WORLD OF SPORT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 191, 26 July 1940, Page 8

WORLD OF SPORT

RUGBY FOOTBALL NOTES AND COMMENTS The Bay of Plenty showed to effect in the match with Poverty BayEast Coast, and on me out two-point winners, but a lest li-:; in the game against Waikato at Tauranga to-morrow. On paper Waikato have a definite superiority in both backs and forwards, and in both divisions the fact that the combination is much the same as that of last season indicates that Wailcato will lack nothi'ng on the score of understanding between the players. m ' s» e » C. Francis plays consistently safe and first class games in the Rangitaiki fullback berth and it is unfortunate for this fine and versatile' player that one of the calibre of Skinner Avas available as the Bay custodian. On Francis' game last Saturday against Te Puke and with memories of his exhibition when the Blue and Blacks came up against Tauranga a fortnight earlier, it is apparent that there is little between these tAvo players. A valuable asset they have in common is the ability to kick goals and both are cool under pressure. The writer understands that Francis can adapt him- ! self to any position, and if that is the case, first call will probably be made on him in the event of an emergency being required. He would be well rewarded with a chance to prove himself in representative company. * * « » Incidentally, it is somewhat unusual to have two fullbacks selected as rearguard emergencies for a rep. game. Possibly the fact, that Rayment lives in Tauranga influenced the selectors in this decision. This former Bay representative appears to be having an off season bui lie was brilliant last year and could rise to the occasion if necessary. • « • * The non-inclusion of T. Lees, Ran gitaiki's back row man, is hard to understand. It is not suggested thai the selectors erred in picking Taraahori, of Rotorua, for this position, but Lees, exceptionally fast, hasbeen accustomed to other positions than back row forward. He is equally at home as a five-eighth or three quarter and could at least haven been selected as an emergency. Ruebe, Te Puke, did nothing last Saturday to justify his inclusion, and strength might have been add-> ed to the team if Lees had gone in as a side-row man. m * * ■ » The selection of Hughes, of Whakatane, to replace Hayward, of Whakatane, (the latter having sustained an injury that will keep him [out of the game for some time), [will meet with the approval of | those who saw his game against Opotiki. Hughes is an excellent type of forward, and one of the best in the Bay when it comes to loose play-. m * 9 • Mitchell, To Puke's back-row. played a good game last week at Matata. This forward is not one of the heavy type but is very fast and turned on some amazing bursts of speed in the Hurinui Shield fixture. Apparently the selectors noted that and decided that he would be a useful emergency for the Waikato game. e » * • A feature of the Te Puke challenge at Matata last Saturday was the standard of the line kicking. Both fullbacks, Francis and Ahimero, were in fine form and their touch-finding at times was brilliant. Others came into the picture in this department, Schooner, R. Lees, M. Lees doing well in this direction for Rangitaiki and Gooseman setting the example for Te Puke. ■ 9 « 0 Players of clubs in the Whakatane Union appear to be lesing interest as the enlistment of more and more from their teams makes the raising of a fifteen difficult and default almost a habit. A new lease

will probably be taken with the prospect of the Hurinui Shield engagement on August 3rd and t|he game at the Domain to-morrow, when the Probables and Possibles match takes place, should provide •plenty of interest. There is much material in the two teams chosen and though it is to be expected that combination Avill suffer somewhat, the individual players are there and the sefec-. tors should have no difficulty in picking a fifteen capable of stopping Rangitaiki's long run of successes on Saturday week. The referee for the representativematch on Saturday Avil.l be Mr Wilson, of Tauranga, who controllcdi the Rangitaiki-Te Puke game at Matata last Saturday. WILSON CUP JUNIORS TO PLAY WAIMANA Juniors to represent Whakatane Star against Waimana for the Wilson- Cup are to assemble at the Domain at 1.15 and will be selected from the following:— Britten, Chambers, J. Crapp, Boon, Thorn, Carey, Coutts, L. Crapp J. Thompson, Melville, Stewart, R. Thompson, Edwards, Brown, Sullivan, Thorburn.

A Notable Pedigree. El Meynell, winner ol' four hurdle events in succession 'lately, is bred on lines that shoul'd ensure him getting to the top of the hurdlers' list in due course. By Hunting Song from the Hallowmas —Bonny Helen mare Halli'gan, he is a full brother to View Hallbo and Hark Forrard, and a half brother to Arrow Zone. He is owned by Mr W. S. Glenn, of Wanganui, and trained by H. Duiicu, at New Plymouth.. Exit Hunting Song. The Hurry On representative,. Hunting Song, leading sire in New Zeaalnd for six j'ears, and second s'n the long list lor three, met with an accident while running in a partdock at the Gnine Car ring ton Stud. Si I've rd ale, and had to be destroyed. He was imported to New Zealand from England, by the late Mr Gaine Carrington, of Gisborne, and waibrought to the Waikato in 193;). Tjn the past twelve years his stock ha-n • won over £200,000 in stakes, which amount may be very considerably increased in the coming season. j