Trotting Lads in Lighter Strain

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 769, 16 September 1929, Page 13

Trotting Lads in Lighter Strain

MIXING THEIR “GAIT” With business fairly quiet in the trotting arena at Epsom last week, several members of the light-har-ness Rugby League team indulged in light training in view of the big tussle on Wednesday afternoon at Carlaw Park with the barmen's thirteen. Arrangements for the clash are now complete, and while* the “cork pullers” are in demand, on account of tliefif* victory over the Post and Telegraph team last week, the A whip-wielders” will make a bold bid to get the judge’s decision. Since A. Julian has taken the trotting representatives in hand they are showing an approach to real form, and with the addition of the Otahuhu and Mangere candidates, who are under the supervision of Sid Groat, the team to take the field on Wednesday will be a solid one. Hitting Their Straps In a work-out last week, Claude Fairman, the “Shortland” of the trotting side, displayed plenty of dash, and was well supported by Bill Kerr, who is attending to the gear requirements like a generous “uncle.” “Togo” Lee, who has not donned a jersey for several seasons, proved a surprise packet, showing remarkable speed, and was a “tiger” for Work, while the veteran. Joe Gee, like Anseline, retains his dash and stamina in a marked degree. The McMahon Bros, are in fine form, and will don the “gold jacket” on Wednesday, with every credit. Jim Cockle, is as $t as a fiddle and if given a chance will land among the opposition like an “explosion.” Stan Selkirk, like Reynard the fox, worked the scrifm most cunningly, while Roy Shaw, despite the disadvantage of small trilbies, hooked the ball smartly. A. Mitchell, whose particular style of training consists of tramping the “mountain dells,” is in rare nick, while Bill Nightingale, the “Pavlova” c*f the combination, will be at his best when the music is playing. Given a good dispatch and allowing for the "trotters” to strike their gait correctly there is every reason to believe that they will have their number hoisted on top when the final whittle blows.