AUCKLAND v WANGANUI.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXI, Issue 12268, 11 September 1907, Page 7

AUCKLAND v WANGANUI.

DEPARTURE OF THE WANGANUI

TEAM.

The team cheson to represent the Wanganui Rugby Union 1 m the Shield match tc be played at Auckland on Saturday next left by the mail train this afternoon foi New Plymouth, en route for the northern city, the following comprise the team: — Backs: Kilpatrick, Absolum, South- ' combe, Abbott, Ward, Meuli, Hitchings, Dawe. Forwards: Suiter,- Murray, Stiatford, Anderson, Guscott, E. Jones, Daly, Carroll, Dustin, and Gumbley (the latter being included as an emergency hooker). Mr A. Gray (a member of the Jnion, accompanied the team in the capacity oi manager, and Mr H. F. Tilley (one oi I3it selectors) also 'went north. Saturday s match will be' the last of the season's Shield matches, and the result will be awaited with great, interest Jjere. as 'it is^conn^fenflyauticipalcd that om uoys will "give a good account of tLi-ui-selves. This.is the first occasion on which Wanganui has sent a team north to attempt to win the Shield — a task which ha* proved too hard for teams from the larger centres to accomplish. It will be remembered that a couple of seasons ago Auckland wrested the Snield from Wellington, aao on their way home the northerners were beaten by Wanganui. Of course, all sorte of excusfes were made for the defeat of tht Aucklanders on that occasion, but the fact remains that on the, day the winners snowed that they were the better team, ami thoroughly deserved the victory on the I jlay. What Wanganui did then it can dc again, providing the players go on to the lield wfth confidence and show their bes.l form. The Auckland Union has just sent its representatives on a tour round Nev. Zealand, with the result that the northerners have been beaten by Taranaki, Wellington, South Canterbury, and Hawket Bay. The team chosen to represent Auckland on Saturday will, however, be a muoh stronger combination than that sent on tour. The forwards selected to play against our boys will include only one of those which toured, whilst the backs will be considerably stronger. This is significant, as it proves thafc the Aucklanders are taking the forthcoming match seriously, thougn they protess to say that they have never in the past so looked upon matches with out representatives. It is a big undertaking for a Union situated as Wanganui is to throw down the gauntlet to the Auricle nder3, and it is sincerely to be hoped, foi the good of Rugby both here and in other uar t s ol tlie colony, that the pluck and enterprise of the local Union will be rewarded as it deserves to be with success. A large crowd assembled at the station ihis afternoon to wish iiie team farewell and good luck,! and as the train started on its journey three hearty cheers were, at the call of Mr G. Spriggens (President of the local Union) accorded our representatives, and alsojone for the captain (Mr H. Absolum). The compliment was returned lustily. x'rior to leaving the station Mr Spiigeens handed the captain a horse-shoe aecorated with blue and black ribbon (tae Union's colours) as a mascotte, Mr SprigKens remarking that a similaT talisman, had been the forerunner of success in the case of Webb, who left in similar weathei conditions, a?d he trusted it would do the same in this case. Replying, Mr Absolum said that lie could guarantee whatever the result was that «he learn would do its best.

At a meeting of the management committee of the Rugby Union last mght a wire was received from .the Auckland Union asking that the team be allowed to stay in Auckland over Sunday, as that Union wished to entertain their visitors that day. As all the men were able to stay the extra day, it was decided to comply with the Auckland Union's request. The Selection Committee advised that they would like an emergency front ranker to go- to Auckland, and on their advice being taken intimated that Gumbley had been selected for the position. Mr Purnell wired that he had made all arrangements for ihe team during its stay in Auckland, and that a drag would be in attendance at Onehunga. The manager (Mr Gray) and accompanying selector (Mr Tilley) were requested to convey to Mr Purnell the thanks of the Union and its appreciation of his interest in the team. Permission was given for the following' games on the Rec. on Saturday: — Bankers v. Law, Soap Works v. Fellmongery. The proceeds are to go towards the touring fund. On the following Saturday Pirates seniors will play Old Timers, Taihape School will play the Primary Schools, and Wanganui IIJ. will play Marton, all- on the Rec. On the 28th Kaierau ,will play Old Timers. Mr F. Treloar*was appointed manager of the B team to visit Marton on Saturday next.