RUGBY IN SAMOA

Hokitika Guardian, 4 April 1928, Page 1

RUGBY IN SAMOA

NAVY DEFEATED IN BLAZING SUNSHINE. AUCKLAND, April 2. When H.M.S. Diomede steamed into Apia roadstead as a gesture to remind the islanders that the Administration there had a least the moral support of the British Navy, the tall, Wselimhed sons of the Man gazed complacently, and instead of taking to the tall timber, or “biking” for the plantations in the interior, they issued a challenge, ft was a very friendly affair, and in brief in was: “We wifi take you on at Rugby football.” The Navy rose to the occasion promptly, and accepted the challenge, and an immediate search was made to muster the fittest fifteen on the ship. It was in blazing sunshine with the mercury near the 99 degree mark (in the shade), when the game was played. The Navy men soon faltered he for"' the devastating raids of the fuzzyhaired Samoans, and the British line was broken so often that when the referee blew the final whistle, the si ire read: Samoa 22. British Navy 0.

Very delighted were the Island spectators. and every warrior of the victorious fifteen was suitably garlanded with flowers and escorted by hero-wor-shippers. “They know something about the game down there,” said a youthful lieutenant this morning as lie rubbed a bruised shin. “I’ve had one gan'o against them, that will do me.” In the endeavour to retrieve a tarnished reputation, the Diomede fielded another team against Samoan whites but once again had to how to defeat. The Diomede also sent soccer and hockey teams ashore. Both Europeans and natives were most hospitable and the opinion formed was that British sport will .go a long way to smooth over some of the little differences that are now causing heartburnings in those delectable islands. '

From H.M.S. Diomede and H.M.S. Dunedin sixty marines under Commander Godfrey, R.N. were loft behind at Apia, and it is not known when they will he relieved. Cruising round the islands, the Diomede went in turn to Apia. Pago Pago, and later to Suva (Fiji). At- no time was there any serious demonstration by the natives. Occasionally there were semiofficial functions, and at each port officers and men were entertained.