Loss Of Bebbington Shield Raises Doubt About Match Against Bush Fifteen

Chronicle (Levin), 14 July 1949, Page 9

Loss Of Bebbington Shield Raises Doubt About Match Against Bush Fifteen

The loss of the Bebbington Shield to Dannevirke last, Saturday was a severe blow to district rugby. It was the first' match in which Horowhenua had defended this much-coveted trophy since wresting it from Bush last season, and the hopes that it could be held here to draw further challenge games: were rudely shattered. The immediate question now is whether Bush, who were set down to play Horowhenua at Levin on July 23 for the shield will now make the trip. Nothing was definite today, but the Bush union's decision is expected tomorrow. Should the game not eventuate, the Horowhenua union has decided to replace it with a senior representative trial as a prelude to selecting the fifteen to oppose the All Blacks at Levin on Septembef 1. An endeavour is to be made to arrange a practice for the players this weekend. i

On their play on Saturday the Horowhenua team wifl have tof undergo'some ch^nges before it attains the form stnwn ffist year. Again the main fault lies in lack of combination. The forwards were good in the rucks :anfl lineouts, but were far too slow in following up. s | The back line, with practice, could develop moa good one. Ga1'oway and Wallis are probably the two best five-eighths in the district. Mortimer played fair football on Saturday and has shown his versatility to fill any position in fhe backs. Showing good form this season is Moynihan, but he ' rarely got any opportunities last Saturday. i In suggesting two wing threeauarters, the legical ehoice would be Lind (Ath'etic) and Foster (Otaki). I Both these players are speedy and on their plav this season have shown that thev have reached representative standard. Gwynn, who replaced Wa-lis in the second spell on Saturday, turned on an exhibition which should entitle him to be considered in the next renresentative team. His line kicking W?s particular'y impressive. It has to be admitted that Horowhenua has no really outstanding tui1 -backs, and here Mr. Oliver must find himself in an awkward position. It looks as if either Fuller or De Castro will have to fill this position. Lay surprised on Saturday in playing an exceplional game at half, and he should retain their position. Noonan did note injprqss while I Winterburn and Dfoyle were good in ! the first half. Both showed up well in the tight play, Winterburn particularly. Lincoln made some good breaks playing loose, and is improving as the season progresses.

Ian and Roy Robinson did not show the form they disp'ayeck against Manawatu. Milroy, Geoff Sciascia and Heremaia are three players who shou'd be given c°nsideration. It is evident that fast breaking forwards of their calibre are, as was shown in the Mana-' watu and Dannevirke teams. mTe reliable than those carrying the most weight.