Rugby

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 11, 13 July 1949, Page 5

Rugby

REFLECTIONS ON FIRST REP, GAME (By “Kai ti tiro”) Although they gained a narrow win over Thames Valley on Saturday the performance of'the Bay of Plenty representative rugby team was not all that could be desired and much improvement is wanted yet. Of course, being the first game of the year it was only to be expected that the players would find some strangeness in being brought together for the first time. From the sectators point of view the game was not inspiring and few bright movements were produced. Part of the blame for this, I think, can be attributed to the referee who did not have much control over the play. Some of his decisions were hard to follow. Many people were unable to attend the match and for those unfortunates who tuned into the Bay of Plenty broadcasting station little satisfaction could have been gained from the commentaries. It was the

poorest exhibition I have ever heard and from what I saw of the game it was not an. accurate description* It is to be hoped that the commentary on the Australian match will be better.

From Saturday’s 1 game I would say there will be some changes in the team but there is plenty, of good talent about in the Bay. With intelligent selecting I think the province has the chance of building up a strong side, one which should be able to extend the Australians. However, the next game will give some indication as to the future., PLAYERS TO TRAIN FOR WHAKATANE TEAM The following players have been selected to train for the Whakatane representative rugby team at Whakatane Field at 9.30 Sunday morning. All players who cannot attend are to notify the selector, Mr F. Harawira, or the secretary, Mr D. O. Stewart. Any player who does not attend and has no reasonable excuse will not be considered for selection:— H. Ranapia, P. Ratahi, T,. Hona, M. Hotene, W. Kopae, Parsons, G. Goodall, J. Rolfe, T. De Lacey, A. Mundy, G. Stewart, T. Riini, M. Riini, M. Bluett, B. Carter, K. Merito, T. Crapp, P. Gardiner, E. Welch, B. McGougan, S. Hurran, L. Ball; CUP COMPETITIONS START AT RANGITAIKI .. Senior games of the Rangitaiki Rugby Sub-Union commence the first round of the Duff Cup on Saturday. Junior teams will start playing for the Lion Cup. -The draw:— Rangitaiki 1 Seniors (First round Duff Cup): Matata v Edgecumbe at Matata, 2 .p.m., Mr J. Hyland; Thornton v Te Teko at Thornton 2 p.m., Mr B. Magee. Juniors (First round Lion Cup): Otakiri v Edgecumbe at Otakiri 1 p.m., Mr T. Parkes; Te Teko v Matata at Te Teko 1 p.m., Mr J. Arrol.