RUGBY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26842, 5 August 1948, Page 3

RUGBY NOTES

North Otago was very unlucky not to win its match against 1 South Canterbury at Timaru on Saturday. The North Otago forwards showed outstanding superiority in all departments with the exception of the line outs. P. Wilkie (Maheno) played his best game this season and was responsible for opening up play on two occasions from smart runs from the side of the scrum. With a little more support North Otago could easily have scored from these movements. S. Mosley (Athletic) did not show up as prominently as usual but at all times worked hard in the rucks. The other North. Otago forwards chosen for the All Black trials, played yesterday, also worked tirelessly. H. Meehan (Excelsior) proved his .ability.,, again as a good all-round forward,-and fils score was well deserved. R. Twaddle (Old Boys) hooked splendidly against a heavier pack F. Diver (Excelsior) played soundly at half-back, and sent out some well-directed passes to Campbell (Athletic). It was unfortunate that Campbell was not given the opportunity to play at half-back, but on one occasion when Diver was in a ruck,'he moved up smartly to gather in the ball and pass to Kilgour, on the blind, enabling the latter to score. E. Collins (Athletic) played better football than he has,' for some time, although he never looked over-dangerous. G. Johnstone (Otekaike) gave a good display of positional play at centre. He had a hard task marking M. P. Goddard, but carried out his duties well.',' H. Kilgour (Athletic) reproduced some of his old form on the wing, but H. Turner failed to Impress. J. Halvorsen, full-back, missed several easy shots at goal, but his general was sound.

R. Prattley, who headed the New Zealand list last season for kicking most points in representative football, also failed on numerous occasions to kick goals from penalties and convert scores.

It is unfortunate that I. Campbell (Athletic) has again been selected to play in the first five-eighth position on Saturday. The selector for the combined North Otago-Ashburton team, which played South Canterbury yesterday in the All Black trial, had the opportunity'of seeing both Campbell and F. Diver, the present half, play in this position at Ashburton, and selected Campbell, before either Diver or the Ashburton half, C. Cr&mie. Campbell has played well at half-back in club football, and has not been given a fair chance this season to prove his ability in this position in representative football. He cannot be expected to. give of his best when playing out of his usual position in representative football. The draw for Saturday is Seniors.—Town A v. Country A, Kurow.. 2.45 p.m.; Town B v. Country B, Kurow. 1.30 p.m. Juniors. —North Otago v. Otago. Oval, 2.45 p.m. (Mr C. Diver). Third Grade. —North Otago v. Otago, Oval, 1.30 p,m. (Mr E. Lapslie). Fourth Grade.—Athletic A v. Waitaki A, No. 2 ground, 2.15 p.m. (Mr R. Luxon); Waitaki B v. St. Kevin’s, No. 2 ground, 1.15 p.m. (Mr R. Hedges): Athletic B v. Enfield. No. 3 ground, 2.15 p.m. (Mr R Tempero); Waitaki C v. Waitaki D, during week. Fifth Grade.—Waitaki A v. St. Kevins, No. 2 ground, 1.15 p.m. (Mr A. Paterson).