JUNIOR REP. RUGBY AT ROTORUA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 124, 16 August 1927, Page 12

JUNIOR REP. RUGBY AT ROTORUA

Patrons were numerous to see the match for possession of the Shalfoon Shield, the premier trophy for junior representative teams under the Bay of Plenty Union. Rotorua, holders, was opposed to Tauranga, challengers. Tauranga came with a good reputation, its representatives being chosen from nine junior club teams. In fact, Tauranga football this season has been practically confined to the juniors. Rotorua won a good game by 21 points to 3. The winners were easily the best team, showing combination, which the challengers sadly lack. Simmonds was safe, and opened up the play for his wings. He was excellent on defence. Of the other backs, all were good. The fullback, however, at times endeavoured to run too much. In the forwards, Scott, though hampered by a broken thumb, was in the thick all through. Sharp ably supported him, and was in the limelight throughout. All the forwards, how-

ever, grafted hard. Ta,uranga possessed many solo artists, but the absence of combination was its great drawback. The pack was heavier than Rotorua’s, but tired badly, as did all the team, in the final quarter. Kiwi, at full, was very safe, his kicking saving his team a lot.. Next Saturday the Bay of Plenty team plays Thames Valley here. A curtain-raiser between Takapuna Grammar School and Rotorua High School will be staged. The senior representatives journeyed to Taupo on Saturday, and were defeated by 13 to 3. The local side was not at full strength, several of the usual team being incapacitated or unable to secure the necessary leave.-