MIDDLE EAST SPORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 1, 2 January 1943, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST SPORT

EIGHTY-FOUR SETS OF RUGBY GEAR. Sports as a means of aiding soldier training and keeping men interested, and occupied is encouraged in the 2nd N.Z.E.F. In this connection the Patriotic Fund Board has given valuable assistance in securing the considerable quantity of sports gear required. The Rugbv season in the Middle East commenced early in October and a report received bv the board recently from its commissioner, Lieu-tenant-Colonel F. Waite, showed that considerable supplies of equipment were provided. In order that the troops should not be caught bv an anticipated shortage of Rugbv material, 84 complete sets of gear were ordered. Each side consists of 20 jerseys, 20 pairs of shorts, 20 pairs of stockings, 20 pairs of boots, a ball certain amount of old material was also in the hands of units. A free issue of equipment was made to the bigger units and to the smaller units which did not get the issue, a grant was made to their regimental funds to enable them to purchase I heli own.

Colonel Waite also mentioned that provision had been made for the playing of Association football, hockey, softball and golf. “Soccer” was the popular game around Cairo and Alexandra.

“I think that, with the provision wo have made, we will got through this season reasonably well.’ Colonel Waite added. “We are impressing on the men the necessity for caring foi the equipment, as we know that vear by year sporting material will got more and mor.? expensive and more difficult to procure.’’