SHIELD GAME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 57, 1 September 1939, Page 5

SHIELD GAME

RANGITAIKI READY

OLD GUARD'S LAST CHARGE

In spite of threats of impending disasters in Europe the shield fixture at Opotiki is creating oceans of interest throughout the district. Opotiki the holders have many followers who predict further laurels when they tilt with the Rangitaiki representatives to-morrow. The latter, fresh from a victory over South Auckland at Pukekolie last Saturday week, and this secured without the valued services of E. and M. ■ Howell,-Paul Tama, Raerino and Kaipara are fairly confident that they can patch up their old war horses and send them out fit for the last charge. PLAYERS' RECORDS. It may be of interest to mention that, Eddie and Mac Howell were members of the Rangitaiki team that successfully defended the same trophy against the present holders at Te Teko in the 1927 season. They first represented the union in 1924 arid here we find thefn fifteen years later still going, if not as more craftily. Rugby Howell first repped during the 1928 season; Tom Whitely the same year; Paul Tama in 1925; Froggy and R. Lees in 193 i. Gundy Moore represented Te Puke in 1928', Poverty Bay in 1929-30 and Rangitaiki since 1931. Thus, we find nine of the challenging team battle scarred veterans, and of these Tom Whitely, Hon Lees and Froggy arc playing better than ever, and all who saw the brilliant display turned on by Rugby Howell in the half position at Pukekohe wonder why he missed Bay honours this season. Tfte Howell Bros Eddie and Mac are far from .being through and I will miss my guess if they do not cap off brilliant football careers by making their farewell game something to be remembered and the' others of the old brigade must have similar ideas. THE YOUNGSTERS. And now for the youngsters... M. Lees has gained well merited limelight and therefore needs no" introduction . It is of others I should speak, in particular H. Carter, Charlie Francis and Toss Lees. It appears that by passing in the shield these' three Avere catapulted out of the vision of the Bay selectors. Tliev viewed and no doubt selected the majority of their team from these games. Carter since returning from Massey College has been the best forward in the union,. While at college he gained a place in the North Island Varsity team and without the shadow of doubt is a splendid typeof player with an assured future. It seems strange that the Bay selectors nominated "Mitchell, another Massey College player for the All Black trials, on reputation only and vet another plaj-er with the same credwas not deemed 'worthy of consideration for their own team. The Bay must be a hot side. AN ALL BLACK HOPE. Charlie Francis, now fully recovered from his earlier injury is in k class by himself at; fullback and is the Bay's best bet if they desire a representative in the 1940 All Blacks He has every qualification for highest honours and it is for the officials to see that he gets his chance. So w T ith all that on paper Opotiki sre up against a pretty formidable side. Rangitaiki since 1931 have never been unsuccessful in a shield match when the game has been played away from home and I think the coming fixture will find that recor/l unbroken. However no doubt Opotiki have different ideas and the game should be a thriller. Rumour states that for the first time the challengers are taking two parties of organised cheerers along. Matata's contribution is Mrs H. L. Anderson and Mrs Lees while Edgecumbe not to be outdone have enrolled George Horwood and fifty lusty throats who hope to at least hold their own. May the better team win and the game be clean and fast. The spirit of Te Hurinui Apanui which n,o doubt hovers over the ground when all shield matches are in progress can then peacefully retire to the land of the shadows till next year and with the feeling that all is well with the good old game.