RUGBY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26232, 16 August 1946, Page 3

RUGBY NOTES

NORTH OTAGO v. SOUTH CANTERBURY

The new blood infused into the North Otago team by the selectors, and the reshuffle that took place in the backs, made a considerable difference to the play of rhe North Otago side against South Canterbury at Timaru last Saturday. Although defeated, it was not the ignominious defeat suffered fn the previous game against South Canterbury at Oamaru. In fact, to those who saw the game, it was obvious that the local team was unlucky m not sectoring a win The two new backs, Parker (full-back) and Finnegan (wing three-quarter), by their performances, justified their inclusion. McGregor, a newcomer to thfe North Otago pack, replaced Brown at-the back of the scrum and Twaddle replaced E. Strachan, who was injured early in the game. Although good forwards, both are too light for representative football. Small proved himself a very capable forward in both the tight and loose play. Kilgour, back in . his usual club position at centre three-quarter, was obviously more at home than on the wing, where he was previously placed in representative games, and played his best representative game to date. The forwards were notable on Saturday for their solid packing, and this was responsible for North Otago getting a good share of the bal) Miller played his usual sound game as hooker, and Cameron impressed with his nlay in the loose. ’ As at Oamaru, the South Canterbury hooker, when he lost the ball in the scrum, fell down, causing the scrums to collapse, but at Timari! he was penalised on several occasions. Selection of Teams It appears that since the days of Mr S. Lee, who was a very successful sole selector, the selection of the representative side has been treated far too casually To some extent it comes down 'to the old controversy of one versus three selectors, and this season’s experience in North Otago gives some justification for advocating a return to the appointment of a sole selector. The question has often been asked what is wrong with North Otago football, and all too frequently offence has been taken at the major unions playing B or sub-union teams against North Otago. In some years, in common with all unions, thp material has simply not been present in North Otago, but when players of ability are available it is a great Dity if they are not used to the best advantage. The record this season is not encouraging in a year 'when there has been excellent material to work on. In the final analysis, the responsibility of appointment of a selector and a coach rests with the union, whose job it is to do everything possible to encourage both club and representative football in the district. Draw fbr To-morrow Seniors.—Athletic v. 1 Old Boys, No. 2, 2.30 p.m. (Mr T. Cahill); Excelsior v. Maheno, Oval, 2.30 p.m. (Mr F Williamson). Juniors.—Waitaki B v. Excelsior, Oval, I. p.m. (Mr C. Diver); Athletic v. Old Boys. No. 2, 1.15 p.m. (Mr F. Holz). Fourth Grade.—Waitaki C v. Athletic, No. 13, 1.15 p.m. (Mr J. Macmillan); Waitaki D v St. Kevin's, No. 3. 2.30 p.m. (Mr J. May). ■, Fifth Grade.—Waitaki C v. St. Kevin’s, Milner Park, 1.15 p.m. (Mr C. McKenzie). Seventh Grade.—Waitaki B v. St. Kevin’s, No. 4, 2.15 p.m. (Mr R. Hedges); Waitaki D v. St. Kevin's, No. 4. 1.15 p.m. (Mr J. Cossens). Country Tournament Otekaike.—A team: D. Gibb, Gardner, A. Nye, L. Gnrd, R. Gard, E. Harris. L. Wright. B team: S. Russell, Hislop G. Russell, G. Mulvena, J, Gard, S. Gard, W. Mulyena. C team: J. Russell, Parker. McKenzie, R. Gibb, McNeilly, L. Linwood, W. Linwood. Emergencies: Sheppard, Johnston, Daly, Dineen. Tokarahi.—A team: Johnstone, Laird, R. Wilson, Waddel, Dunn, Wright. K. Grant. B team: I. Grant, Manson, Simpson, L. Duff. Macfle, G. Duff, D. Wilson. C team: Thompson, Blanchard, McDonald, McLean, Blair. Meikle (2). Seven-a-side The draw for the Waitaki Sub-union’s seven-a-side at Duntroon on Saturday is as follows:—Primary schools (10.30 a.m.): No draw. Seniors '(noon): Otekaike A v. Omarama A. Omarama B v Union B, Otekaike C v. ‘Union A, Kurow B a bye, Duntroon v. Tokarahi C, Kurow A v. Tokarahi B, Tokarahi A v. Duntroon A. Otekaike B a bye.