RUGBY IN THE COUNTIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26479, 5 June 1947, Page 2

RUGBY IN THE COUNTIES

PROMISE OF A SUCCESSFUL SEASON Although it is much too early in the season to form an accurate opinion as to the standard of Rugby football in the Central and West Otago districts, indications point to a successful year for country football. The selection of two country players —J. C. Kearney (Maniototo) and C. Willocks (South Otago)—in the All Black side to visit Australia has been a great encouragement to the game in the sub-union districts. Up to the present teams .in Central Otago have been hampered by the early frosts and hard grounds, and many clubs have been experimenting a fair amount with their sides. According to those who have seen matches in various parts of the country, the standard appears to be a little higher than last year. Teams in Vincent are stronger and the play is promising. Maniototo may not be quite so good as last year, but West Otago has already shown an improvement. Players are looking forward to the Combined Sub-unions’ match against the Metropolitan side, and it is expected that a strong side will be fielded It is probable that Kearney and Willocks will be back in time for the match, and they should strengthen the side considerably. Not many new players have come to light in Central Otago this season. A serious loss to Maniototo has been the decision of W. Becker to retire from the game. He has been playing for about 15 years, and has been the foundation stone of many Central Otago sides. He is considered by good judges of the game in Central Otago to be one of the best backs the country has had in the past 10 years. He did not always have the appearance cf being the player he was, his build belying his speed and ability. E. Collins, formerly of the Dunedin Club, who represented Otago in two games last season, has been playing in the country and has shown good form. L. Harvey (Matakanui), one of the most experienced and useful forwards in Central Otago, iis. playing as well as ever this season/ J. McGill, the young Maniotclc half-back, has not shown his best tonn this season. He was called upon to take a lot of punishment against the Metropolitan side last year, and was too young and inexperienced to come through the ordeal unharmed. H“ is taking a while to settle down this season, but if he does he certainly has chances of going far in the game

NORTH AUCKLAND'S TOUR Arrangements have now been completed for the southern tour of the North Auckland Rugby representative team at the end of July to play Southland for the Ranfurly Shield early in August. The team will leave Whangarei on July 31 and play Auckland on August 2. Southland on August 9. and Otago on August 13. These dates are provisional on Southland retaining the' shield against the Otago challenge on August 2.- North Auckland will play Wellington on August 16 The Nortn Otago and South Canterbury Rugby Unions have requested matches witn the North Auckland team, but thcNorth Auckland Union has declined The Southland Union is making a grant of £lso'towards the expenses of the North Auckland team's tour

STRONG HOCKEY CLUB Wits its A team unbeaten at the present stage of the senior men s hockey competition and the B team performing creditably the Albanv Club is in a strong position. The second team has improved considerably, and players in the A team have to be on their mettle to resist other contenders for inclusion. A. Jack was promoted for last Saturdays game and played quite soundly. N. McDowell, who toured India with the New Zealand Army hockey team, is now living in Dunedin and has joined the Albany Club The Albany senior team went through last season out a defeat, and with five matches completed so far appears to be well in the running again. The club >s fielding four teams, and the Second Crade team has not yet lost a match. In addition, coaches from the club have given valuable assistance to schoolboy hockey in Dunedin.