RUGBY FOOTBALL

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 April 1927, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

( By "ONLOOKER")

A few notes re the prospects of the local Club for the coining season will no doubt be of interest to supporters. Of last year's senior team the following are definitely donning the jersey again: Backs—Balks, Hume, George, Munro, McDougall, Fisher. Forwards —Shanahan, Dailev Grierson, Silva and probably Smith. The intentions of the following are not yet known, as they have not to date put in an appearance at training —Baumber, Sullivan, Fawcett, Hickling, Whiterod and Renner; S. Gibson (late of Athletic) is the most notable acquisition among the new members —others include White (full back); Pudney (hooker) and McCarthy (three-quarter) late of Eastbourne Senior B. Fetzer (a forward from the King Country) and Kendall (a back from Hawke's Bay). The Coach, Major King, has also the following players on his list, who will be tried out with a view to being considered for the Senior Team: Backs—Bonetti, Brown, Hansen, Jenkins, Hester. Forwards—Berntsen, Forsyth, Pankhurst, Evans (all of last year's junior team) and Langford, Rea and Winnie (thirds). A practice match held on Saturday last, revealed some very promising material—the following players showing very good form, thereby enhancing their prospects of inclusion in the Senior Team: White, McCarthy, Brown, Berntsen, Forsyth, Langford and G. Jarman—Fisher, George, McDougall and Shanahan of last year's seniors showed up well throughout. Balks, Hume, Kendall, Gibson, Hansen, Fetzer. Pudney, Silva, Dailey and Smith did not take part in this practice.

With the large increase in population of the Hutt, it is reasonable to presume that there are other players residing here, who will wish to play and they should lose no time in getting into touch with the Club officials who are in attendance at the gymnasium every training night (Monday to Thursday inclusive).

With the material offering, the prospects for the current season are very good indeed. Players generally, express confidence in Major King (first as sole selector) and secondly as coach in conjunction with Mr. T. G. McNaught. With approximately thirty players under consideration for the Senior Team, there will no doubt be many disappointed when the initial team is announced, and it is to be hoped that those passed over will accept the decision in a sporting spirit and pull in with the Junior Team, and by strict attention to training and improvement of their form endeavour to convince the Senior selector that they are worthy of places in his team. Should all players adopt this attitude, this year's Junior Team should be quite capable of attaining championship honours.