CHRONICLE SPORTS PAGE

Chronicle (Levin), 5 August 1948, Page 7

CHRONICLE SPORTS PAGE

Review Of Play And Players In Senior Rugby

Saturday saw the semi-final of the senior championship anci although the weather caused'the ground to be in its worst state for years, both teams adapted themselves admirably to the conditions. Hui Mai never placed a foot incorrectly .and ran up 13 points by their forwards using their feet to control the slippery ball. It was noticeable how they backed one another up. Bryant, of Hui Mai, stood out in several hammering foot rushes. McCashin, in an unusual position- for him — at the back of the scrum — showed he had lost nothing of his old form. Page at full-back and Robinson at half showed that they know how to play football under wet conditions. Page's handling of the greasy ball was exceptionally good.

In the second half Wanderers took a leaf from Hui Mai's hook and showed that they knew how to play with the ball at their toes. Milroy and Lincoln, ably supported by H. Winiata, made frequent excursions into Hui Mai's territory. One effort of Milroy's, which resulted in a try, was exceptionally good. The halfback, Heremaia, supported by Sciascia and M. Winiata, got through some hard work. The final score was probably a fair indication of the game. Wanderers finished the better of the two teams and Hui Mai had definitely had enough when time was called. SENIOR REPS. STRENGTHENED BY CHANGES The selectors have announced the first fifteen to play Wanganui at Wanganui at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Some alterations have been made and it would appear that these will strengthen the attacking ability of the back line. The inclusion of Wallace at second five-eighths will give the team the thrust which was lacking in the match against Bush. Ross Smith, on the wing, is a scoring machine and it is up to the inside backs to see that every opportunity is given him. W. Galloway has played at full-back before and his sure handling and good kicking will be an asset. He knows how to go down on the ball and tackles soundly. It is to be hoped that Tritt reproduces the form he showed against Athletic at Levin. His passing on this occasion was much improved. Two of the forwards have been dropped, the two coming in being McCashin and Bryant. The former is a good rake with wide experience, and it is to be hoped that he will give his back line a fair share of the ball. Bryant, on the side of the scrum, has justified his inclusion. He has played consistently good football, is young and will improve. r. Robinson, -as last man down, has the speed necessary to cover his backs on defence. On his play, Milroy appears to be a bit unlucky in not being kept in the front row. He has turned in some outstanding performances of late. Wanganui have not been beaten in the last 11 representative games and a win over this good team by Horowhenua would give rugby in this district a great boost. SELECTORS DO GOOD JOB WITH B TEAM A senior B team has also been selected to play Wairarapa's second fifteen at Wairarapa on August 14. The selectors have done a good job here and there is a fair repre-

sentation from all clubs. At fullback, W. Page is the best man in the union playing in this position. -It is a pity that he is so light. Wallace, Chester and McCready are the threequarters. Chester was a certainty after his recent good displays. McCready is fast and determined over short distances. .Wallace appears to have been a little lucky at the expense of Stevens (Athletic) . Hudson and Staples should combine well, the former being particularly strong on defence. At half-back, L. Robinson probably owes his place to the fact that Hakaraia has been on the injured list, but he has nevertheless turned on some sterling games. The front row forwards, Ander,son, Milroy and Winiata, are all I good men and should get their share of the ball. Sayers, H. Winiata and Cole are light, but fast and dangerous men in the loose. Of the locks, J. Granger and Callensen are both old heads and know their ;game. • 1 SENIOR B TEAM TO PLAY WAIRARAPA The following senior B team has been chosen to represent Horowhenua in their match with Wairarapa, to be played on August 14 at Carterton: — Backs. — W. Page, W. Wallace, S. Chester, K. McCready, G. Hudson (captain) , M. Staples and L. Robinson. Reserves: F. Neylon, R. Stev!ens and T. Newton. | Forwards. — R. Andejson, G. Mil|roy, W. Winiata, H. Winiata, N. Callesen, J. Granger, H. Sayer and D. Cole. Reserves: N. Bryant, Foster and T. Henry. Players are reminded that a prac.tice will be held at Rugby Park on August 8 at 1.30 p.m. THIRD GRADE REP. TEAM FOR MANAWATU GAME The Horowhenua third grade rugby representatives meet Manawatu, at Palmerston North, on August 14. The Horowhenua team i is as under: — | Backs: W. Cook, W. Royal, . W • Waaka afid W. Davis (Rahui); D j Gwynn ('Old Boys) ; P. Morgan j (Athletic) ; and T. Peach (Shan'non) . Forwards: P. McClune (College)-; • L. Merwood (Rahui); D. Shermah P. Calnan and R. McGregoi (Shannon) ; R. Bartosh and A Wells (Old Boys) ; and C. Wilsor (Athletic) . Reserves. — Backs: J. Kuiti (College) ; N. Sciascia (Ol'd Boys) anc Winterburn (Rahui). Forwards: J. Ellen (Old. Boys), P. Fletchei (Athletic) and J. Clark (Rahui).