RUGBY LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1935, Page 9

RUGBY LEAGUE

NEW YEAR’S PROSPECTS CLUBS’ STRONG POSITION MATCH WITH FRANCE? (By “Clubman.”) With the likelihood of interest being stimulated by a representative match against a French touring team, the prospects of Rugby League football in Taranaki are bright. The competitions are’ assured of four senior and four junior teams and there is every possibility that the Stratford club will field a team later in the season.

Although it is rather early to estimate the merits and strength of the clubs, it would appear that with one or two players standing down and .several recruits the clubs will be more evenly matched than formerly. Wet weather completely marred many games last year and little opportunity was given to develop fully the combination that makes for sparkling football. With better conditions and with the experience gained by players during the last two seasons, fine football should be seen this season. Last year’s Price Cup winner, Eastern Suburbs, will be as strong as ever and, given the opportunity, should mould into a fine combination. Inglewood, runner-up last season, will be without the services of C. Hunt and R. Cole, the latter having interested himself in the organisation of the code. Hunt merely wishes to have a spell from the game but if necessary will turn out again. ' Ae welcome return to the game is that of the useful wing three-quarter G. Hall. An acquisition to Taranaki League is the South Auckland representative player Scott, who will be joining up with either Eastern or Western Suburbs. The latter club will be fielding practically the . same side as last year. The prospects at Waitara are particularly bright and definite advancement of the game is assured by the re-appear-ance of several old players. New recruits will considerably strengthen last years’ juniors and the team should play an important part in the competition.

Enthusiastic reports have been received from Opunake, it being understood that an exceptionally strong team will take the field. The club has a surplus of senior players of a really good class and those seeking inclusion in the team will have to earn their positions. This is a happy state of affairs that should result in an improvement in the standard of play and the general fitness of the team. i The difficulty, at Stratford is that nine of the' principal members of last year’s team have left the district and the club is without a leader to keep the remainder together. Efforts will be made later in the season to reorganise the club and place a team in the field. Every effort is to be made to secure a match with the, French touring team. Such a game would stimulate interest in the code and give Taranaki enthusiasts an opportunity of watching the game at its best. In the past League has been restricted to playing all its games on the Western Park ground. However, realising the necessity of giving League every opportunity of playing its most attractive fixtures on a ground that would attract the largest crowd, the Western Park Board has waived all restrictions. Therefore, if League is. successful in obtaining a match with the French team, endeavours will ’ undoubtedly be made to secure Pukekura Park for the occasion. The question of referees is one that the management committee might well consider. With the increase in popu-

larity of League football if will' be necessary to secure additional referees. A referee is not “made” in a minute, that is, a referee of any. merit, and itwould be advisable if the services of capable ex-players' were secured and a class of instruction inaugurated. The present referees are doing good work but the willing horse should not-be overworked. Preparation for the future is imperative.