REVIEW OF THE SPORTING YEAR

Dragon, 1 December 1942, Page 19

REVIEW OF THE SPORTING YEAR

The following notes are supplied herewith by "Threequarter," who incidentally is an ardent supporter of all athletics. The Brigade is extremely fortunate in all sporting activities; both from the quality of talented sportsmen and the excellent controlling authorities who have worked so well in making all spheres the success they have been. During the Summer period the forefront was occupied by cricket matches, athletic events of a varied nature, tennis, golf and other numerous Summer games. In the cricket world the Brigade made an outstanding debut, matches played in Wanganui and Wellington being a great success. With players of the calibre of Donnelly, Whiting, Burgess, Gallichan, and Pritchard the success achieved, was quite understandable. With regard to running and field events, the excellent co-operation offering in the Camp (Padre M. G. Sullivan in particular), and this coupled with the general interest shown by the Ohakune, Taihape, Raetihi, and Rangataua clubs, helped to make the season a great success. Programmes of a varied nature were drawn up by the outside clubs and with the general support from the Brigade, country folk were able to enjoy Saturday afternoon programmes of a high standard. Thrilling battles over all distances were witnessed in each individual place the people in these districts being extremely well served in seeing such athletes as the Preston brothers (Australasian professional champs.), Buckingham, Deverall, Molloy, J. J. Brassey, W. G. Shields, Mclnnarney (N.Z. Rugby League Rep.), Dickie, and others in action. Inter-Battalion and Inter-Squadron sports held in the Camp were in most cases of a keen nature. Tennis matches in striking contrast to other games did not receive the support expected and it is to be hoped that wherever situated in the future, contests of a keen nature can be arranged. That we have a Perry or a Budge in the making is a matter of conjecture, however, many are inclined to believe that the Brigade has the "goods '.

Soccer matches, also hockey matches received good support and the representative games played in the major centres were worthy of the support mentioned. In the boxing world extremely well contested "battles ' were witnessed, and in the opinion of many this branch of sport deserved more support than it really received. Henehan, the heavy-weight, fought one "no-decision" boat (which was a tapping contestand do you blame them), whereas an extremely good bout could have been arranged with a little effort. —"Three-quarter." # * :|: Battalion's Rugby. Since our last notes appeared in the "Valentine" magazine, some good and bad football has been played, not to mention a grudge match— v. L.A.D. This game was played South of Blow-fly park, and the ground looked like the Ruahine Range. The betting was heavy, and money was plentiful. Ref. Binnie controlled the game well, considering some of the players had not taken the field before. Under Coach Sgt. Woo-er Woods the Steel Helmet boys gave a good account of themslves, but went under, 8— The following players from this Battalion have represented the Brigade in one or more games:— Leeks, Wellington Colts, 1934; Brigade Team, England, 1940. W.O. 2 Pritchard who has taken up football since his arrival in "No Man's Land." Congrats Tom, you landed the double (cricket and football). Cpl. Johns, Taranaki (1938-41). Tpr, Rutherford, Manawatu;’ N.Z. Trials, 1939; Rest v. N.Z., 1939. Cpl. Dougan (Wellington Colts, 1939-41). Tpr. Humphrey, Wairarapa, 1938-40. Tpr. McKenzie, Manawatu, 192839; N.Z., 1934-8. Congrats to Tpr. McKenzie for captaining the Brigade side (although you don't win very often).

The complete Soccer notes arrived too lata for publication and will b< published in the next issue of "The Dragon.”