RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3778, 12 April 1928, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Shasnon Seniors met aiid were defeated by Weraroa Seniors on the Domain on Saturday. Both teams included junior players and for the first game of the season, good form was shown. Shannon were undoubtedly superior in the backs, but Weraroa backs did excellent work in stopping attacks. Weraroa showed to advantage in the loose. At the end of the first spell Shannon led by ten points (two converted tries) to three. In the second half Shannon scored a further six points. Wleraroa were awarded a free kick, the attempt to put it over the cross-bar failing, and Shannon not forcing, saw Farrell follow up and score; Weraroa winning by 13 to 9. A match played at Manakau on Saturday between Hui Mai and Athletic Seniors (Wellington) resulted in a win for the local men by 16 points to 11.

McKenzie is playing for Shannon this season.

FIXTURES FOR APRIL 21st.

The firtures in the Horowhenua Rugby Union commence on April 21st., and are as follows: — /Seniors: —Foxton v. Wanderers, at Levin, 2.50 p.m. Juniors: —Foxton v. Weraroa, at Foxton, 2.50 p.m.. Thirds: —'Foxton v. Wanderers, at Foxton, 2.50 p.m. There is a possibility of there being a southern division in the Third grade this season, which would mean that travelling expenses for the Thirds would be considerably reduced. ALL BLACKS IN ACTION. Wellington, Last Night.

The All Blacks were seen to-day in an exhibition match on an ideal ground and in fine weather, in the presence of over 5,000. Teams were selected by Brownlie and Nieholls (captain and vicecaptain respectively) with the exAll Black Porter to maike up the full quota and to add a little extra dash to the game. Brownlie’s team won by 23 points to 21. Tries for the winners were scored by Robbilliard (4), Kilby and Alley. McGregor kicked a penalty and a goal. For the losers tries were scored by Nieholls, Rushbrook, C. Brownlie, and Finlayson. Strang converted three.

The crowd saw glimpses of form good enough to suggest that the side has material which should settle down into a formidable combination when condition and combination have been secured. '' 'Play was not brilliant and hard work not greatly in evidence, but the forwards showed power and the backs went well in flashes, but no risks were taken by any of the stalwarts, nor could such be expected in the circumstances. All, however, looked to be in good fettle and there was sufficient evidence to indicate that stamina and physique were not wantisg. ALLEY’S ELIGIBILITY. Regarding a report from South Africa about Alley’s eligibility to play for the All Blacks during the oncoming tour, the chairman of the New Zealand Union, Mr Dean, expressed surprise at the suggestion made with regard to Alley’s status, i.e., that having once competed in professional .athletics he was debarred from playing amateur Rugby.

Alley certainly received a small cash prize at a sports meeting some time and in consequence was prevented taking part in the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Championships last December.

The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Council, however, reinstated him just afterwards and he now holds the Canterbury and New Zealand ’varsity championships. As far as the rules of the New Zealand Rugby Union as to professionalism are concerned, he has committed no breach whatever.

Senior, Junior and Third grade players are requested to be present at the practice shed this evening at i. 30 o’clock sharp. Teams will be drawn up for matches on Saturday. Any unable to attend, but wishing to play, are requested to hand in their names to the secretary. The Seniors will travel to Oroua Downs and teams will be picked from both Juniors and Thirds to play a friendly match on the racecourse.