TALENTED JUNIORS

Chronicle (Levin), 22 July 1948, Page 7

TALENTED JUNIORS

Young Aussie's Riigby Debut WasTops " » « -7 There is no dearth of rugby talent 'in the Horowhenua junior division this season. In fact the line-up has reyealed some players of exceptionally high meriu Making his debut in the game .oi" rugby -football, Roger Desgrande, of Athletic, who hails from Australia, has proyed himself to be onp of the best forwards in the junior pompetition, and no doubt one of the best "lineout forwards in the district. His-jumping for the ball would be a lesson to many of the seniors. ' A forward who has a great deal of experience and knows the finer poims of the game is Judd (Athletic). Royal (Wanderers) is a good worker and is always on the ball. B. Laws (Athletic) shows all round ability. He has recently been transferred to the full-back position, to which he seems well suited. Marshall /Wanderers) is a good lineout forward and shows general ability. He will be an asset to a senior team next year if promoted. B. Ward (Wanderers) turns in a good game and is also able to playin the backs. Malloy (Tokomaru) is the best junior half-back in the district, Catley (Hui Mai) is a good inside back. He handles particularly well and is sound on defence. Lind (Athletic) is outstanding as a winger, being big and very fast, and possessing the ability to change direction at top speed. He would be an asset to any senior team. Benning (Hui Mai) is a hard working fotward who is shown to best advantage in a tight game. L. Mc'Minn (Athletic) is an outstanding player, but he unfortunately iacks weight. S. Gwynn (Athletic) displays remarkabie hooking ability. He is new to the position this season. McDcmald (Punahau) would be unlucky if he did not gain a place in cne reps. G. Rippin (Athletic) is an outstanding forward in the tight, a quality generally lacking m junior grades. R. Jones (Wanderers) has been piaying consistently good football in the forwards and in aimost every position. P. Kora, an Island boy and Punahau winger, shows good promise and has - a determined ' run so essential to a winger. Tamakalia (Punahau) is a very useful halfback. J. Packer unfortunately broke his leg early in the season. This boy had the makings of an excellent first five-eighths. Short (Wanderers) is very useful at fullback. .... The southern junibrs have also no doubt some good talent this year, but as they are seldom seen iocally it would be difficult to individualise.