HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1931, Page 13

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

(To the Editor).

Sir, —For the third time I have witnessed the Grammar v. New Plymouth High School Rugby match at Eden. Park, and I am happy to 'report that Saturday’s contest was easily the best of the three. For although the margin of pointe, was wide, it was nevertheless an exhilarating game, fast and open all through, which fully maintained the highest traditions of school football. Grammar won handsomely, and on their showing arc to he highly congratulated, their one great advantage being that they were able to field a thoroughly seaI soned team, who have played together like clockwork the whole season. From I a spectator’s point of view it is a delight to see Grammar in action, and I do not think that .any school could wish for a finer compliment than that. Against such a champion team, School had the disadvantage in fielding a fifteen which has had to be considerably altered during the season, and consequently could not be expected* to play with the same convincing combination that Grammar did. But at the same time School showed a wonderful heart on the field, and resolutely refused to acknowledge defeat until the -final whistle. It was a gallant sporting effort against worthy opponents. The wonderful ovation accorded School’s one try may be accepted as a’ warm-hearted compliment from the Rugby public of Auckland. In reviewing the football •at Eden Park on .Saturday I may say I am convinced that Rugby is essentially a school’s game. In proof of this I quote both curtain raisers. The prior one, Rotorua High School v. Grammar juniors, was a rattling good game to watch, and as a matter of fact provided much better football than the representative game at 3 p.m. And may the schools' long continue to provide us with the same good fare. —1 am, etc., <

R. M. THOMSON. 19 St. Benedict’s Street, Auckland, August 23, 1931.