Why the A's Are Losing.

Why is the play of the A team deteriorating. Obviously they have not improved during the season, as Awatea, whom they beat easily in the first round, beat V.U.C. on Saturday by 17 goals to 9. This is unfortunate, because, considered individually, the team is probably better than any at V.U.C. for some years. The causes are probably three: loss of enthusiasm; almost total lack of of practices; and exams. Though members cannot do anything about the third, we certainly can cure the other two. Wake up, A's, and aim at five wins to finish off the season.

A and B Defenders.

One noticeable improvement in the A defence is the development of accurate combination with the centres after a defence throw-in. Standing on the 12ft. line to receive the throw-in, S. Fraser has not been quite so reliable in the last two matches as the was previously, but once in possession of the ball is usually able to pass to M. Bell, who has no difficulty now in getting the ball to the centres. Both M. Bell and S. Phillipps have been intercepting well.

The B defenders are improving with every game. In a recent match against United the defenders proved themselves more than capable of adapting their play to the constantly changing tactics of the United forwards. In their last match, too, they combined well with their centres, M. Lancaster making several good interceptions. The defence third of the B team must concentrate on getting free more quickly after an attempt at a goal.

Congratulations, J. Grainger, on being selected as a Wellington provincial representative.