1st XV Tops Grade

A group of rather dejected Senior B players gathered round a Weir House phone on Saturday last, after their wintry defeat by Wellington on Kelburn Park, to learn the fate of their fellows in the A's. Their subsequent jubilation, and incidentally, moderate alcoholic celebration, was typical of the general pleasure with which all club members and staunch supporters learnt of the 1st's latest win, this time against Hutt, which took them to the top of the Senior 1st Division ladder, one point ahead of Athletic and Poneke. In the first round, Eastbourne has still to be played. The team, however, has ensured its place in the Jubilee Cup competition for the second round.

The success of the Seniors has, perhaps, spurred on the lower grade teams, their record over the past four weeks being encouraging—eight wins, and two draws, to only four losses. Third A, especially, and also Third B, give promise, on their form, of finishing in front of their respective divisions. Four lower grade teams are to play at Wakefield Park at 1.30 p.m. this coming Saturday, the teams looking forward to liberal support from club followers prior to their adjournment to Athletic Park for the meeting of the NZU XV and Wellington.

Inter-Island NZU Fixtures.—Seven team members and three emergencies is the VUC contribution to the North Island Universities' team, announced the week before last to play South Island at Athletic Park on Wednesday, July 6.

Skippering the team, in his centre hooker billet, is Dick Burke, VUC's captain, who has with him in the front row, Alister MacLennan. Two other VUC pack-men—Sam Meads (lock) and Ray Shannon (side-row)—together with four strapping Auckland and Massey forwards, will combine to form a very formidable pack which should test the southern forwards severely. North has two excellent stand-bys in VUC men Red Murphy and Bob Barraclough. A most difficult task confronted the North selectors, Messrs. R. G. Bush and H. E. Moore, in deciding upon their back-line, from the wealth of available talent. The rearguard which will take the field on Wednesday is a very strong chain. Three VUC men gained selection, these being Ran Jacob, outstanding young half, his inside man, Doug. Goodwin, who has turned some fine performances this year, and Hal. Greig, at full-back, whose ability is summed up by the recent statement in a leading sporting paper—"he seems to be the logical last line for the 1946 Wellington rep. side." Rog. Berry, VUC's "recently discovered wing." whose performances are receiving the attention of the Wellington rep. selectors, is emergency back.

Following Wednesday's game the NZU team will be selected and announced. The team will "be on show" at Kelburn Park on Thursday afternoon, when a practice will be held between 4 and 5 p.m., prior to their meeting Wellington on Saturday.

Having an eye to the entertainment of the visitors. VUC Football Club, in conjunction with the Exec., has arranged a Winter Sports Ball on Wednesday evening. A buffet tea and evening on Saturday is also planned, while NZU Rugby Council is running a picture evening on Friday.