RANGITIKEI FOOTBALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 4

RANGITIKEI FOOTBALL

(Notes by “Observer.”) With the third series of matches to be played to-day, Old Boys and Bulls arc the only two teams who have not so far suffered defeat and while it is rather early to make predictions it looks as though the latter are going to be a very formidable fifteen. Last Saturday the clash between Rata and Old Boys at Marton Park provided some splendid football, and undoubtedly the better team on the day won. Old Boys appeared the fitter team, and it is probably to this fitness tht they owed their victory as Rata arc a superior team to their blue opponents, who nevertheless were their superiors on Saturday. An outstanding player on the ground was Calkin, the light Old Boys’ forward, who beside being a hard-working and brainy forward is a splendid dribbler, which seems almost a lost art in Rangitikei football to-day, although O’Sten of Athletic is another shining example in this respect. Though tho Old Boys’ pack was lighter than that of the Rata vanguard, they got more than their share of tho ball, and their backs threw the ball about in good style. * * ¥ * McFee, the Old Boys’ centre, was the best of the blue backs, and his try for which ho ran about 70 yards, was worthy of one of the best. His vis-a-vis, Al. Down, he marked well and,

therefore, did much good work for his team, as this player is always a danger, and when “under way” is a hard man to bring down *‘* * * After half-time George Hartley, the Rata captain, who had been playing in the forwards in the first spell, went to second five-eight and greatly strengthened the Rata backs. Besides scoring a very good try which he converted he converted the try scored by Mclntrye so was responsible for seven of Bata’s 10 points. Mclntyre was the star of the Rata pack, and, owing to his size is probably worth two in the scrum. Tairuru is another big forward, but his tactics do not always meet with the approval of tEe spectators, and they are certainly not in the best interests of the game. Phil Harre, the Rata full-back, if not brilliant was always safe, and the same may be said for his brother Gilbert, who plays full-back for Old Boys, and is their captain. Hunterville met Bulls at Bulls and again easily defeated by the big margin of 28 points to 3. They are a sadly depleted team this year and will probably improve as the season progresses. Being a weakened team they have been unfortunate in meeting Rata and Bulls in their first two games, as these teams are probably tho strongest in the competition. Athletic, who defaulted to Bulls in tho first game of the season met Halcombe on their own ground and were defeated by 14 points to 6. Athletic have an abundance of players, and should provide keen competition, for, as has been proved in other years they have the happy knack of defeating a strong side when that side appears unbeatable.

Halcombe are not particularly strong at present, but being comparatively new to senior football that is only to be expected. They have good players in the making and are always likely to spring a surprise. From the six senior clubs Rangitikei should be able to get a strong representative side.