RUGBY FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10276, 10 May 1919, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MATCHES FOR TO-DAY. Wellington, who tied with Athletic for tho 1914 Senior Championship, is one. of the teams expected to do groat things this season. There is no more popular club in tho province than tho yellow and blacks, and if E. A. Beard, a brilliant five-eighth in the 1914 team, bo got out (ho has lust returned from tho front), park habitues should have the pleasure of seeing Wellington more than onco on tho No. 1 ground. The forwards are strong, and with a speedy three-quarter lino, including Packer- and Savidont (both o-epresentaltivo players), all that is required is Beard to cement them into a fine side. Petone will not be so strong as last season, at least for tho first round. It is likely that Nicholls, Tancred. and Arthur Parker will not bo playing to-day, and under these circumstances Wellington will have a big following. Captain (Dr.) Ritchie Crawford, a South Island referee with a fine Rugby record, both ns a player and administrator. will carry the whistle. 'Varsity with Ait ken, Jackson, and Beard available will give the greens groat heart for their meeting . with Ponoko. The /team should do better forward with Beard to lend. Poneko has already a great side, and Algar’s reappearance will strengthen still further the rod mid blacks. Senior matches will commence to-day at 2.-15 n m.' In the fourth grade. Athle'io will moot Orie T ’ , nl B instead of Ponnke, at Lyall Bay No. 2.