THE SPRINGBOKS

Grey River Argus, 18 September 1937, Page 6

THE SPRINGBOKS

TO-DAY’S MATCH The Teams [Per Press Association]. GISBORNE, September 17. The teams for to-morrow’s match, Springboks versus Combined Poverty Bay, East Coast and Bay of Plenty, are:— Springboks: G. Brand; J. A. Brodryk, J. White, L. Babrow, V. P. Lochner; J. Bester (one to be dropped); T. Harris, D. Craven, P. de Villiers (one to be dropped); H. Watt, L. Strachan, B. du Toit, M...van der Berg, P. Nel, M. Louw, H. Martin, S Louw. (Final selection to be made early to-morrow afternoon). Combined Team:—M. Davies; A. McAneny, A. Reid, E. Grant; T. W. Repa, J. C. Reedy; D. Swinbourne; R. Rogers, O. Phillips, F. McAneny; T. Whiteley, J. Lockwood, D. Tuhoro, WMatheson, P. Ririnui. Third Test Crowd PRIVATE PEOPLE OFFER BEDS. AUCKLAND, September 17. Auckland residents have responded readily to an appeal to provide accommodation for visitors to the city to see the final Rugby Test match between the Springboks and All Blacks, and by to-night approximately 800 beds had been offered. The Auckland Office of the Tourist Department, which set up the Emergency Accommodation Bureau in conjunction with the Auckland Rugby Union, is handling the scheme. A feature of the offers is the large number from people who have never’ before had paying guests in their homes. In many cases, those offering accommodation had no idea of what to charge. Some of the people offering beds for visitors did not wish to make any charge. The results to date indicate unmistakably the desire on the part of Aucklanders to relieve the anxiety of those who otherwise would be faced with the prospect of walking the streets on Friday of next week, said the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis. I would ask the citizens not to be backward in filling the breach.” GISBORNE, September 17. According to Mr P. W. Day, manager of the Springboks, there is no uncertainty as to the outcome of the third Test, at Auckland. Interviewed last evening, he stated the loss of the first Test was due to the failure of the team to back up the man with the ball. It was a sheer lapse of form which gave no real indication of the merit of the Springbok team. The second game at Christchurch brought out the real form of the tourists, and the same qualities would assure the team of winning the rubber. SEASON DRAWS-TO CLOSE. The 1937 Rugby football season on the West Coast is now drawing to a close, and it can be looked back on as being one of the most successful in recent years. West Coast had considerable success in their representative fixtures, having won the Seddon Shield from Marlborough and then lost it in the next game to Buller. West Coast, however, beat Buller in the home and home games, capturing the Rundle Cup, whilst the side also defeated Canterbury at Greymouth. The Springboks visit was much appreciated by rugby enthusiasts, even though their visit to New Zealand has adversely affected gates and play in Club matches.

Congratulations are extended to Star Club on winning the West Coast Senior Championship, a privilege the Club last enjoyed in 1932. S.ars were also equal in points with Cobden for the Citizens’ Shield and it is indeed unfortunate that the West Coast Union did not see fit to bracket the two Clubs as winners instead of abandoning the Competition. The new Club in the Competition, Ross, put up a fine performance, finishing up fourth on the ladder. Blaketown again also proved consistent, finishing up third two points behind United. All the other senior clubs won games, and in fact it was only late in the season that several of inem drifted down the ladder. The senior fixtures will be brought to a close with a match for the McLean trophy between Stars, . premier team of the northern district, and Ross, premier team of the southern district. Generally the weather has been fine, and with the many improvements being effected, the playing conditions and accommodation at Rugby Park should rank with the best in New Zealand.

****** A Close Call: Star Seniors had a close call last Saturday in their match with Cobden as with a little more luck Cobden should have equalised the score or bettered it. As it was, A. Lindbom was most unlucky with a penalty kick which struck the upright and rebounded. Had this kick succeeded it would have placed Star and United equal at the head of the ladder, and a replay would have been necessary. Stars did not play the same football as Cobden, who deserved the success which they keenly sought in view of the match counting for the Citizens’ Shield, in which series Cobden had not been defeated. Sore:

G. Gilbert filled the role of full back for United last Saturday most capably, but he should not have been playing as his ankle was decidedly weak and a couple of runs left him limping for the remainder of the game. Gilbert’s injury was most unfortunate as he is a player who loves the game for the game’s sake and his loss has been keenly felt in Club matches and representative games in recent weeks? ****** Can Expect Defeat: In view of Canterbury’s recent fine performances with other provincial teams, the West Coast team can anticipate a somewhat heavy defeat today. It is not a strong side, and West Coast enthusiasts do not anticipate that West Coast can maintain its good record of successes against the Canterbury side. West Coast have won the last three encounters.

******* Results of Matches to Date: 1907—At Greymouth, West Coast ‘ won 11—0. 1912— At Christchurch, West Coast won 17—14. 1913— At Greymouth, Canterbury won 20—5. 1923—At Greymouth, West Coast won 17—6. 1926 —At Christchurch, Canterbury

' won 37 —7. 1927—At Hokitika, Canterbury won 11—6. 1929—At Greymouth, Canterbury won 27—12. 1932—At Christchurch, Canterbury won 5—3. (Ranfurly Shield). 1932 — At Christchurch—Draw, 6 all. 1933— At Christchurch, Canterbury won 23—14 (Ranfurly Shield). 1933— At Greymouth, West Coast won 9—B. 1934 — At Greymouth, draw, 6 all. 1934 — At Christchurch, Canterbury won 25—21. 1935— At Greymouth, Canterbury won 16—12. 1935— At Christchurch, Canterbury won 16—15. 1936 — At Greymouth, West Coast, won 15—13. 1936— At Christchurch, West Coast won B—o. 1937 — At Greymouth, West Coast won 23—14. Of the 18 games played, Canterbury has won nine and West Coast seven, whilst two have been drawn.