RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

REPRESENTATIVE PLAY COLTS AND THAMES VALLEY SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT With the Auckland representative team away at Napier for the match against Hawke's Bay and the Auckland B side at Pukekohe for a contest with South Auckland, the principal attraction under the control of the Auckland Rugby Union at Eden Park on Saturday will be the game between the Auckland Colts and Thames Valley. The Colts team already has played two matches this season, and spectators who have seen its play are impressed by the players' ability. In its first encounter against Thames, at Thames, the side was defeated 3—o, while at Eden Park last Saturday the team was successful against United Services by 17 points to 12.. Thames Valley was beaten by the Colts, 29 —11, last year. There are some promising players in the Colls selection. It is unfortunate that Delajnoro, first five-eighths last week, is not available on account of an injury received in the same with United Services. Ho was the outstanding player among the backs. However, his place has been filled by a sound player in R. Bell-Booth, who has been showing form for Ma,fist this season. The threequarters. A. Itayjiea. D. Thurston and M. Sellara, all played well lust week, the first-named two particularly showing speed off the mark and handling- ability. A factor likely, to favour the home side is the kicking ability of Cawkwell. of University, who gained eight points last Saturday. Ho mado a good impression with tho two penalty goals he gained from difficult positions. The forwards dribble well, and, with Ihe conditions likely to be heavy after rain this week, their'ability may nrovide ihe difference between success and failure. Hoskins is a fine packman, whose spoiling work should be very useful. A seven-a-side knock-out tournament will also- be played at Eden Park on Saturday, and. as there has not been an event of this kind in Auckland for gome time, much interest will be taken in it. Eighteen teams have entered, representing the following clubs:— Suburbs, Artillery (2), Manukau (2), North Shore, Grafton, University, Garrison, Takapuna. Technical (2). Training College, Air Force, College Mliflcs, Marist. Parnell and Ponsonby.. These games will bo of two sevenminutes spells and will take place on all three grounds, The final will be played during the interval of the main game. The scoring, shall bei by tries, with no conversions, and in the event of the scores being even at the end of the game the winners will be decided, by the toss of a coin. No replacements will be allowed after a team has once taken part in the tournament.