Out in the Country There Are Players Who Would Help the Rugby Reps.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 12

Out in the Country There Are Players Who Would Help the Rugby Reps.

(Written for the “Star” by W.G.G.) During the last few years country football in the province has considerably improved and there arc now a large number of men who are quite capable of playing in representative teams. One does not look to find high-class backs outside the town area, for the simple reason that country backs have little chance of playing against better than themselves, nor do they get the opportunity of close practice, coaching aq/i training. With forwards, however, the case ix quite different, and a good proportion of useful forwards can be found in country teams. Like the men playing behind thc scrummage, the forwards may not have the town polish on, but what they lack in artistry they make up in willingness. A few are always useful in a representative team. Despite others' assurance, I feel that the forwards amongst the town teams this season are not a good lot, nor do 1 see many up to best representative form. There are a fine lot of backs playing in the town senior teams and if they are well supported by good forwards, will prove their worth against any opposition. With these views in my mind, I decided last Saturday to visit Akaroa in. the hope of finding some country forwards worthy of inclusion in this year's Canterbury team. Hurunui had challenged the holders —Peninsula—for the Delargey Shield, and the game w’as played at Akaroa. In the party was a close follower of the sport and a well known ex-country player. The game was a capital one from every viewpoint, except forward play. In the early stages the home side in the front division were distinctly superior and had the visitors practically at their mercy half-way through the first spell, but quite failed to push their advantage home, having only a lead of five points. During this spell, despite being badly beaten in the pack, the rearguard of the visitors showed some fine efforts, chiefly between the half-back and the two inside backs. Determined tackling alone prevented a score. Starting off the second half thc visitors got a lot more of the ball and gave quite a high-class exhibition ot' football. The three backs mentioned showed that they had been well drilled

and coached in the latest movements of thc modern game and their side finally ran out easy winners. I have seen a lot of country football, but the performance of the rearguard of the Hurunui side put all other efforts welt in the background. They passed well, in-passed and ran with all the knowledge of high-grade players. And they had to make the most of their opportunities, which came much less frequently than to their opponents* The Peninsula backs tackled determinedly, but combination beat them and they left the field with the shield lost to them. I do not wish to infer from these statements that the Hurunui backs are high-grade players, but. to try to prove that their play showed thought and knowledge of the game, which is a most pleasing factor in country football. In conversation, that keen enthusiast, Mr E. Redmond, who is sole selector for the Hurunui team, stated that his side was a useful one, despite that the members came from teams nearly 120 miles apart. “ They have little practice together.*’ said Mr Redmond, and when he mentioned that thc hall-back came from Kaikoura, the first five-eighth Jrom Cheviot., and the second five-eighth from Waiau, I quite realised that combination was difficult. Yet these three players, assisted by both wing threequarters. gave a pleasing display. The outstanding player in the bade department of the beaten team was the centre three-quarter, who. with one exception, has all the qualifications of a high-grade player. He is strong, powerful and determined, with plenty of dash and pluck. Handling the ball was no trouble to him and he kicked with great judgment. lie tackled every one that came his way and he possesses speed. But he would not pass, nor did he seem to have thc remotest idea of how to effect a transfer. If he were only taught this necessary qualification of a centre three-quarter’s work, and would reproduce his play in good company, he would be indeed a find for thc province. It was an interesting game played in the way football should be played—everyone was after the ball and the match was controlled by Mr V. Craw in a most capable manner. It afforded me a very pleasant afternoon’s enjoyment.