RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 178, 26 June 1940, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TIME WASTED LOOKING FOR A BALL PLAY HELD UP AT MAT AT A It is possible that the standard of the representative game played last Saturday at Matata between the Rangitaiki and Whakatanc fifteens, was affected to some extent by the holding up of the play on five separate occasions. In the first half, Gardner, RangH taiki fullback, sustained a slight injury and play was suspended for some minutes. Following on this, Hayward, Whakatanc forward, had to receive attention. In the second spell, more time was lost when the Rangitaiki skipper, Whitely, was injured. Later Thompson, Rangitaiki winger, became a casualty and the game was again held up. , It is recognised that injuries to players will occur and must be exbut the time lost in searching for the ball after Francis had converted Rangitaiki's second try cannot be excused. It is usual in olub games to have t|wo balls and to find a representative match being played with no spare ball available was something of a surprise. It is true that a second was produced at Matata, but only after three or four minutes had been taken in retrieving that which had been kicked for the conversion. RANGITAIKI REPRESENTATIVES TEAM TO PLAY ROTORUA The Rangitaiki representatives to play Rotorua at Te Teko on Saturday in the Hurunui Apanui Shield fixture will be selected from the folloAving:— T. Gardner, Francis. Renata, R. Lees, M. Lees, T . Lees, Thompson. McCracken, Ratima, Henry, Kaipara Ellis, Howell, Tama, Schooner, Whit ely, Phillips, Conn, Woods, McGec. M. Ngaheau, Parks, Kakaho and L. Gardner. Mr F. Wederell has been appointed referee for this match.