ho could have done. Once or twice ho flashed away nicely, but on his general showing he could not have expected to- be nominated. It was probably his defence weaknesses that cost him the favour of the selectors.

The curtain-raiser between Hora Hora and Central was one of the best of the lower grade matches seen at Rugby Park for some time. Both teams were evenly balanced and it was extremely difficult to pick and choose between them. Central’s baclcs bad a habit of breaking down Hora Hora's forward attacks and letting the former’s speedmen away to score, despite Hora Hora's territorial advantage throughout.

Hora Hora would do well to try out Meaney in the forwards. He was definitely oil form on Saturday and his weight would have been of more use in the pack than in the back line. A spell in the forwards has a tonic effect on backs who are not up to form. Particularly does it teach a full-back not to be afraid of falling on the leather with a pounding pack comingdown on top of him.

Central owed a lot to- its wingers. McKinnon and McKay, both of whom showed bursts of speed which completely demoralised Hora Hora. In fact, it was only when the Central backs went away in individual movements that Hora Hora lost points. Combination was not very noticeable on cither side, no doubt owing to the bad state of the ball and the ground. Central, however, worked together better as a team. No comment would be complete without reference to Patti son’s brilliant dive. It was a masterpiece. Pattison saw the line throe yards away and a bunch of opposition members closing in on him. There was no chance of running through the narrowingopening to score in approved orthodox style. There was also the realisation that only three yards separated Hora Hora from victory. Patti son took chances and performed one of those graceful spring-board dives that would win the heart of any swimming judge. Unfortunately, the mud where he •landed to score his sensational try was not as soft as It might be and when play continued, Pattison was somewhat groggy.