RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23719, 27 July 1940, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

PLAY AT EDEN PARK COLTS AND THAMES VALLEY SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT The Auckland Colts fifteen will play its third match of the season against Thames Valley at lid en Park this afternoon, the fixture being the principal attraction of the day arranged by the Auckland Rugby Union. In addition a seveu-a-sido tournament, for which 18 entries from senior first and second division teams have been received, will also be played on all three grounds at headquarters, commencing at 1.30 p.m. It is some time since a tournament of this kind has been seen in Auckland Rugby, and patrons will welcome the event. The final will bo contested during the' interval of the main game, two spells of seven minutes being played.

The Auckland Colls (earn comprises some very promising young players who can be relied upon to produce bright football. The indications are for heavy ground conditions in which tho forwards should revel, and their dribbling rushes should tako a power of stopping. The threequarters handle well, A. Rayues, win#, and I). Thurston in particular being Jricky runners with speed off the mark. Providing (he ball is sent out to them quickly, they , should bo seen to advantage. With such a fine kicker in the side as Cnwkwell. the side can, rely upon points frpin penalty goals and conversions, a factor which might determine Ihe result. Little i.s known locally of the I hames Valley combination, but if past performances are any criterion the side's strength cannot lie treated 100 lightly. The Colts team was successful in 'last year's fixture by '-!9 points to 11.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES

CONTEST WITH HAWKE'S BAY

The Auckland representative Rugby fifteen will meet Hawke's Bay at Napier in its third fixture of the season to-da.v. l.hc side has already played Waikato and King Country, beinpr successful on both occasions. Auckland made an improved showing against Country at Tauinarunui last week and will have to produce its best form to win to-day, as Hawke's Bay is reported .to havo a very strong: combination, including a number of prominent: players who have proved their ability in provincial and Xew Zealand representative play. Against Hawkes Bay at Eden Park last year Auckland was successful c)—n, but suffered defeat, 31 —11, Ibe previous season, when the match was played at Napier.