NORTHLAND SPORTS DIARY...

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1949, Page 3

NORTHLAND SPORTS DIARY...

Enthusiastic Northland

Sheep Dog Trialists

IF prizes were awarded for sporting enthusiasm, Northland sheep dog trialists must be well in the running. Their lot, compared with that of those south of Auckland, is fraught with many difficulties and disadvantages, but, in spite of this, they have been instrumental in bringing about a marked growth in the popularity of the sport. This is reflected in the fact that at least half ot the 10 clubs affiliated to the Northland Centre have come'into being in the last few years

Northland is thus more than keeping pace with the trend in central districts of the North Island, which are regarded as the home of trials in New Zealand.

Northland’s oldest club, Maungakaramea, whose meeting is probably the biggest north of Auckland, was host to a regiment of keen enthusiasts from all northern districts and from Waikato, on Monday and yesterday. Among them were men whose names have been household words in the wide Northland slieep-dog' community for many years.

Among them, too, were comparatiye tyros who, in the next few years, will graduate into the top class of Northland trialists. STANDARD IMPROVES The growing popularity of the sport is accompanied by a steady improvement in the standard of performances. This is particularly noticeable among the novice and maiden dogs.

The breeding of Northland sheep dogs is regarded as equal to that anywhere in the Dominion.

Messrs A. Ariell (Maungaturoto), P. McKenzie (Broadwood), E. Wakelin (Kamo), and J. Lillico (Whangarei) are undoubtedly responsible for this happy state qf affairs. Mr McKenzie is one of the original trial enthusiasts of the Far North, and has played a prominent part in .the formation of clubs and the introduction of young men to the sport. Mr Ariell has owned many fine dogs, and and their progeny have won many prizes at Northland trials. The remarkable heading ability of his dog Toss will never be forgotten hy those who saw him on trial courses. The greatest handicap which Northland dogs suffer is their inability to gain experience in sheep work. In Hawke’s Bay and other southern wool-growing districts, trial enthusiasts are working their dogs among sheep practically every day of the week. Most of the top-line trialists are shepherds and station-managers. • WORK AMONG COWS

In the North, the dogs are used principally among dairy herds. Trial enthusiasts run a few sheep on which to train their dogs, or rely on a neighbouring mixed farmer for these opportunities. \ The shqep used at Northland trials are also much more difficult to handle than those in the south, which come off one station, are from one line, and are accustomed to being handled by dogs. Trial courses in the North, too, are rougher and more difficult to work than those in the Waikato.

Very few Northlanders are able to travel to the centre of the North Island to gain experience, on account of the trial dates there clashing with the milking season here. All these factors have a bearing on the points scored by dogs at Northland trials. Generally, they do not compare too favourably with the south. NORTHLAND JUDGES HARDER? Some competitors feel that Northland judges are harder in awarding points, and that this creates a false impression in the matter of standards. Others contend that lack of opportunities to train -dogs and give them the necessary experience in sheep work robs them of that finish which marks the work of the best southern trial competitors. In spite of the difficulties, the sport is increasing in popularity in the North. •.** * > * Pukepoto's Bid That Pukepoto XV is making a determined bid for promotion from senior reserve status to the Mangonui Rugby Union’s senior A division was shown last Saturday in the trouncing which this team handed out to Far North for a 23—0 decision. At the end of the first round the leading team of the lower grade will have the right to challenge the lowest senior A side for its position. Pukepoto is the only unbeaten side in its grade after three games, previously having won 33 —3 from Taipa and B—6 from Peria. With two playing Saturdays to go in the first round of the senior A competition. Doubtless Bay so far has been the least fortunate, losing all three games played. Far North, the combined team drarwn from Houhora, Te Kao and Te Hapua, is the only unbeaten XV in this grade. Basis of the Pukepoto back-line last Saturday was seen in S. Snowdon.

five-eighth, and J. Walters, county representatives, who formerly played for Te Rarawa seniors, now in recess. They received great support inside from Eddie Walker, while John Yates, son of the well-known Moses Yates, performed impressively on the wing. J. Josephs, the hooker, Tahana, C. Thorburn and M. Robson led a pack which carried far too much fire for the Far Northerners on the day, bursting Through almost at will in the loose, although neither set of forwards seemed inclined to get their heads down in the tight. He Loses A Stroke Wilfred Thompson, who topped the list with 35 points in the Kailaia Golf Club’s stableford round last Saturday, paid, the penalty, in due course, the handicapper reducing him by one stroke, to 10. New Kaitaia Links Kaitaia golfers, so far, . seem thoroughly satisfied with the facilities provided by their new course, the first nine holes of which were opened for play this season. Fairways are in good order, under the influence of the recently-purchased 1.1-actor mower, greens are true, and the hazards, while spectacular, not unduly trying to the temperament. Good progress has been made in regrassing fairways and greens where necessary, and the portion now in use carries a good sole of sward. The course was subjected to its first real climatic test last week-end, following a week of wet weather, with several heavy showers. Most portions were found remarkably firm and it was evident that there were few spots from which the water had not run off freely. w Kt * m Lack Of Experience ’ Principal current worry facing Ole Boys, unbeaten champions of tfte Mangonui junior Rugby competition last season, lies in the lack of experienced inside backs. Tommy Hoddle, 1948 Mangonui third-grade representative half, on promotion to junior, has shaken down well in this position, but lacks reliable five-eighths to carry the ball out to Owen Berghan, hard and straight-running centre. R'. Thorburn and M. Kessell, the new inside men, are shaping well, but still lack speed and confidence. Consequently, although the forwards won a feast of the ball against Pukepoto last week, several resultant back movements went vainly across-field and frequently lost ground. This was specially noted after Berghan dropped‘back to fullback following a bump in the first half. Nevertheless, Old Boys won 17—0. Cup Match To Be \ Played At Whangarei The New Zealand Maori Advisory Board has recommended to the NZRU that the 1949 Prince of Wales Cup match between Tai Tokei-au and Tai Rawhiti be played at Whangarei on Augilst 13. It is almost certain that the' parent body will adopt the recommendation. Northland Rugby enthusiasts will be pleased that one of the most popular fixtures of the season is again to be included in the list of NARU home fixtures. Tai Rawhiti’s challenge is expected to be the strongest that Tai Tokerau has yet received since winning the trophy three seasons ago. The Tai Rawhiti team is drawn from Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay, in which unions there is much first-class Maori talent. The Tai Tokerau team is now drawn solely from the NARU’s territory. *.» • * Cyclists' First Outing The Whangarei Cycling Club held .its first official road race since the war last Saturday, over a rough route of 18J miles. Only five riders competed, but it is hoped to interest more followers of the sport. It is intended to stage races for novices, for which some fine trophies have been promised. Dargaville and Auckland cyclists are expected to compete in a road race from Dargaville to Whangarei during the Winter Show week.

Harriers Gain Strength Members of the harrier section of the Whangarei Amateur Athletic Club raced oved a seven-mile course last Saturday. Starting from the Baptist Church in tipper Bank Street, the route followed Maunu Road to the top of Maunu Hill, then down Reservation Road to Raumanga, along Otaika Road, back to Maunu Road, for the finish in Bank Street. Next Saturday runners will start from Mr S. Hartnell’s residence in Mill Road. Seventeen competed in last week’s race. The club has received considerable assistance from members of the Baptist Harrier Club. Eight new members are expected from the Boy's High School after the holidays. * * • * # Draffin's Mishap Ross Draffin, captain of Springfield .hockey team last year and vice-cap-tain this year, will be out of the game for a few Saturdays as he has broken his right ankle. He slipped from a car into a' dip between the tar seal and a clay verge and was admitted to the Whangarei Hospital. Playing at either centre or inner, he was one of the strongest forwards in the team and he will be missed against Mangapai next Saturday. This match should produce some hard and fast hockey. Mangapai, so far, has an unbeaten record. • * * * Hockey Points Championship points in the Whangarei Hockey Association’s weekly competitions are:— Men’s A: Mangapai 6, Old Boys A 5, Rovers A 4, Springfield 4, Ramblers 3, High School A 2, Maungakaramea 0, Maungatapere 0. Men’s B: Puwera 4, Rovers B 4, Old Boys B 2, High School B 0, High School C 0. Ladies’ A: Maungakaramea 6, Old Girls Blue 4, Kara 3, Old Girls Gold 2, NAF 2, High Schdool A 0, Hikurangi A 0. Ladies’ B: Mangapai 6, Hikurangi Int. 4, Maungatapere 4, Vitis 2, Hikurangi B 2, High School B o.^ In a professional catch-weight boxing match at Hamilton on Monday, lan Cruickshanks, lOst 71b (Dunedin); beat Frank Harris, lOst 111 b (Auckland), on points. The bout was keenly contested and the decision met a mixed reception. Cruickshanks employed body blows, while Harris concentrated mainly on his opponent’s head and face.