SPORTS AND SPORTSMEN

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19663, 24 August 1935, Page 20 (Supplement)

SPORTS AND SPORTSMEN

(By “ Xorotangi.”)

BOXING TALENT IN THE WAIKATO

!Recent Tourney Reviewed ! New Thealand Golf Title i Lindrwms Polished Craftsmanship : Origin of Rugby Chorus : South Africa at Cricket : All Black Weights Compared. IT IS NO FAULT of the Hamilton Boxing Association or its fellow organisations that boxing in the Waikato should remain in the doldrums. Altogether the Waikato championships last Saturday were disappointing. There was entertainment in plenty, for the bouts revealed a fair array of pugnacious fighters but, with a single exception, there was not one representative of the district who was fairly matched against the clever tactics of the Auckland team. As the principal cause of the dearth of scientific boxers in the Waikato, may be cited the deplorable lack of training facilities. Capable coaches there may be hut the absence of proper gymnasiums coupled with haphazard training methods are arraigned against real progress; the result must be . decadence, hard though the term is. Often there is much method in seeming madness. The boxer who follows a course in tap-dancing, shadow-boxing and stroke drill may on summary view be dismissed as a fool but, in point of fact, these are the methods which rank of much greater import in training than a lot of physical exercise and sparring work. Most of Waikato’s boxers are too heavy on their feet and have an awkward idea of stance which, throwing them off their balance in fast work, renders them easy victims for a knock-out. Most have a good physical make-up and take the ring in good trim; of endurance they have plenty, of pluck and enterprise the same. Only a more scientific and more balanced training system fs wanting.

E. Bongard stands out with distinction as being the sole scientific boxer in the array of local performers which came before the public on Saturday. With an attractive victory in the se'corid round he appeared as the likely winner of the light-weight section but a' sudden attack of influenza put him out of the running and he very wisely retired, R. Nixon, of Auckland, substituting him and going on to win the final from F. S. Allan, of Auckland. Nixon is a worthy successor to the Aucklander, R. Wilson, and his displays as a light-weight and a featherweight were equal to any the writer has seen in Hamilton in recent years, his strong left and body jabs with both hands piling on points and adding a valuable touch of versatility. F. S. Allan's tactics have not changed much in recent years and he was as light as ever on the canvas, adding to his elusiveness by effective 'Clinching when the fighting became too close for his liking. In a whirlwind of straight lefts and sharp uppercuts, Hobson, Waikato’s new hope, smashed his way through to the, final of the welter-weight section, knocking out his first two opponents in the first round in no uncertain fashion, his third in the second round, and obtaining a points decision over Estall, the game little Aucklander, in the final. Solid and “nuggety," he was all for a knock-out from the opening gong, a barrage from both hands speedily breaking down the best guard (and the best was poor) of his opponents of class he met however, was not strong and when he came up against a boxer of class in Estall he was forced all out to gain a points decision. Hobson hits hard, if a little wildly, and to take one of his crosses on the point means to take the count. The lighter weights were dominated by Aucklanders. D. Mason, of Rotorua, was a game fighter in the paper-weights hut he was, perhaps, lucky in obtaining a draw against Morris, of Auckland, in the final, while the fly-weights and ban-tam-weights drew a complete entry of visitors, R. Nixon overwhelmed S. Dillon, Te Mata, in tho first round of the bantam-weight section. Llndrum’s Contemplative Play. Walter Lindrum is a craftsman. His cool, contemplative play, the manner In which he nurses his cannons and the success with which he plans his tactics moves ahead of the moment, reveal his true artistry. There is no lucky flash about his sensational ran of breaks and where the average player performs the obvious shot, 'Lindrum thinks in hundreds, looking ahead not one or two shots but a dozen shots and launching, out in scoring 'tactics which are part of a definite plan. McOonachy's style is in marked contrast to the posture and familiarity of the world champion. The New Zealander plays tensely and produces colourful billiards which have a variety all their own. It might bo said that he plays better exhibition billiards than Lindrum although in match play the latter is obviously his master.

Dominion Golf Titles. Described by Gene Sarazen as one of the best courses in the Dominion, the Shirley links at Christchurch will be the venue for the New Zealand championship golf tourney which commences on 'October li at 8.30 a.m., with the first round of the New Zealand Open and the qualifying rounds for the amateur and professional championships. Entries close on September 26. The champions who intend

Weights of All Blacks. W. Collins, the solid Hawke’s Bay iforward, who tops the scale at 15st 61b. takes pride of place so fab as weight is concerned among the i 93536 All Blacks. G. Gilbert, the Westcoastian lullback, upon whom so much responsibility has been placed, and A. Mitchell, who scale 13st. 31b. arc the heaviest of the backs and M. Corner, 9st. 61b., is the lightest. Collins is the heaviest forward, whilo the lightest of the pack is C. S. Pepper, 12st. 61b., Auckland’s fast-rucking front row man. In 1924 C. J. Brownlie was the heaviest member of the side, weighing lost., while the 1904 team, which altogether was a relatively light combination, named the llfteen-stoner Newton as the heaviest of its personnel.

British Prestige Struok. A rain of blows has been struck at the prestige of British cricket. Three rubbers in succession have been lost to Australia, West Indies, and South Africa. . The iinparallelled experience of trying 25 players in ono series was attempted without, avail and South Africa passed on to a commanding success with a drawn game in the final Test. There may be active'grounds for the complaint of D. R. Jardbc and others, but one views with suspicion any attempt to lay the blame for a loss at tho doors of the selector and it may just ho possible that England was beaten by a better team. The time has come when it must be realised that England and Australia are not the only two cricketing countries of the world. South Africa, India, New Zealand and the West Judies all’ have growing claims to recognition in first--crass matches. Unfortunately it is a point not recognised . . . at, any rale in England, which remains conservative over a point of cricketing superiority. Yet, since I'.KM, England has won hut two of i 1 lest maiches.

defending their titles are: Open, A. J. Shaw (professional); amateur, B. M Silk; profesional, A. J. Shaw; amateur foursomes, A. E. Guy and J. P. Mortland; professional foursomes, A. J. Shaw and W. Campbell. » # * * In the open championship all professionals who are members of a recognised provincial golf association or members of an affiliated club may compete. As regards amateurs, entries will bo limited to 'those of a certified stroke handicap of eight or under. The first two rounds will be played on Friday and Saturday, October 11 and 12, and at the conclusion of the second round all except the leading 70 who have entered for the Open, together with all ties for the seventieth place and also those who have entered for the Amateur only, will too eliminated. Those not eliminated will play the third and fourth rounds on Monday, October 14. In the Open, professionals will be drawn with amateurs in such a manner having regard to the respective skill of the various players as the committee may decide. All starting times will be balloted for. In the Amateur Championship the 32 amateurs returning the lowest aggregate in the four rounds will play off by match play under automatic draw.

Who Wrote “ On the Ball.” Tho ranks of the Manawatu sporting fraternity have been dissolved in dissension over tile question of a mere song. The question was: Who wrote that sporting classic, “ On the. Ball.” it was said that the author of the song was a Nelson identity, but a Manuwatu Times’ reporter assigned to tho task of discovering the full facts of the case, made inquiries and was able to prove conclusively that the music and words of “On the Ball" originally came from the pen of tho late Mr E. W. Seeker, when a resident of Palmerston North. “lOn the Ball” was written by the late Mr Seeker about Easter, 1885, on 11. W. Hayhittle’s premises in the Square, Palmerston North,

'From all accounts the song was inspired by the Clerk of the Court at Palmerston North, Mr R. T. Hultain, making strenuous efforts to introduce the Canadian game of lacrosse. The song was dedicated to an old opponent, who was fullback for Feilding, and it was first sung by Walter Haybittle, a younger brother of “ Blogg" Haybittle, the actor, at the Club Hotel. It was followed in the evening by the two teams which had been engaged in a match during the afternoon, parading the Square and chorussing the •song. * * * * The chorus of “On the Ball” is well known and does not. need repealing. but the verses are not so frequently used and can hear repetition: Sonic talk or cricket and some or lacrosse, Some long for tlm huntsmen's call; mu where, can lie round such a musical sound As tho old ltugliy cry, “On the nail?” On a cold winter's day When the ball is away. Let sluggards at home then remain, We'll kick and we'll collar. We'll run, pass and follow, And shout this sama merry refrain.

Now lire’s but a scrummage We cannot get through Without many a kick and a blow;, And then in the end though we dodge and we fend, That sure collar, “ Death,’ lays us low. Remember then, boys, As you journey through life, There’s a goal to be reached by and by; And If you run true You are bound to get through, And .perhaps get a goal for your try. Although pulled down now there remains still ■ a chance To pass ir you play the right game, And the poor, weary soul may at last win the goal, Which is every true footballer’s aim. English County Cricket. The English county cricket competition continues to retain an interesting complexion. On July 13 the position of the teams was as follows; pts. ms.

Odds and Ends. H. F. Wade, who has led the South African test team so brilliantly and cheerfully, has been a great favourite in Yorkshire, where he played in council cricket some years ago. Bob Cormack, the rugged Auckland boxer, was completely lost as the result of the slack ropes in the Wai-

kato boxing tourney on Saturday. Obviously, he works some of his finest retaliatory movements by means of the bounce from them.

Jim Wynyard, the baby of the 1935 All Blacks, and To Awamutu’s Rugby hero, celebrated his coming-of-age last week. 11. B. Cameron’s injury in the South Africa-England test last month, raises again the question of the severity of the handicap to a team when the key man is hurt; also (this is wrapped up in tho same problem) bow much time should be allowed to slip by for the attention to injury. Incidentally, the problem is not peculiar to cricket.

SPORTS LETTERBOX. G.S.N. (Te Mata).—Points table appears to-day. Reader (Claudelands). —Both Hendren and Leyland were members of the M.C.C. side which toured the West Indies in 1930-31. Hendren was equalled only by Hammond in batting consistency.

P. W. Poss. Obt. Perc. Yorkshire 16 10 240 170 70.83 Warwick 14 7 210 127 60.47 Derby 14 7 210 123 58.57 Middlesex 12 5 180 07 53. SS Kent 16 7 240 122 50.83 Lancashire 15 6 225 1 12 49.77 Notts 14 5 210 09 47.14 Sussex 18 7 270 125 46.29 Surrey 14 4 210 93 44.28 Leicester 14 5 210 91 43.33 Glamorg-an 16 5 240 101 42.08 Essex 14 4 210 73 34.76 Gloucester 17 4 2 5 5 82 32.15 Worcester 17 4 255 67 26.27 Somerset , , 13 2 105 44 22.56 Northants 14 1 210 41 10.52 Hampshire 16 2 240 44 18.33