RUGBY FOOTBALL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 83, 5 October 1938, Page 21

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SOUTHERN TOUR

MANAGER'S REPORT

Mr. J. D. King, manager of the Wellington Rugby team on its recent southern tour, presented a report on the tour to the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Union last night.

In describing the match against Southland for the Ranfurly Shield, the report states: "About 11 a.m. on the day of the match, heavy rain started to fall, and ruined, I consider, what chance we had of winning. The game was played in excellent spirits and, although not spectacular, was hard and keen. Southland won by 10 points to 3."

The match against Otago, which was won by Otago by 18 points to 8, was described as a spectacular match, and mention is made of the match against South Canterbury, which resulted in Wellington's first win on the tour, the score being 17-6. After a game that was generally considered to have been the best in Christchurch during the season, Wellington beat Canterbury by 14 points to 8. The report added that it was a little disappointing not winning the shield, but that on the run of play the better team won. Southland had a grand forward team—much too strong for Wellington. Apart from measles, which were contracted by Burns, Todd, Fleming, and Jones, the team was rather unfortunate regarding injuries. Pringle suffered a badly torn shoulder muscle in the Otago match, and Fraser Smith and McNicol suffered ear injuries in the same match. Eastwood injured his ankle at Timaru and was not fit to play against Canterbury, Griffin injured a knee, and Brien injured his thumb and ankle in the Canterbury game. The behaviour of the team, both on and off the field, was up to the high standard set by previous teams and was favourably commented on by members of the unions visited.

In conclusion, the report pays a tribute to the secretary (Mr. !A. E. Neilson) for the exdellent manner in which the tour had been planned. Mr. King was thanked for the report, and on the motion of the chairman (Mr. J. N. Millard), it was decided to write to the unions visited thanking them for the hospitality extended to the Wellington team.