SWIMMING ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20387, 16 October 1929, Page 17

SWIMMING ITEMS.

WATER POLO ACTIVITIES.

STRENGTH OF VARIOUS TEAMS.

GRAMMAR CLUB'S POSITION

With indications that club combinations will bo more evenly matched than has been the caso for some seasons interclub water polo competition for the Auckland premiership promises to be very keen this season. Al least three teams, Waitemata, Parncll and Ponsonby, have great chances of depriving Mount Eden, last season's champions, of tlio honours.

Most of the clubs have so far done little practice, as the water at the Parncll, Shelly Beach and Mount Eden Baths has been too cold, but the spell of warm weather which has prevailed of late has been sufficient inducement to most players to take the water, and by tho end of tho month they should bo in fino fettle. At the Tepid Baths, of course, the ball lias been constantly in use, and many players are putting in good work. Although it is yet too early in the season for the clubs to select their senior sevens it is evident that tho general composition of the teams will be much tho samo as last season.

Mount Eden, which bad its first championship success last season, will field almost Ibe same team as did battle last season, and so it will be a solid proposition. 11. Moore, the centre secretary, who captained the side last year, met with an accident during the winter, and it is unlikely that he will be available this season His defection will leave a gap difficult to fill. Tho likely forwards, Plank, do Loree and Portcous, present a speedy and steady combination. A half will havo to bo found in place of Moore, but tho club is fortunate in having several promising players. First choice men for backs are Wit ten, Champion and Foy. Parnell's Prospects.

The runners-tip in the competition last season, l'arnell, will again ho ablo to turn out a strong team. Honeyfield at centre-forward, will lie probably supported by the Withers brothers on each wing, this making a line powerful on attack. The first string backs are likely to be Graham, at half, Wilson, Cameron and Noble, bub there are several others who are able to fit nicely in the combination when needed.

Waitemata's prestige, which received a blow last season in that it lost the championship for the first lime since the competition was instituted, appears likely to be restored to its former position this season. Two new faces will be seen in the A team. It is reported that Farrell, who played for Auckland in 1927 and 1928, is going over to University. Lindsay and Leask, who played for the Wellington team which won tho inter-pro-vincial championship last season, are sure to gain places in the team. 'lbe possible loss of Farrell, therefore, will not materially weaken tho side.

On attack Cunnold will probably play centre, being supported by Lindsay and Leask on tho wings. Judging by tho scoring power of these forwards, it seems there is hardly a more dangerous line in Auckland. Tho evergreen Enwright will, no doubt, again play half, and ho will bo a tower of strength, both on at* tack and defence. Hedges and Kenny should combine well as backs. Tho position of goalkeeper is somewhat obscure, but Fairgray, possibly the safest custodian in Auckland, may turn out again. There is no doubt this is a powerful side and it is certain the team will make a better showing than last season. With practically the same team wearing tho blue and black caps this year, I'onsonby expects to make a much better showing than last season when it finished in third place. Stevens, Brooking and Baper will be sound forwards while Jenkinson at half and Neale, Lynch and Svlow will constitute the defence, the lastnamed being in goal.

Grammar Club's Juniors

Providing Grammar does not 'cease its activities, it should be able to field a fairly strong team. There will probably be more changes in (he personnel of its representatives than in any other side. W. Batty, the Rugby forward, Bridson, Hvaniason and Hanna, who were the mainstays of the side last season, may play again for the, club. There is a wealth of junior talent available to fill the vacant positions. Recruits from the Navy arc counted upon to add strength io Devonport's seven. Lowe, Curtayne and Homiston will be available again.

Tho apathy of ol<l boys to the clul) is (he reason the Grammar Club is considering the advisability of suspending its activities. As stated at the annual meeting last week from every standpoint, except that of finance, the past season has been one of the best ever experienced. The club had three of tho finest swimmers in the Dominion included in its membership, and its efforts in promoting swimming in the Grammar schools had been highly successful. Unless an assurance of increased support is given by old boys at a special meeting next Wednesday the club will be compelled to disband. In (he interests of the boys of the schools and of swimming generally such a course would be regrettable. WRESTLING MATCHES. SUNN! CHALLENGES VANCE. M. A. Snnni, the Indian wrestler; writes as follows:—"There has been a great deal of controversy, both with tho public and also somo members of tho New Zealand Wrestling Association, as to whether I am good enough to meet some of tho overseas wrestlers in the Dominion. As Farmer Vance was defeated in the title match last week, and is asking for a return match, I am issuing a challenge through your paper that .1 will undertake to pin Vanco within 30 minutes for any stake that ho desires, and in the event of my losing the match I will give my share of the gate to any charity that your paper or tho New Zealand Wrestling Association wishes. "It does seem inconsistent to me and lo every right-thinking person that, although Vanco has been beaten in all his matches (except against Gardeni), he is given bouts against the rest of tho overseas contingent, even matches involving the light-heavy-weight championship of the world. I think that if Vance wrestles me and I fail to defeat him in tho qualified time, then ho will be justified in his persistent challenges for the light-heavy-weight title of the world. " My bout, should it eventuate, will clearly show whether or not Vance's challenges are justified. I have been ready to challenge in Ibe ring, but far have been prevented from doing so." LANG RIDGE'S BOWLING. MOST IMPROVED IN ENGLAND Once, again I find it necessary to refer to James Langridge, one of the many Sussex all-rounders, says an English sporting writer. Many claim him to be the most improved left-handed bowler in England, and certainly much could be said in support of that opinion. He seems to be a "potential England player, and it was as recently ns last month that he completed his" 23rd year. For him last week's match with Glamorgan at Swansea was nothing less than a triumph, for ho scored 13 and a chanceless 103, besides taking 11 wickots for ft fraction over 11 runs each. Such figures speak for thcmsolves, but it may bo added that seldom indeed docs a player credit himself with 100 runs as well as 10 wickets in a single game Among his earlier feats will) tho ball this season were seven for 10 v. Somerset at Hove and seven for 16 v. Hants at Bournemouth.,