Rugby Win

Sporting their new uniform in which white shorts have replaced the traditional black, the Victoria College senior fifteen lived up to their spick and span appearance by running up nineteen points in snappy fashion to Eastbourne's three in the opening game of the season.

Four tries figured in the total which adequately represented the superiority of the all green fifteen who played with purpose and vim. At full back Kissell was safe and reliable but his goal kicking was not up to the standard of his general play. The three-quarters. Young, a real flyer from Duntroon Military College. Tricklebank at centre, and O'Regan were very sound and Rae at the base of the scrum was despite lack of protection by Varsity's pack, the same nippy and Adams at first five-eighths showed real promise and should do well. Belts at second five-eighths had a hard day and it is too early to Judge how he will go Mare protection must be given to the insides by the Varsity pack.

Individually the green forwards were very impressive. As a scrimmaging power, however, they were decidedly less impressive. The hooking was poor, seemingly because the scrum lacked balance, thus preventing the Union's best booker from showing his true form. The vigour of the pack, however, overcame the scrimmaging weaknesses and Borrie showed what a good loose forward he is. McVeagh was solid and heady, the type of forward the side needs, whilst Burke led rush after rush. A newcomer, Shannon, was noticeable for good following up and for the general keenness of his play. Meads and McNicol were solid and Eade and Stacey shone occasionally in the open.

Summing up, the 1939 Varsity side gave promise in their opening game of becoming a solid and dashing combination.

—J.A.C.

Hockey

By holding last year's champion team. Karori, to a 4-all draw in a practice match last Saturday. Varsity showed that this year they have a team considerably better than in recent years; and with a little more practice and co-ordination between the players, should be a force to be reckoned with in the deciding of championship honours.

It is indeed pleasing to find the team with so strong a half line this season, for it is usually the strength or weakness of this section that decides the rate of a match. They were called on to face as strong an opposition as they will meet during the season, and they came through with living colours. The backs also played soundly, especially Kirkham.

More should be heard of this player, and he will be very unlucky if he does not gain a place in the Senior team.

The forwards combined well, but showed their old weakness—an inability to seize chances in the circle. This might be remedied by a reshuffling of the players. Naidu on the left wing played a very nice game but would be well advised to get rid of the ball a little quicker.

The probable side for the opening match will be:—

Goal: Benjamin, Backs: Dixon, Banks. Halves: Buchanan, Sharp. Newcombe. Forwards: Souness, Braithwaite, Shaw, Cole, Naidu.

In the lower grades, positions will be uncertain for the first few matches, and criticism of players will be left till next term. At present two players at least show distinct promise. Whitham for Senior B, and Whitlock, a young player who should before long be gaining a place in a higher grade.

Harriers Keen

Basketball

Opening Tournament

•

Professor T. A. Hunter. Principal of V.U.C., captained the first Rugby team to represent the College in senior competition matches in Wellington. That was in 1906 when, with 254 students attending lectures, the Rugby Club, then entering its third season. Fielded two teams, one senior and one third-class. Professor Hunter is a life member of the Club.

•

The 1938 award of the G. F. Dixon Trophy has been made by the Men's Hockey Club to the second Senior B team captained by D. Good, whose team, plying in the Junior Grade, had also won the trophy in 1937. The regular members of the 1938 side were:—H. Olive, F. Walker, L. Sandford, D. Good, G. Whitham, I. Purdle, I. McAllister, D. Williams, W. England, J. Thompson and F. Renouf.

Kapiti Tramp

Eight men and three women comprised the party for the Tramping Club's Easter trip to Kapiti. Thursday night was spent sleeping out at Paraparaumu and the party caught the first boat to the Island on Good Friday morning. Upon arrival tents were set up, the caretaker interviewed, and the afternoon principally spent in fishing. Croxton, having the doubtful honour of catching the first fish. In the evening a small representative party made a combined business and social call to the northern end of the Island. Upon their return the leader cheerfully offered to make tea for the whole party, only when the tea was made was it discovered that salt water had been used.

On Saturday a trip was made to the, Kapiti trig, and despite the sheer 1700ft. drop on the Western side all hands returned safely to camp and much to their satisfaction were invited to join a launch party. All those present tumbled aboard, the launch started and did not stop again until we anchored off Webbers. Here the fun began, no sooner were lines dropped over than they were hauled up again, every line with a fish. Shirley Grinlinton even catching two fish on one hook.

On Sunday an expedition of five—one woman and four men—set out for the south end. following the coastal route. At 4 p.m. after some small amount of rock climbing en route the south end had been reached. A conference was held on the spot and Messrs Oliver and Charlton plunged ahead, the other four returning and arriving in camp at 7 o'clock to find a large hot meal waiting, meanwhile Charlton and Oliver continued their little Jaunt, climbing up to the trig, from the south side, rescuing two benighted members of another party, the four arriving in camp at one a.m. A party then stayed up around the fire until dawn to hear the bird chorus (just before sunrise). Having heard the birds they then made breakfast for the whole party.

Monday morning was spent in many different ways, some fishing, cooking, washing s up and rock climbing. The launch arrived on time, the party scrambled aboard and soon landed safe and dry (?) at Paraparaumu and some live hours later had all reached Wellington.

Kapiti is undoubtedly a most-interesting place from every viewpoint and it is most unfortunate that the Club cannot obtain permits for larger parties to visit the reserve.

Second Fifteen Rugby

Considering that there were a number of senior players in the second fifteen—now playing Junior A grade—a better display was expected last Saturday in the first match. The team was decisively beaten by Marist.

The forwards gained possession of the ball throughout and combined well as a pack in the second half.

Prominent—especially in the loose—were Corkill and Clenden. Playing out of position on the wing, the latter scored a meritorious try.

In the backs Carey played very pluckily and Greig kicked well. But on the whole back play lacked combination and penetration and there seemed little inclination to tackle. The team "has the makings" however, and under the keen guidance of Coach Fred Mackin should do him credit in future games.

V.U.C. Intervals

Hockey: H. F. Bollard. N. R. Jacobsen (captain). E. G. McLeod (captain).

Rugby: G. G. Aitken (captain). E. T. Leys. J. D. Mackay, R. H. C. Mackenzie. S. K. Siddells (All Blacks). E. T. W. Love, J. H. Ruru (New Zealand Maoris); F. M. H. Hansen. G. J. McNaught (New Zealand Army Team): J. O. J. Malfroy, (Great Britain); G. G. Aitken (Scotland).

Tournament Echo

Scene: Very early morning outside Studholme Home Science Hostel. Masculine V.U.C. crowd. Principal inside smoking behind shutter blinds.

First Voice: "Oi!"

Second Voice: "Oi!"

Principal: Go away or I'll call the police!"

Crowd relaxes and goes into conference.

First Voice: "Oi!"

Principal (pushing up window snappily): "What do you want?"

Anaemic third Voice: "Three pennyworth of Jube-Jubes, please!"

Exit crowd on arrival of policeman.