RUGBY FOOTBALL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 253, 17 June 1932, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

Pree Kick.")

last week's games KAHUKURA AND HIGH SCHOOL SHOULD PROVIDE GOOD GAME TO-MORROW NOTES ON THE FLAYERS

("By 1

The game between High School and Kahukura Juniors at the park next Saturday should prove fast and exciting. The school's calibre was well tested when they defeated Old Boy's A. a few Saturdays ago but in Kahukura, they will find stronger opposition, for the latter, who drew with the Old Boys' earlier in the season, are a much-improved team. A win for Kahukura "in this match will place them on even terms with School, who at present are top of the tree in the competition with a lead of two points. Appreciative comment has been made on the Rugby Union's action in providing seating accomodation for the comfort of patrons, but unless sterner measures ' are adopted by the oificials in stopping the public from crowding on the sidelines, those who occupy the seats will have no chance of seeing any of the game. Something Wrong. Something seems to be wrong with Kahukura, at one time the leading Rotorua Club. The last few Saturdays the seniors have been hard pressed to put a team in the field, and shortly they may find the referee awarding the other side the game by default. Part of the trouble seems to be that senior mernbers take no interest in club meetings, but allow the club to look after itself. The result is that the senior fifteen looks like going into retirement. L. Duff, of Kahukura juniors, played a great game against Rotoiti last Saturday. Playing at second five-eighths, his penetration was exeellent, and properly coached in this department of the game he will be an asset to his club. Although there is an abundanee of referees this season it appears that some get two games while others have to stand down. This should not be the case when there are men available. Various Players Kensington, a new addition to the Waikite senior team, acquitted himself very creditably against Whakaon Saturday. His two attempts at goal-kicking were excellent efforts. Kingi, of Old Boys A, may have plenty of pace, but good movements continually break down when the ball reaches him. He appears to be too anxious to rid himself of the ball instead of giving it a "go." Hikuwai, who had a cricket score registered against them early in the season, have stuck to the game and were rewarded by registering their first win last Saturday. One who was responsible for a lot of work was C. Sergeant, who is playing his first football for several seasons. A player whose inclusion in the rep. team would be justified is H. Hamiora, five-eighths for Whaka seniors. On his play this season he is the most consistent five-eighths offering. Matches are often won and lost by place kicking and it is apparent that club football can be improved in this respect in senior matches. Recently senior teams have given some disgraceful exhibitions in this important department of the game. All Blacks' Defeat. Football fans will be sorry to hear of the accident to Hart, of Canterbury, on the eve of the departure of the All Blacks to Australia. His loss will be felt as he is a very handy man on attack and safe on defence. The defeat of the All Blacks by Wellington need cause no consternation as this is regarded rather as a picnic than otherwise by All Black teams, and is seldom any indication of the merits of the two teams. High School played good open football against Ngongotaha on Saturday and superior play on their part never left the issue in doubt. Ngongotaha put up quite a good struggle but were outplayed in all departments. Dawson, the school half-back, is I think, the best junior half playing in that position at present. I except Park, of course, but Dawson deserves to be congratulated on his sure defence which is a lesson for most senior backs. Kahukura and High School should provide a good draw to fans on Saturday next, and I would advise spectators to be on the grounds early if they wish to see the best match of the day. I hear that P. Berghan is turning out for the High School again. This should impfrove their prospects as he is a good forward. High School 2nd XV. put up a good game against a Matamata pack superior in weight, but the local boys gave a splendid exhibition of pack work. , The local backs were very poor and could not make use of the ball when it was given to them. Simpson and Dowling were the best of the backs, while Higgins played well in the pack.