FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1930, Page 6

FOOTBALL

THE ALL BLACks

NORTH ISLAND Till A 1

[By Telegraph, Per Press Association..

(PALMERSTON N., May 14

The selectors of the -Vjw Zealand Rugby Union saw an indifferent game in the North Island Possibles v. Probables trial. On paper the teams appeared fairly, balanced, hut the Possibles proved much the stronger fifteen, winning by the wide margin of 42 to 6.

Play generally was inclined to bo ragged, with very few combined rearguard movements, although on occasions there were bright flashes of individual play.

The Possibles’ hacks were superior throughout, Cooke (AYairarapa) being invaluable, and creating many openings. Hcazlewood (Wellington) was easily the better of the two lullbacks. Alackay (Wellington) and Lucas (Auckland) also giving good displays. Oorner (Auckland) was very game behind the Possibles’ pack and made more of opportunities, hut lie was outshone by Kilby (Wellingon), the opposition half. Fuller (Wairarapa), Johnson (Wellington) and Kilby were the best of the Probables’ backs. The young Hawke’s Bay centre, Ruru, was good only on occasions. There was a notable battle between the opposing wing forwards, the veteran, Porter (Wellington) and Solomau (Auckland), the latter being one of the outstanding players on the ground. The Probables’ forwards got the greater 'share of the ball in the first half, but the two packs on the whole proved well matched. An injury fo the veteran Wairarapa hooker, Irvine, noticeably,, affected the success of the Probables in .this department. FinJlayson (North Auckland), Coulston (Wellington), AlcLean (Wellington), and Reid (Wairarapa), distinguished themselves in the Possibles’ forwards and Knight (Auckland), Batty (Auckland and Harvey (Wairarapa) for the Probables.

Nicholls (AVellington) and Minns (Auckland) were ‘ absentees from the Probables team, and were replaced by Sbringfellow (Wairarapa) and Ball (Wellington) respectively. The Possibles fielded the team selected, hut in the second spell Strange .'(Alaiii/aiwilinua) replaced ’Hlvy .(Wellington), and Gerard (Bush) went on in place of Finlayson. A crowd in the'"'vicinity of 5000 watched the gamfi. and the weather and ground conditions 'were ideal. The Probables had thflfsun and wind behind them in the first spell. Fifilayson, Coulston, Alacken/.ie and AlacKay scored for ! the Possibles in the first spell,' Heafclewood converting two add kicking " a penalty. Fuller made the oiily entry for the Probables with two penalties:' In the second spell McKenzie, '’•Strange, Gerard, AtiicKay and • Cookte-' scored' tor the Possibles, Heaziewbod- adding-< extras on four occasions.

SOUTH ISLAND M ATCH THE TEA A IS.

; ‘ PALMERSTON May 14. ■ •The selectors have chosen The- following teams for the South Island Possibles v. Probables match at Christchurch next‘’'Wednesday ..POSSIBLES. Full-back: Lindsay (Otago). Throe-quarters: Oliver, (Otago), S. Carleton (CrtnterbAtry), J'.'H. Geddes (Southland). Second -five-eighth:. A. Strang (South Canterbury),; first five-eighth, 11. Lilburne (Canterhu’ry). Half: A. Holden (Southland). Forwards: AVing-fonvard, G. Scrimshaw (Canterbury); hookers, J. Burrows (Canterbury), R. Souter (Otago); leek, E. Collett (Otago) ; sides, W. Hazlett (Southland,), R. Stewart (Canterbury); back row, A. McCabe (Bullet-'. .J. :M-uMicster (Canterbury). PROBABLES fail-back: •J. Harris (Canterbury). Throc-qp.a ; .' jer: G Hart (Canterbury). ' >ftC i Mb* r ;?yinowb (OtagD, ETroLtcr (South Canterbury). Second live-eightb : G. Dines (Canterbury) ; first five-eighth, 0. Thandanovitch (Otago). ‘ Half-back’: W. Dailey (Canterbury).. Forwards: wing-forward, R Bird (Southland) ; front row, I. Cottrell (Canterbury), J. Hore (Otago); look H. McKerns!© (Southland) ; supports. G. Purdie (Southland), E. Snow (Nelson) ; hack row, C. McKay (Golden .Bay), G. Giddings (South Canterbury) • RESERVES. Reserves for both , teams: Backs, C Oliver (Canterbury), J. Wilson (Otago); forwards A. Ferguson \West Coast), E. Sim (North Otago). All the reserves will be played during the match.

N.Z. TEAM’S COLOURS. WELLINGTON, May 14. The Management 1 Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union decided to-night that,, for the purposes of the test matches, the-‘New Zealand team will play in white jerseys, with a silver fern on the breast, black knickers and black stockings with white tops. ■; THE BRITISH TEA At. .WELLINGTON, May 14. The British Rugby Football team arrived this morning by the liner Rangitata. The team, who are a strong looking combination, includes numerous six-footers, and all are fit. The general impression of the team is that they are young- men. with several of very fine physique. They have made a very good impression, even in the short time they have been hero.

The players are having a preliminary run this afternoon at Athletic Park, and two hours’ practice to-mor-row. They had a very good trip out, and indulged in physical jerks and throwing the ball about throughout the voyage, but wish to attain as much physical fitness as possible before the first match.

Alter the team landed, they were welcomed by Dr Adams, on behalf of the New Zealand Union, and Dr AlcEvody, on behalf of the Wellington Union. Mr AlcEwen, chairman of the Harbour Board, also extended a welcome. The civic reception will be given to-morrow.

Replying to the reception speeches, Air Baxter said that they wjijfe very touched, the welcome being greater than they had expected. Whether they won or lost, they would play the game both on and off the field. He hoped that when the time came to depart, New Zealanders would say good-bye with regret, and that they all would be sorry to leave.

In an interview, Air Baxter said the team was well up to International standard, and the scrum especially, would be a solid proposition. Prentice (captain), Beamish, Reeve, Parker, Aarvold, Black, and Howard, stood out as big men. The team found the wind nippy on arrival, and wore overcoats.

THE TEAM PRACTICE

FORTY MINUTE SPELLS

AVELLINGTON, May 15:-

The English footballers had a light practice yesterday. The forwards are heavier than they look at first, and average nearly 14 stone. Beamish scales 1(5 stone and Parker nearly 15 stone. They showed some very good handling of the ball and the backs appeared speedy and used the pot shot at goal repeatedly. Mr Baxter (manager of the team) was present at a meeting of the Rugby Union Council. He expressed sympathy with the desire of the Dominions t® have a say in the government of the game and believed it would not be long; before they achieved it.

It was agreed that matches should he of 40 minutes spells, and that the English Captain and Alanager should have the right to talk with referees before each game, regarding the interpretation of the rules. The only matches that will bo broadcast are the tests in the cities. Maoris at Wellington and first match at Wanganui.

When asked why dbrk blue was chosen as their colours, Mr Baxter explained that it was Great Britain s International Rugby uniform. It was worn in Africa and Argentine.

The following will represent Excelsior seniors in their match with United at Greymouth on Saturday:—Eager. Stevenson, Bannister,,.(Freitas, Dougherty, Kelly. Hughes, Barron, A. King, Davidson, Koch, ‘ Lawry, Staines, R. King, Afartyn, J. King. Bus leaves Newman’s at 1 o’clock sharp.

The following will represent A rain ira v. -Riiriu at Arahura on Saturday;—Jellie (2), Smyth (2), Olsen (2), Hamilton, Martin, Tainui (3), Edwards, . Kelly, George, Keogan, Cook, Hewlett, Routhan; Alason. .