L. McCann May Play As Fullback

Northern Advocate, 5 July 1947, Page 4

L. McCann May Play As Fullback

Mangonurs fullbacK on oaturday was C. Hoskin, playing his first county game, the half was mudlark Bill Hemi, the five-eighths R. Franich and Joe Murray, and the threequarter line J. Pene, L. McCann and J. Reid, the last-named also being in his first season of county football.. This was the first match this year in which the fullback’s position ha 3 been given to a club man from this post, earlier games being handled by Ted Reid, who on Saturday showed his pleasure at going back into the pack by turning on a fine game. Hoskin,, who for two seasons has been a reliable fullback for the Kaitaia Club, did not make his best showing and the position may have to be reviewed. With the improved performance of Furrell, who replaced McCann when the latter- was hurt, the selectors may have a threequarter to spare and it is possible McCann may be given a trial this week in the combined match as custodian, a position he is well used to in club football.

Murray and Franich have added phenomenal sting to the Mangonui attack and are both playing well up to reputed form. With any three of the four threequarters available this pair, well served by Hemi from the scrum, should be able to place Mangonui’s backs on a par with other Northland county teams. Supporters feel’ that Murray has enough tricks in store to equal Peter Smith' and his, generalship can probably go far to help his centre—if not fully to counter Johnny Smith, at least to give that All Black some moments of stress.