FOOTBALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19788, 11 March 1927, Page 4

FOOTBALL

SPRIGGENS PARK GROUND NEARLY READY NEW STAND ERECTED. A little more than four months ago heaps of sand were lying all over the playing area of Spriggens Park, and loads of broken kerbing were dropped anywhere. Few would have thought at the time that the ground would show the wonderful transformation that is evident to-day. More than one Rugby official spent sleepless nights wondering whether there would be any lootball at Spriggens Park this year, but they can all rest now. Yesterday a “ Chronicle” representative was shown over the new stand by the contractor, that well-known Rugby supporter, Mr J. Moye. The ground shows a w’onderful improvement and new season patrons are bound to be more than surprised when they again visit the scene of many past Rugby battles. The new playing area looks very well, and is greener than it was last season during the winter months, while the area outside the picket fence is quite brown and burnt. The “wedding cake,” which is now at right angles to its previous position, has been considerably enlarged, and is covered with a prolific growth of grass. A neat fence surrounds the playing area, and the public will have a better view than ever. Seating Accommodation. The feature, of course, is the new stand, which is also at right angles with its old position. The building is an imposing looking structure, a good deal bigger and higher than that used previously, and it compares more than favourably with other sports ground stands in New Zealand. The stand is approached from the playing area by a flight of concrete steps, which will accomodate at least 600 people. The stand itself will seat 900 people comfortably. A really fine view of the ground is available from all parts of the stand. The accomodation, from the viewpoint of both players and the public, will be second to nothing in the Dominion. There are two very large dressing rooms, on© for each team of players, equipped with hot and cold showers and electric light. The players will thus have the best facilities of any city in the Dominion. Then there is a fine committee room, accommodation for ladies, and a neat shop on the corner where patrons of both the “outside” and the “inside” will bo able to make purchases. The external appearance of the whole stand is certainly very fine, and it compares more than favourably with, the metropolitan centres. The present union is to be congratulated on its enterprise. NEW-ZEALAND LONDON TEAM. A DEFEAT. LONDON, March 9. South African and Cambridge Rugby players defeated New Zealand by 22 points to 6. The Aucklander, J. B. Elliott, captained the losers.