RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18044, 12 June 1930, Page 11

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

CANTERBURY’S WIN

UPHELD TRADITIONS OF PROVINCE

STEWART AND LiLBURNE PRAIS'ED

To no one was the Canterbury team’s fine victory over the touring 'British Rugby side at Lancaster Park on Saturday more satisfying and gratifying than to the old-time footballers of the .province—the men who, in previous • encounters with touring international combinations, built up the province’s great reputation for fine performances. These’ old stalwarts watched Saturday’s encounter with a jealous anxiety, fearful lest the great- record they had established in the past might be 'besmirched by a possible defeat. Today, however, they were all smiles and united in saying that the 1930 Canterbury team had worthily upheld the .traditions of the province.

Liberal praise was given to the players, , the selectors and the trainers of the team toy these men who once themselves assisted in establishing Canterbury’s fame for great performances against international teams. Mr Bernard Fanning, former All Black Canterbury-South CanterburyWest Cqast lock, and member of the combined 'Canterbury-South Canter-bury-West Coast' team that ran the 1908 British team to 5 —3 on Lancaster Park, looked the picture of contentment when a Christchurch Sun reporter found him at his anvil at Riccarton. He was associated with the •training of.'the- ■Canterbury forwards prior to the game, and was particularly gratified at the way the pack lasted out-the hard ; match, and came at it stronger than ever at the finish' for 'Canterbury to call the tune.

“Our boys all did splendidly,” he said, “and deserve every credit for a fine win.” Mr Fanning .commented on the fine play of H. Lllburne at full-back and the steadiness of the Canterbury tackling right through the game.

Mr P. Burn, who was half-back in tfib 'Canterbury team which beat the. Angio-Welsh tourists 13—8 on Lancaster Park in 1908, said that the fine performance of the . Canterbury team confirmed- 1 his" expectations of’lt when the selectors announced Its' personnel. '‘■Collectively all of them did well,” he said, adding that R. T. Stewart was great In the forwards, and W. C. Dailey Invaluable in. rush stopping in the backs.

The game played by Lil’burne suggested that the score might have been larger if toe had been-played nearer the scrum.

Mr W. A. (“‘Jockey”) Ford, who was on the wing when Canterbury beat the redoubtable Springboks 6—4 in 1921, said he was more than satisfied with the result, and the way in which it was obtained. He thought that tactics and fitness combined to .give 'Canterbury its victory. The players had utilised the touchline weir till they were in a good attacking position, and had then launched determined assaults. He was surprised that, on the other hand, the British team passed wherever the play was taking risks even when on defence, by throwing the ball about.

He was pleased that the pack had lived down the old reputation for “fading,” and had been on top at the finish. The hill work and gymnasium training of the past month had been Invaluable,, he thought, and had a lot to do with the home team’s win.

.Mr Ford spoke highly of the play of big Ron Stewart in the -Canterbury pack. He thought &tewart was the leader of the home pack, as well as being a 'thorn in the side of the tourists by keping the burly G. H. Beamish more or less in' check. Mr F. T. Evans, one of the great football personalities of the early days, said that not for many years had he seen the 'Canterbury forwards last out a game in such fine style. It was true that the -British team was not the strongest that ’the tourists could have fielded;- but-in his opinion Canterbury would nave extended even the strongest. The performance of the pack show’ed how successful, the month’s training hacl been. Mr Evans also praised those responsible lor the ordering of tiie tactics of the Canterbury side. It had been good campaigning to play the tourists at their own game, and the players had supported their selectors in fine style by the able way they carried out instructions. Mr Evans warmly praised the play of Lilburne, and expressed gratification that two New Zealand selectors (Messrs E. Me-. Kenzie and W. Maxwell) were watching the game and saw the full-back exhibition.

. Mr E. W. Hasell, a member of the 1919 Army team in Africa, was another who was delighted with ' the result of the match and the -play of the home men. He though the forwards played particularly well, but considered that the match proved the contention he voiced when the team was chosen, that Lilburne should have been among the centre backs'. A 1 noteworthy feature" of the comments of those approached-■ was' that all united in remarking on-the excellent spirit in which the game- was played by both sides. 1 The general opinion: was that it was -a-good, hard game, totally free from anything objectionable. MATAMATA UNION. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS. Mr J. E. Cummings presided at the weekly meeting of the committee. The Rotorua Union wrote thanking the local body for entertaining the Rotorua' junior representatives. A request from the Hamilton Union to nominate referees eligible to control Peace Cup games was deferred till next meeting. It was decided to purchase twelve jerseys, and the secretary was instructed to pay £4 to the Referees’ Association. The two senior games, Wardville v. Walton’ and Arapuni v. Putaruru, which were not, played last Saturday, are to eventuate at the end of the season, if necessary. Managers for representatives teams on Saturday were appointed as follows: —Senior A, Mr J. E. Cummings; Senior B, Mr P. Cotter; Junior, Mr J. Barker. Fixtures for Saturday. Morrinsvillc A v. Matamata A. —3 p.m. Mr W. Clover. - Morrinsvillc B v. Matamata 8—1.30 p.m. Mr W. Quigg. MORRINSVILLE UNION. Three Morrinsville teams will visit Matamata on Saturday.'. , - - At Morrinsville the -most Interesting match will be that between Morrinsville ancl Matamata junior reps. The other matches have not yet been definitely fixed. HAMILTON PLAYER TRANSFERRED AUCKLAND,- Thursday. At a meeting of the management committee of the Auckland Rugby ‘ Union the transfer of W. A. 'Clark from the Hamilton senior team to the Ponsonby first junior team was approved.