RUGBY HISTORY RECURRING

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 May 1948, Page 7

RUGBY HISTORY RECURRING

Rugby history is repeating itself., The names of Kaierau and Waverley | are linked as they were 12 years ago,: almost to a day, when Waverley; “came over the border" to play in a ■ memorable game on Spriggens Park before a memorable crowd to decide honours at the end of the first round of the senior cup. And, strange as it may seem, teams to play Taranaki were selected after that match, which was played on May 24, 1946, just as they are to be chosen after the match on Saturday next. Waverley and Kaierau are level on the ladder today, each with eight . points. Twelve years ago they were level with six points each, and when the great match was over Kaierau had eight points and Waverley stayed at six. That match will recall memories to many who' have haunted Spriggens

l Park these long years, memories of: | Campbell and Petersen, who werej' : playing for Waverley, a touch of "new |: ; blood” in the backs just as there is in : i the Waverley team of today, with' Best, Rodgers, and F. Taunton. Mem- ; ories of Brogden, G. Lockett, “Mick”, Darby, J. Morgan, and D. Thompson,! Kaierau. The teams which played 12 years' .Igo are published below, names which in themselves rekindle memories of great matches:— Waverley: Full-back, H. Walker;: : three-quarters, L Hill, A. B- Campbell and M. Dickie; five-eighths, J. PeterI sen leapt.), and B. Thomas; half-hack, J. Thomas; back of scrum, J. McClen.aghan; sides. R. Stewart and D. Lup- | ton: locks, D. Newland and G. Newi ,land; front row, R. Dallison, T. John1 ston, and S. Mitchell.

Kaierau: Full-back, J. Morgan; three-quarters, A. J. Darby, V.. North and L. Burgess; five-eighths, D.. Innes, D. Thompson (1st); half-back. H. A. Brogden; back of scrum. G. Lockett; sides. A. Simpson, W. Glenn: locks, W. Firmin and R. Dawson; front row, W. Le Ferve, T. Sercombe, and Stewart. Kaierau coach, A. Charles; Waverley coach, L. Stewart- Referee, W. 11. Rowe. Kaierau won 17 to nine to the I tdne from the wedding cake and stand I of “go hard red!” Waverley, during the week before the match had the misfortune to lose its regular half-back, Fowler, because of ’flu, but there was no doubt which was the better team. Will Bob Best and his men of 1948 wipe out the memory of that Kaierau defeat of 1936? That will be answered on Saturday.