In League

Northern Advocate, 25 May 1949, Page 8

In League

Hikurangi Lead

At the conclusion of the first round of the Northland Rugby League's senior''competition, Hikurangi is in a strong position, having won all five games and piled up 95 points, with 18 against. Takahiwai and Whangaruru occupy second position. They have had three wins and a draw, and are three points behind the leader. City, West End and Portland follow in that order. 181 Teams In Northland A total of 181 Rugby teams takes part in the club competitions of the nine Northland sub-unions. They comprise 70 senior, six open junior, 47 restricted junior, 33 third grade, 15 fourth grade and 10 fifth grade.. This information was made available at the monthly meeting of the NARU management committee in Whangarei on Monday night, when the payment of affiliation fees to the NZRU was being finalised. Table Tennis Tenacity The old saying that a game is never lost till it is won was demonstrated in an inter-club table tennis match in Whangarei last week. Playing for Whangarei No. 1 in the A grade. Lamb was one game up against Gilberd but was trailing 14—20 in the second. He then fought back grandly, however,, took eight points in a row, and won 22—20. Saturday's Clash The fate of the Whangarei senior Rugby championship more or less rests upon the match on Saturday between Old Boys and Hora flora. Should Old Boys win, they will have established a five-point lead over Hora Hora on the ladder, and the competition will virtually be over. These deams met on opening day and, after a grand game Old Boys won 6—3. Old Boys have won their three subsequent matches with comparative , ease. Hora Hora beat Mid-Northern and City comfortably, but were held to a draw by Mid-Western. The red-and-golds are right out to turn the tables on the leaders this week and so keep the championship alive. Their form against City on Saturday was promising, and justified the confidence of supporters. Points scored in the first round of the competition are: Old Boys 8, Hora Hora 5, Mid-Western .3, Mid-Northern 2, City 2. Form and results have shown that Old Boys and Hora Hora are the only teams really up to senior standard. Both these sides are well balanced, and have provided the public with good entertainment.

First Match Tuesday The All Blacks play their first match of the South African tour against Western Province Universities next Tuesday. The 24th and final game—the fourth test—concludes the itinerary at Port Elizabeth’ on September 17. There is no doubt that the African campaign will dwarf any football in New Zealand in the matter of public interest, but players and the Rugby public at home have been well provided for with the tour by the Australians and a full list of interprovincial fixtures all over the country. This year’s North v. South Island match is being played at Christchurch on October 1. . . .. _ _ I

Whakapara Golf Keen tussles ensued in the Whakapara Golf Club’s two Stableford rounds for the Russek and Swinburne Cups. Mrs McDougall won the Russek Cup by virtue of a last round which netted her 31 points. Mrs Finlayson’s two rounds were steady, and, although she tied with Mrs McDougall with a total of 45, she was counted out. Claude Hamilton, by consistent play, lifted the Swinburne Cup by a single point from club-captain Ivan Watson, who on an 11 handicap, is virtual scratch man in the club. Watson collected 34 points to lead by one point ' after the first round. He crashed on the outward journey last week, but recovered splendidly on the second nine where he scored 17 of his 25 points, for a total of 59, one behind Hamilton. The latter has enjoyed a great run, having won a trophy at each outing, and at the same time succeeded in reducing his handicap. Inter-Club Golf A shield, presented by the president of the Maungatapere Golf Club (Mr Wharfe) is to be played for by the Maungatapere and Whakapara Golf Clubs in annual home-and-away matches. Each club will be Represented by six men and six ladies. The first match will be contested on the Whakapara course as soon as arrangements are 1 finalised.

Promising Young Whangarei Golfer One of the most promising of the young golfers at Mt Denby is Carrie Arneil who, since the beginning of the season, has reduced his handicap from 21 to 18. Arneil has a pleasing style, has been playing consistently each week, and impresses as one who, as he gains experience, is likely to develop into a first-class player. Jack Glanville. Ihe club champion, is in fine form. On Sunday he made a gross score of 72 for the 18 holes. He thus played two under his handicap of one. On Saturday, Glanville had a gross 74.