RUGBY SOUTH CANTERBURY IS READY

NZ Truth, Issue 1220, 18 April 1929, Page 15

RUGBY SOUTH CANTERBUR V IS READY

Men of The Plains Have Their Kicking Boots On (From "N.Z.; Truth's" Temuka Representative). Now that winter is approaching and the Rugby season is' at hand, footballers m South Canterbury are bestirring themselves. Annual meetings have been held, and the majority of clubs are m a nourishing condition.

THIS applies to both* the financial' and numerical "strength of the clubs, v That fine forward, Ron. Stewart, was recently reported to have put his boots on the shelf. However, he turned out for his club (Old Boys) at Easter, and it is almost a foregone conclusion that he will again don the jersey this season. The rigors of last ■_ year's South African tour may haye had some effect, but Stewart's form against Christchurch Old Boys at Easter indicated that he is still m good form. All Black Archie Strang, who is at present domiciled m Temuka, will assist the- magpies this season. Archie has been elected skipper, and his experience will no doubt prove of great benefit to the country team. . Temuka will also have the services of H. Priestly, ex- Hawkes Bay and Sou,th Canterbury rep., who is schoolteaching m that town. Priestly was unfortunate last year m sustaining, an injury which put him out of commission. However, he is how m good form to stand up to a hard season. Celtic, last year's runners-up, have been beaten m two friendly games by a team from H.M.S. Ciomede; This fact should not depress the Celts, for their form was distinctly encouraging for the opening of the season. The greens should be a hard nut to crack. Old Boys, who have an almost permanent home for the Skinner Cup,, must heeds reshuffle their pack somewhat if they would keep the trophy m their possession. The loss of; five of last year's forwards!, m "Dooley" Coxhead, Halstead, Aitken, Berry and Dodd, , will be almost a k.o. for the royal blues. Their rearguard has suffei-ed a similar depreciation, chief among the absentees being Bob Scott (last sea-

son's S.C. rep. skipper), "W. Scott and Bill Lawson, R. Scott, who has decided to give the game best, will be sadly missed— both by Old Boys and South Canterbury. J. Wilkes, from Blenheim, and R. King will be newcomers to the ranks of the Star Club. With the further assistance of a couple of .promoted juniors, the Stars should hold their own. \. . Zingari will field a team almost identical with that of last 'season. D. Fairbrother and Co., assisted by a strain of new blood m the person of D. Cunnold, should make the sparks fly. ■•■.-'. There were rumors current recently that Waihi would have the hardest part to do to field a team. Their energetic president, "Jerry" South, would never say die, however. A tribute to his good work is the fact that the Winchester team was seen m action last week, when they licked a Hinds side by 15 points to 3. i Saturday, April 27, will see the opening of the competitions, and interest is already running high. Old Boys and Temuka seem to be the popular selections.