DEFERRED MATCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 109, 29 July 1927, Page 10

DEFERRED MATCH

WHO SHALL YIELD? TRAINING COLLEGE HOPES T)IFFICULTY has arisen in arranging the deferred first round senior match between University and Training College. The original postponement was agreed to by Varsity because Training College could not field a team. It was stipulated that the postponement was agreed to only on the condition that Varsity’s chances were not prejudiced. To-morrow appears to be the only day on which both teams can play at full strength, and Varsity had therefore asked that the result be made to serve as for two matches. Training College declined to agree to this proposal. and the Rugby Union at present entertains the idea of playing the second match as a curtain-raiser later on. This will be satisfactory if both teams are up to strength, but Varsity, particularly, is liable to lose men for representative engagements. Under the circumstances. Varsity’s determination to hold out against any prejudicial arrangement can be well understood, for if they win both matches the students may be runners-up in the championship, and will thus get a match for the Charity Cup. At the same time, the point of view of Training College can be appreciated. Should the team suffer two defeats, it may get the wooden spoon in the senior competition, a doubtful honour, introducing possibilities of a retreat to senior B next season. For the present no definite arrangement has been reached. but Saturday’s match will count for one round only. Keene, the University skipper, may not be able to play, and Matthias is another prospective absentee.