RUGBY FOOTBALL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 311, 26 August 1932, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

LAST WEEK'S GAMES JUNIOR MATCH PRODUCES GOOD PLAY AT MATAMATA. TE ARAWA DI'SAPPOINTING. (Notes by "Free Kick.") The attendanco at Arawa Park on Saturday last was hardly is good as the programme warranted, but with Hikuwai and Whaka offering the semifinal for the Mitehell Shield, I shall be prepared to see a big muster this week. Old Boys B and High School B offered spectators plenty of excitement and incident as a curtain-raiser. Old Boys B were fortunate in secufing the services of Pipson, who, although he did not exert himself, showed clearly that he is one of the best baclcs in Rotorua. Without his services, the Whites may have had a hard proposition to face. I would like to commend the School for their defensive work, which was of a high' standard, although the attack was very weak. The Red and Black backs were lamentably slow on attack. The pick of the School players were Barber, Higgins and Brooker in the forwards, and Simpson, Cochrane and McCormick in the backs. The White foi-wards were ably led by Allen, Mulligan and Grey, the latter being a much improved player. Pipson, Beckett and Rogers were the pick of the Old Boys' backs. Disappointing. Te Arawa , v. Rotorua game proved very disappointing. Little interest was shown by spectators and this may have reflocted on the standard of play. I am fully convinced that the Arawa sclectors will have to loolc outside Rotorua for their inside backs, as the tac-kling and general defence of the rearguard was apnalling. The forwards played well, but are not fit. Word has just reached me that th> Taranaki and Wanganui Maoris played otf last week in a series of trials for the Maniapoto Cup. The attack and defence were of high order, but neither team was fit. Rotorua must. work hard if Te Arawa are not going to be left behind in the struggle for supremacy. Saturday 's Match. To my mind. the Matamata v. Rotorua junior fixture ranked 1 ext to the Iiigh School v. Grammar match in imporianee and as an indication of v the quality of football played in Rotorua this season. Matamata pack