TODAY’S RUGBY

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 8

TODAY’S RUGBY

TEAMS AND PROSPECTS TWO GOOD DRAWS ON THE PARK FAST AND OPEN FOOTBALL . ANTICIPATED Although a fair amount of rain has fallen during the week, there is every indication as the week-end approaches that the areas on Rugby Park will be in fair condition for the two big games to be staged there this afternoon. The principal draw is the StarBlues game to be contested on No. 1 ground and commencing at 3 o’clock. Star had the bye last week so it is difficult to get a line on their form, but from accounts leaking through from the training camps, last year's premiers will field a side every bit as strong as in previous years. Ray (“Wampy”) Bell will be making his first appearance in a club game for the dark blue and whites since his return from the Maori tour, and as the reports of his play with the Native team have been nothing less than glowing, all eyes will be on him to see how much his play and style have improved. Star’s back division contains a number of last year's players, but their forwards are more or less of an unknown quantity. Jack Lilley is still going strong, and supporters of Star will be keen to note if he has retained his old kicking brilliancy which has assisted so materially in winning matches for the old club during recent years. It is noticeable that several juniors have been promoted, and it will be interesting to see how they shape when playing before a crowd. Frank Kilby’s “possie” behind the scrum will be filled by Ken Connolly and, as Park patrons and opponents got a taste of his qualities in the donkeyman's position last year, there need be no doubts of the Star backs getting plenty of chances to throw the ball about. “Tiny” Kerse, Blues’ ranking wing-forward, is sure to harrass Connolly, but, on the other hand, Lilley knows his game and will endeavour to afford some measure of protection for the half so that he can get the ball away cleanly from the scrums. Last Saturday's attenders received quite an inspiring introduction to the light but fast Blues team, and, should their rearguard get only half of the opportunities they received last week, some interesting play should result. A loss to Blues, however, will be the absence of Ottrey, the dashing rep. five-eighth, who is so capable of making an opening for the fast men outside him from practically any position. Ottrey is on holiday leave and may be away for another match or two. Cheyne has recovered from his indisposition and will be seen out in the full-back position again, and Manson has returned to the wing. The sides appear to be evenly matched and, given a dry ball, an open game is certain. Both teams know how to throw’ it about. This is what the public delight in and while good, slogging forward rushes mean a test of fitness, it is the handball game which creates the interest. On paper, the teams should contest an even game and whatever the result, the winning (if any) margin is not likely to be a large one. The teams for the above game are as follows: Star.—Campbell: R. Oughton. Wilson, L. J. Cockroft: G. Oughton. Bell; Connolly; Howden. Murray; Jarvis, Hennessey, Creaser; Padget, Hunt; Lilley. • Blues.—Cheyne; Manson, McKay, Clark; Norris, E. Todd; C. Johnson; Milk, Thompson; Southern, Matheson, Dennis; Graham, Burnett; Kerse. Referee —Mr F. Daubney. On the No. 2 ground Pirates and Southern will assuredly fight out the finish, as their games commences (at 2.30) on the No. 1 area and will then be transferred as soon as the Blues-Star game commences. This match is also sure to create much interest, as Rugby enthusiasts will be watching how the light and young Southern team fares against the big Black forwards. The latter should score a comfortable win, but it will by no means be one-sided, as what the Southern boys lack in football knowledge they will make up for in fitness and resoluteness. The teams are:— Pirates:—Mills, Calder, Diack, Geddes, Pickering, Thomas, Johnson, Pay. Roberts, Tinnock. Batcheler. Archer, Hazlett, McKay, Bird, W. Johnson. Southern • —Burtenshaw, Blair, Brown, Cavanagh. Cruickshanks. Hamilton. Holland, Jack, Lilley, Mayson, McEwan (2), McCallum. McNeil, Philpott, Shand, Maher, Hughes. Referee —Mr E. Kelly. GOLF NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION MEETS. The monthly meeting of the council was held at the secretary’s office on May 2, when there were present Messrs R. C. Kirk (chairman l. J. C. McEwan, A. J. Abbott, W. E. A. Gill, A. D. S. Duncan and G. 0. Sutton (secretary). Inquiries were received from six new clubs with a view to joining up, and the secretary reported that full particulars had been sent to them. It was reported that entry forms had been received for the Sydney championships from the five competitors selected by the council, and there was a probability of several other players accompanying the team. Correspondence with the Hamilton Golf Club was before the council on the question of the date of the championship tournaments, and in view of the club’s latest advice that it will accept any date fixed by the council, it was decided that the open championship and qualifying rounds will be played on September 2 and 3; the tournament concluding on Saturday, September 10. The chairman brought up the question of playing championship foursomes prior to the qualifying rounds, and offered to give two cups, one for amateurs and one for professionals, together with four miniatures for the winners. It was resolved to accept Mr Kirk’s offer, and to play the events on Wednesday, August 31, 36 holes, stroke play. Other tournament dates were advised to the association as under:— Hott Goff Club: July 21, 22 and 23. Manawatau: A week preceding the championship meeting. Takapau: Ladies,’ September 8; men’s, September 9 and 10. Glendowie: September 24, 26 and 27. Napier: September 27, 28, 29 and 30. South Auckland (Hamilton): October 13 to 15.