ARE AFTER SHIELD

NZ Truth, Issue 1273, 24 April 1930, Page 15

ARE AFTER SHIELD

- -'■■ .: .-; ..•"•: „ 1 ,:- -^': ■•■■¥■ i : Wairarapa Getting Into Stride (From "N.Z. Truth's" Wairarapa Rep.) W7ITH the prospect of an early visit " from the British football team and the chance of regaining possession of the Ranfurly Shield, local interest m foot^" ball matters is already showing signs of being more than ordinarily keeli. Jimmy Mill has followed Cooke's example and has transfered from the Masterton Club to Old Boys. With Mill and Cooke m association, Old Boys ought to stage bright football. Ray Smith, a former club member who has lately been playing In Wellington, will probably be Cooke's partner at five eighths. Roach, the rep. full-back, is billed for the centre three-quarter position, with Clement, who played several outstanding games last season at full-back. With the other positions satisfactorily filled, Old Boys have no need to worry so far as their backs, are concerned. The Old Boys pack was a bit on the light side last year, a defect which they hope to remedy by the inclusion of Bailey (a 1 15 stone forward, who learnt his football m England and has. represented the Navy), and Stopforth (a weighty exWest Coaster).

Carterton will field substantially the same team as last season, Denby being the only doubtful starter of note. Hart intimated his intention of retiring, but has been persuaded to reconsider. Bill Irvine was reported to be under transfer to Wellington, but has been training with' the Carter-, ton Club members, who expect to hjive his services for

this season at least. Lan Harvey is a sticker, and despite the discouragement caused, by loss of members to other clubs will again take the Masterton team m hand. New members include three backs m Jackson (ex-Taranaki), Uru (who learnt his football at the M.A.C., Hawkes Bay), and Stewart., (an ex-Christchurch Club member). . Ike Sutherland is back with his old club again, and with Harvey, Roff and the Trass brothers should help to build up a pretty solid forward combination. Greytown Club will miss Martin Parker, who has announced his retirement. Martin helped to bring back the Shield from Canterbury the year before last. Cundy also had ideas In regard to handing m his Jersey.'.but latest advices are to the effect that he will be ready for the Britishers. Wairarapa had high hopes a while back of seeing Quentin Donald m action again this season, but the ex-All Black hooker accepted nomination as sole selector .m succession to Ted McKenzie, who will be otherwise engaged m shepherding the Britishers on their tour of N.Z. Quentin's appointment as senior selector was unanimous and popular. The season m Wairarapa will be officially opened with a nine-a-side tournament at Carterton next Saturday. • Unless the grounds get the benefit of a good soaking rain before then, there are certain to be many "scratchings."