RUGBY NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17862, 2 June 1926, Page 9

RUGBY NOTES.

WELLINGTON PLAYERS TRAIN IN NORTH PARK. THEY EXPECT TO GIVE A GOOD DISPLAY. Thirteen members of the Wellington team that will play Canterbury at Lancaster Park to-morrow arrived from the north this morning. The other four will come down by to-night’s boat. Mr E. Williams, who used to play centre three-quarter and full-back for Merivale, is manager of the team. He anticipates that the team will give a good exhibition of football. The thirteen players indulged in practice at the training ground at North Park this morning, and it was evident that in size they were a rather uneven lot, ranging from the tall “ Nugget ” Pringle to the diminutive Henwood at full-back. Scrumming, line-

out, dribbling and passing were practised. In between times Mark Nicholls found time to drop kick and place kick some very fine goals. Following are some particulars regarding the side that will take the field for Wellington .to-morrow’ jafternoon;— *• 1. 11. Henwood (full-back). —Plays for Petone. Of small stature, but plays a very safe game. First year in representatives. 2. 11. Hawkins (wing three-quar-ter).—A member of the Wellington team. Formerly played for Waitaki 8.11.5. twice aganist Christchurch B.H.S. at Lancaster Park. A very strong runner. 3. R. 11. M'Kay (centre).—Plays for Athletic club. A good, safe type of player. 4. R. G. Sutton (wing three-quar-ter) .-—Another Athletic back. A good all-round wing, particularly on defence. 5. M. Corner (second five-eighth).— Petone club. One of the most promising five-eighths in Wellington. He completes a very sound combination in the Nicholls brothers and himself immediately behind the scrum. 6. Mark Nicholls (first five-eighth). —Petone club. Such a world-famous plaj-er as this needs no introduction to the Rugby public anywhere. Universally regarded as one of the brainiest pla3*ers in the All Black team of two years ago. A wonderful general and a magnificent place kick and drop kick. 7. H. E. (“Ginger”) Nicholls (half) —Another footballer who requires no introduction to the football public. Ue and his brothers have been Petone's stalwarts for years. He has played for his province, the North Island and New Zealand on numerous occasions. Considered very unlucky in missing selection for the 1924 All Blacks. S. R. Fitzgerald (wing forward) Petone club. A utility man who can play in practically any position on the field. 9. A. Warden (front ranker)—Petone club. A bit on the small side, but a good forward in all departments. 10. A. Hepburn (front ranker)— Oriental club. A similar type of forward to his brother hooker. 11. J. Moffitt (lock)-—Oriental club. Has been plaving rep. football for a great many years now. Has represented Wellington, the North Island and New Zealand for years past. Retired for a season three or four years ago, but has made such a big come back that he is considered one of the best locks in the capital city. 12. 11. Sly (support)—Oriental club. A fine, upstanding type of forward. Played for the North Island last year, and is well on the way to higher honours. 13. A. Thomas (support)—Petone club. Used to play wing three-quar-ter, but turned out a very fine forward. Was a member of the All Blacks team that toured Australia last season. 14. A. Pringle (back row)—Oriental club. Better known as “ Nugget.” Perhaps the tallest forward playing in New Zealand at the present time. Played for New Zealand against New South Wales three seasons ago. 15. C. F. Gocdall (back row)—Berhampore club. One of the most promising forwards in Wellington. Was nominated for All Black team for Australia last y ear. N ?,t available on account of injuries. 16. A. M’Naught (emergency forward)—Athletic club. A good solid type of player. 17. J. M’NicOll (emergency back) Oriental club. A small playei*, but one of the brightest in the windy city. The forwards average a little over thirteen stone and the backs a little over eleven stone.