ON THE BALL

Rotorua Morning Post, 28 August 1931, Page 4

ON THE BALL

Waste of Time. It is a complete waste of time attempting to win representative matches with a scratch team, such as Rotorua fielded against Te Puke last Saturday. -This state of affairs has been brought about through the members of one club. failing to put in an appearance, forcing the selectors to make last minute alterations to enable a full c'omplement to travel. The result was that the team which contested the Parata Cup semi-final with Te Puke was beaten through lack of combi'nation and training. Explanation Imperative. A serious statement regarding the failure of members of the Waiariki Club to turn out in representative matches was dealt with at a meeting of the management committee of the Union on Monday. President G, H. Mason has talcen the right stand in demanding? "a" please explain" from the Club concerned and if the rumour is correct, then the far-reach-ing powers of the Rugby Union should be fully exercised to deal with the matter. Fade-out. Players who have been picked for Rep. honours should immediately notify the selectors if not available. Those who find they cannot turn out because a club mate h'as been reprimanded by the governing body should fade out of football for the good of the game. At Home Once More. Rotorua has played itself to a standstill with away-from-home matches, and the public will welcome the game with Putaruru next Saturday. If the local side turn out fit a good even contest should be witnessed. Ex-Secretary. Many football fans will remember Mr. L. Parrant, who for several years was seqretary of the Rotorua Rugby Union. Mr. Parrant is at present visiting Rotorua and is busy renewing old acquaintanceship. Hanging Back. It is over-time that the Rotorua packmen showed some enterprise . in following up. They hang back at present like a bunch of old maids at the door of a beauty parlour. Te Puke taught them a lesson in this connection on Saturday, for two of their tries came from following up. Not Impressive. Morgan (Whaka) has never impressed in Rep. football and his display last week was shoeking. Reluctant. Most of the senior players will pick the ball out of the ruck from the feet of half a dozen opposing forwards, but when it comes to tackling low they go about it very reluctantly. Played Well. Bill Young was playing a great game until he was injured. He caused havoc amongst opposing fiveeighths, and his retirement was greatly missed. Not Available. Both Goodwin and Sutherland will not be available this Saturday. Their respective places will be filled by Papuni and Davis.