WANGANUI RUGBY LEAGUE

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 April 1949, Page 2

WANGANUI RUGBY LEAGUE

NOTES AND COMMENTS The opening matches of the Wanganui Rugby League 1949 season gave promise of an improvement in the standard of the code this year. The play on Saturday could not be described as good League. However, after the teams have settled down and acquired more polish, some interesting football should be seen. Nevertheless, 1949 should be th e most successful season yet. The gate receipts on Saturday were the best yet received.

Blake, the Aotea winger, showed good form against Waitotara. A natural footballer Blake excels both on attack and defence.

Carmichael, a newcomer to the Wanganui district, is playing at centra three-quarter for th e City reserve grade teams. He impressed on Saturday with his hard, straight running. The 60-5 victory against Waitotara flattered Aotea. The country side on Saturday contained young players, who lacked experience. Waitotara will provide stronger opposition with the return of a number ,of their leading players. Gonville indicated on Saturday that they will be hard to defeat. City arc reputed to have a strong team. Their match with Aotea next Saturday will attract much interest.

M. Collyer, a former first grade Sydney player, will make an appearance with the City senior team. He plays as half-back or live-eighth. The facilities for the players at the Showgrounds are to be increased. New dressing sheds, equipped with showers and conviences will be built. Attempts arc to be made to secure the Australian—N.Z. Maoris Test match in Wanganui later in the season.