Rugby Begins

A Recent Saturday saw the rugby season clank into gear for fifty semi-fit players led by new senior coach Mick Bremner.

Fitter than most was Alan Osbourne, fresh from the Senior Athletic Championships at Dunedin, where he was placed second in the 440 yards Alan, a Nelson rep., shaped well in the trial. Another asset to the University club is winger Ken Eglington from Otago and the Otago rep, team. Thick set, Ken showed a nice turn of speed and a good side step.

As usual, the trials were mainly an attempt by players to catch the selectors' eyes, so little constructive play was evident. Two who did stand out were Derek Benton and half-back John Tustin. John will face tough opposition this year from Noel Sadgrove and newcomer Paul Jones from Hastings. Paul impressed with his nifty passing and his ability to run with the ball.

The senior forward pack should remain much as last year: it is the backs who will probably be changed round quite a bit. Tustin and Donoven remain, but last year's captain and second fiveeighth, John Miller, is now back at Palmerston. Anchor man to solidify the line between Donoven and Utley will have to be found. John Taylor from Canterbury could fill the gap, for he is built much in the Miller mould. Left wine Ken Comber will have competition from Alan Osbourne, Ken Eglington and Sam Rolleston for the outside positions. Mick Williment will, of course, be at fullback. Mick Bremner, who takes over from Bill Clark and L. Savage as coach, should produce another match winning combination this year.