RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22999, 30 September 1936, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

10 THE EDITOR. Sir,—l read the report in Monday’s Daily Times of the Ranfurly Shield match last Saturday, and I was sorry to read how Gilbert, of last years All Black team, was pulled to pieces in it. I read the report of Gilbert’s play as implying that he almost let Otago score when it wanted to do so. In another part the report stated that Whtt was twice sent away on the wing, Gilbert saving well. When the winger, Watt, centred. Gilbert must have stopped him twice. The report said: “The stopping of the All Black fullback was, indeed, disappointing, and this weakness may throw some light on the scoring of the two tries by Prince Obolenski in the test between England and New Zealand.” Sir. I would like to let your readers know that this same All Black was a hero last year. I will give you the account of how he won a match for New Zealand against Oxford University last year. Prince Obolenski made a dash of 50 yards, beating Caughey and Oliver, but Gilbert brought him down, and thus saved a certain try. This match was played in pouring rain in the first spell, and the ground was a mud patch. In the second half, just on time, Oxford University led by 9 points

to 5, when Sadler scored a try at the corner flag. The kick for goal from nearly halfway with a greasy ball meant a win or loss for New Zealand—an almost impossible task. But this same All Black Gilbert,, who stopped Obolenski from scoring, sent the heavy ball over the bar, and New Zealand won by 10 points to 9. Gilbert also kicked a goal from a try scored by M'Kenzie in the first spell. The report in your paper blames the selectors for picking Gilbert for the All Black team and the South Island team. In my opinion, the five selectors for both these teams were stronger than the report of one man. The News Chronicle report on the match to which I have referred was: “Gilbert’s fine display pulled New Zealand through." I may state that Gilbert was badly kicked on the head and refused to go off.—l am, etc., Black. September 29.