SOUTHLAND RUGBY NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2735, 15 August 1906, Page 57

SOUTHLAND RUGBY NOTES.

(Fbojjc Oub Own Correspondent.) The Wednesday-Saturday match of last week drew a fair gate to the Unions ground. Contrary to expectations the Saturday representatives made a big fight of it and were slightly superior in the matter of line-out work. Saturday iootball, as in the manner played, cannot be taken seriously. That the week-end competitions have a purpose there is little doubt. .The presence of several Wednesday players lends interest to the matches, but the fact that so many matches have been forfeited leaves the impression that something -more comprehensive, with a practical scheme of development from the union, is required. At present four fifteens are available, and some of these have been necessarily hard pushed to raise the requisite number. Apart from this there are no juniors, and the idea that the future must look out for itself holds good. Saturday's team in the contest <arith the mid-week representatives afforded an insight into the capabilities of the weekenders, although the fact that several onetime reps, were included had to be recognised. The most outstanding figure in tbe pack was Chas. Purdue, the ex-New Zealand rep. It was a sight worth seeing the veteran as lock and his superb line-out work. The way he screwed and worked the scrum gladdened tho iearts of the onlookers. The pity of it is that his like is not available for the tour. Another representative, Chas. Matheson, who played last for Southland in '98, shine in the week-end vanguard. The Civil Service hooker seems to have lost none of his accomplishments and his selection as a member of the team comes not unexpectedly. Cockroft, Warehousemen and sometimeStar player, is a man of unusual ability. His knowledge does not extend far, but he is a genuine worker, applies himself to tho game and is a treat on the line. Weight and size go to make him a typical forward, and his inclusion in the team would have filled a gap. Of the backs Knight struck the writer favourably. He takes the ball cleverly, runs with the brainy touch, and is cool in hif application. Wednesday missed Burgees, if only for his guidance as a skipper. Blackham, who filled half in the Red combination, got the ball out well, but has yet to learn the use of the blind side — how to make for the opposing three-quarter and the correct moment to pass. This year's representatives, numbering 20 players, have 11 colts, who for the first time wear the cap, and yet indications point to a fairly sti-ony combination no matter what the arrangement is. That the inclusion of new blood was inevitable was long recognised, and that we should have such good fortune in the calibre of the infusion is a matter for congratulation. Junior players within the jurisdiction of the S.R.F.U. are having th*ir good natures tested at the present by a course of indifferent treatment that shows a lapse somewhere officially. Neither Pirates nor Star have played for some four Wednesdays, while next Wednesda-v's match Otago-South-land is likely to still further the breach. Junior football, if only in justice to the clubs, must be encouraged. The present state of affairs leaves room for improvement. , „. . r -, i Hamilton'" place-kicking abilities failed ip the mattor of points on Wednesday, although he succeeded all round the post*. In justice to him it must be stated that the kicks were difficult and his attempts went perilously near. Walker, who tried later with two kicks in a somewhat easy position, also failed. Practice scorns to be the want, and the art requires it just as much as a man wants his wind and bis legs sound to play the game. .