Footballers Plan Rendezvous

The performance of the senior side so far this year has been particularly heartening, and it was extremely unfortunate as it had to play Onslow, one of the strongest teams in the Hardham Cup, on the day after Capping Ball. The day also proved disastrous with regard to injuries, Brian having his shoulder dislocated, and Murphy suffering a knee injury from which he has still not completely recovered. There is lack of weight in the locks, and indeed all round. Jack Bennett at 14 stone is the heaviest forward. This may handicap the seniors very greatly.

The Taita match also produced a crop of injuries. MacLeod was forced to retire with an injured knee, while Cormick, one of the best of the forwards, got concussion. These injuries will disorganise the team to some extent but it is hoped that a presentable combination can be held together.

Individuals playing well include Berg, whose exhibitions as full back have so far been extremely good; Loveridge, whose speed and effective tackling are a great asset to the side; and Goodwin, the vice captain, who turns on his usual sturdy game each Saturday. Dun in the forwards is a solid worker and a resourceful forward, and Cornick, Baseman and West perform consistently well.

Juniors Unlucky—

The juniors also were a trifle unlucky to strike Army after Capping Ball, and gave a poor exhibition. They were extremely unlucky to lose against Wellington, the lack of a goal keeper of even ordinary ability proving disastrous to their chances. With a very depleted fifteen they were defeated by Wellington College Old Boys by 170, after holding them 30 for the greater part of the game. Of the forwards, Orr and Shires are outstanding, while White, playing against Old Boys, gave an excellent display. He tackles well, and often upsets the opposition backs. Mulling turned on an excellent game against Old Boys, making several good runs, and saving well. In the backs the greens' strength lies in the three quarters, who, however, seldom receive the ball. More weight in the forwards, and quicker transfer of the ball in the backs are required.

Third A.—While the results shown by this team have not so far included a win, the committee still feels every confidence that it will give a good account of itself. The material is there, and, when it strikes form, this team will soon build up a good record. The most pressing need is a regular fullback. Players like Wilde, Shirmins (who looks like developing into a class five eighths if he shows any liking for the position), Berry and Godman, have only to be given the chance to prove themselves. Of the forwards, Battersby and O'Regan, the latter of whom played for the seniors against Taita, Mantell-Harding and Tolley are all most promising material. With a little more luck the Third A fifteen might have won at least its last two matches, both of which were lost by narrow margins.

Third B.—The social team, under the auspices of Tanu Jowett, still battles on gamely, and, though not yet victorious, will no doubt soon settle down. Its performance, however, tends to fall in the last twenty minutes. Dix has proved a fine hooker, and Gordon Duncan plays his usual excellent game every Saturday, while Phil Taylor proves a good lock. Tanu himself reveals something of the form which he showed before the war for the VUC 3rd A team. Ray Overton in the backs is a decided asset, though it is expected that he will be called to senior ranks very shortly.

Third C.—The performance of this side is distinctly encouraging, as it has won its last two games and had a moral victory in one of the others. It is by no means a weak team, as must be shown by the fact that, turning out with 11 men during the vacation, it was able to defeat Institute by 21 to 0, all the points coming from tries. Coach Harry Bailey is distinctly impressed with the material offering, and has every confidence in his team. With a couple of Third A men to help out they did extremely well to defeat Kaiwarra by 6-3, and only lack of a reliable goalklcker deprived them of a more substantial win. Players like Rea, Bogle, Watson and Mackay are going to give the opposition a few headaches; while MacDonald, Parsons, Gilchrist and Lang can be relied on to does plenty of work in the forwards.