TODAY’S GAMES

Southland Times, Issue 23182, 24 April 1937, Page 19

TODAY’S GAMES

BLUES AND PIRATES MEET AN INTERESTING DRAW For the third series of games in the Galbraith shield competition at Rugby Park today, Invercargill, last year’s champion team, will meet Pirates. Old Boys has been drawn against Star and Marist and Bluff meet. 'The draw is a good one, and brings together for the first time this season teams of equal merit. Invercargill so far has met the weaker teams in the competition, and today should afford a good opportunity to discover whether the side is up to the standard of past champions. It is understood that changes will be made in the Blues’ back division and, if so, much will depend upon the ability of the new combination to provide openings for its speedy three-quarter line. In the games so far played the inside backs have not reached the same standard of the men outside them; they have been indecisive in their movements, and weak in handling. Should these defects be remedies today it can be expected that Invercargill will put up a good showing. The material is in the team to do so. Pirates disappointed its supporters last week, but it could not be said that that was the true form of the Blacks. They certainly met a wellperformed side in Old Boys, but apart from any superiority in this quarter the Blacks did not make use of their opportunities. They are quite capable of putting up a solid resistance to Invercargill, and as their forwards should hold the Blues’ pack, there is just the possibility that they might put up a surprise showing. Everything points to this game being a good one between two well matched sides. Star’s improved showing last week gives rise to the hope that the Blue and Whites will fully extend Old Boys. Old Boys, on the other hand, is capable of playing better than it has hitherto done and will be the more favoured team on the day. An interesting fixture will be that between Bluff and Marist. Two young sides will meet and they should provide some interesting Rugby. Neither has yet won a game, and there will be added keenness in the endeavour to gain the first win. Marist will be without the services of G. Ford, one of the most promising of the younger players in the competition.

Position of Teams

With two rounds of games played the position of teams is as follows:—

Pts. Ch.

P. w. L. F. A. Pts Invercargill 2 2 — 44 19 4 Old Boys 2 2 —— 56 22 4 Pirates 2 1 1 47 24 2 Star 2 1 1 11 39 2 Marist 2 -— 2 18 61 — Bluff 2 — 2 15 27 —