WANGANUI’S “RUGBY” PLATOON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 49, 27 February 1941, Page 4

WANGANUI’S “RUGBY” PLATOON

REMNANTS IN CAIRO GAME PLAYED IN THE SANDS OF EGYPT When the Fourth Reinforcements went into camp in the spring of last year, Wanganui sent almost a platoon of Rugby rootbailers. it was hoped, and indeed an effort was made, to get them all into the one unit ano place in charge of Second-Lieutenant D. G. Barton, North Island, Wanganui, and New Zealand Army representative centre three-quarter. But rhe special qualifications of the men for war worn resulted in them being separated ana posted to various units. Some went io the transport, others to special duties. Word has been received, however, that some have managed to stick together and have a game in the sands of Egypt. Writing Hom Cairo, Second-Lieu-tenant Barton, whose home town is Marton, says that, in the first game they had together, Knox Welsh (Wanganui ana Old Boys) was at second five-eighths, Barton ( Wanganui and Old Boys) at centre, M. Shevvan (Technical Old Boys) on one wing, A. Davidson (Pirates) and B. Whillans (Kaierau) in the fotwaras. Jack Griffiths, former Ail Biack and Wellington representative, who worked in Wanganui for a time just before the war, was first five-eigntlis. "We played for the Base team against the General Hospital and won by 14 points to B,’’ Lieutenant Barton writes. He states that they are in camp at Maadi, just out of C<-iio. "The country here is very barren, and when the dust storms blow up it is very thick—dust over and in everything," he writes. "We have showers and one manages to keep fairly clean. The weather, so far, has been absolutely wonderful—beautifully clear, sunny and invigorating days. "The First Echelon has been here nearly a year and the nearest they’ve got to being in action has beer, digging trenches at Sidi Barrani. Jack Griffiths and lan Webster (Wanganui) have got their commissions and are here. The reintor cements are now at brigade strength, so we are the Seventh Brigade. That means that New Zealand has now four complete echelons overseas. "We attended a race meeting at Heliopolis (Arabs), where they have a 5s “tote,” and we enjoyed the meeting. Tiie course itself is one of the nicest we have seen. Heliopolis is the better class suburb of Cairo and some ot the houses are marvellous. There is even a better course at Giza, where there is a big sports club and also a grass Rugby field, where they will be playing Rugby very soon.” From another source it is learned that Wanganui club Rugby rivalry has spread to the desert of the Middle East. It appears that there is a representative of every club in the Wanganui Rugby Union in or about Cairo, and. judging by the arguments they have on footballers ana football, past and present, Wanganui has had some great matches for the championship and is destined to have many more. Writing to "Crossbar," a Rugby enthusiast, who wishes to remain anonymous, says: “Judging by what we hear in argument over here, I’m wondering whether Old Boys did win the cup last year, or whether it was Kaierau, Pirates, Technical Old Boys, or Marist.”