Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 2, No. 13 July 5, 1939

Sport

page 4

Sport

The Old, Old Story

Once again this year 'Varsity has just failed to get there. Beaten in football, cricket, hockey, basketball—in every sport where team-work plays an important part! Is it, then, in a lack of team-work that we find the reason for our repeated failures?

Every follower of University sport will tell you that the players are above the average in ability, experience, and enterprise. Yet, as all who saw last Saturday's Senior football match will tell you, time and time again, they are beaten by an inferior team.

It seems, then, throughout University sport, there is a lack of that co-operation and willingness to place team interest above all personal ambitions, that means the difference between Defeat and Victory. It is, however, a fault that can be remedied, provided the players are willing to think of themselves, not as individuals, but as part of a team—to work as a team, for that team, and an ideal.

—S.N.B.

Rugby

Senior A. V. Oriental.

Lost 8-9

After a great victory over Petone last week it was confidently expected that the Seniors would settle down and produce the form that carried all before them in the opening game of the season against Eastbourne. The most consistent feature of the team's play has been its amazing inconsistency, and such proved the case again on Saturday. Reversing their usual custom of enjoying the "'Varsity loaf" in the second half, the forwards seemed tired and sluggish in the first; but after half-time, an orange, and Jim Parker, put some much-needed devil into their work. The result was a complete domination of the Oriental scrum. Burke and the two Shannons were in everything that was going, but the backs individually were too much inclined to "play the whole team on their own." The essence of good Rugby is team work, and it was the ignoring of this factor which cost the side a win on Saturday. It has proved an expensive lesson, however, as a win next week against St. Patrick's Old Boys might well have meant promotion to the "Bix Six" for the second round.

Junior A

Junior A had a convincing win over Technical Old Boys by 15-6. This is a particularly well balanced side, and with a little more determination in the forwards, and a sharpening up of the service behind the scrum will have a very fair chance of winning the grade. The pack is fast and weighty, Smith, Webb, and Corkill being slightly more prominent than the others. With plenty of speed in the three-quarter line, the backs are a solid lot and should prove more than capable of holding Bryers and Co. of Training College. The meeting of those teams promises to provide first class football, and would make a splendid curtain raiser for Athletic Park.

Junior B.

A fairly strong side on paper. Junior B has so far failed to give the results of which the team is capable. Individually the men are good, but in typical 'Varsity fashion, team-work and combination have been sadly lacking. The pack is solid but, with the notable exception of Gordon Duncan, lacks "devil." Duncan impresses as being one of the most promising forwards in the club. Big and fast, he possesses a good pair of hands in the line-out and his rucking and scrummaging are first class. Hood, McLernon, and Austin are others who have been playing good football this year. Of the backs, Saxton has developed into a good three-quarter and fully deserved his promotion to the Junior A's on Saturday. Fitzpatrick has been invaluable at half, and first five-eighths Doug, Gerrard is very safe. The loss of Hay at full back has been a severe handicap to the side, but If a suitable substitute can be found, the team will undoubtedly turn on those improved performances of which it is fully capable.

Junior C.

The social team continued on its winning way on Saturday, and is rapidly developing into a side well up to the standard of the best of Its predecessors no mean praise, as V.U.C. "socialists" in the past have produced some splendid teams. The scrum is solid and hard-working—an unusual feature in this type of team, Halpin, one of the most improved forwards in the club, is playing great football this year, while Moore, too has been prominent of late. Campbell at half has made some fine solo runs, and Feltham and R. Jeffs are also going well. It seems a pity that Palmer, ex-Hawkes-Bay-Rep., and last year's senior five-eighth is not taking his football seriously this year. A young player, with years of good football in him, it is to be hoped that next year will find him training once more with the senior XV.

—O.J.C.

Men's Hockey

Playing on sodden ground against a side that made not the slightest pretence of sportsmanship, the senior side thoroughly deserved its win on Saturday, and even at this stage of the season, seems assured of regaining its place in the first division.

With two experienced players in sharp and Hobson absent, the team nevertheless showed a marked improvement. Much of this is due to the efforts of Whitham at left half who despite his inexperience, shows more ability and enterprise than most of his older team-mates. It is to be hoped that he will remain in the side as he is undoubtedly the most promising of the younger players. It is most unfortunate that this year many of the players in the lower trades are being overlooked—mainly because of an unwillingness to dispense with the services of older players, whose play no longer warrants their inclusion in the side. The club would be well advised to adopt a better method of team selection next season if it hopes to make any progress.

The Senior Reserves I is a side that deserves better success than that achieved for it has a good combination, and an excellent team spirit both on and off the field. At goal, Olive was invaluable, and his departure is very much regretted—he is a sterling sportsman and a great wit. Sandford and Walker are playing well at full backs, but stronger hitting by both would be a recommendation. Good, Whitham, and McIntosh make a formidable half line. They should however pay more attention to positional play and avoid bunching. Crisper hitting would also improve their play. In the forwards, Renouf and Bryan have been playing consistently well, while Williams has been invaluable in the wing. The team has good material, and "Salient" wishes them "good shooting."

Women's Hockey

There is one thing that is admirable in any sports team—the ability to be beaten and still come up smiling. It certainly cannot be said of our girls that they have been wanting in that respect.

It is indeed regrettable that they are playing in a grade obviously not in keeping with their experience, and they would do well to profit by the example of Canterbury College by building up their strength in the lower grades before competing with teams who have had years of practice, training, and team work behind them.

The Victoria girls, however, deserve the greatest praise, for they have all the essentials of team work and enthusiasm that, with a little help from the right quarters, would develop them into an efficient team. We cannot speak too highly of the way in which they have stood up to the most trying conditions, when outplayed in tactics and stick-work, but not in courage and tenacity by the strongest teams in Wellington.

Keep to it, girls!

—S.N.B.

Ilott News

Jack sent the following telegram to Mr. Edgley intending that it should be read at the Annual Meeting. Unfortunately he was misinformed as to the date, and the wire arrived late, but we print the text to show that "Jack's the Boy."

"Edgley, Students' Association University, Wellington. Best wishes for successfully controversial lively Annual Meeting Stop To incoming Executive felicitations. To unsuccessful candidates commiserations. To outgoing Executive congratulations Stop My apologies for first non-attendance in five years but pulling wethers out of snowdrifts only allows time for impassioned addresses to animal rather than student audiences Stop Regards to all from the Good Shepherd. Jack Ilott."

Table Tennis

Should a Dramatic Club have preference over a Table Tennis Club? That was the all-important question raised when a certain member of the theatrical clique interviewed the Table Tennis Club Committee vainly endeavouring to persuade them they should relinquish their rights to use the gymnasium in favour of a production which was evidently so far behindhand that it needed every night for two weeks, regardless of the interests of any other club.

The mere fact that it had the use of the gym every other night was not sufficient. No! The production would not go across unless it had it every night. No! They would not be met half way. The D.C. interests must come first, and they could not compromise. Was not this mighty production eagerly awaited far and wide in the University world? Would not these countless numbers of enthusiastic play-goers be doomed to disappointment if Mabel or [unclear: Maisie] crossed her legs in the wrong place? What were the rights of a few more table tennis players where the all important Dramatic Club was concerned?

But it was not to be. Club night went on as usual; and the pleasant sound of bat meeting ball mingled with the voices of actors and actresses on a curtained stage.

And it all goes to show—the need for a bigger and better Students' Building where the requirements of all can be catered for.

—S.N.B.

Basketball

Congratulations to Alison Stewart of the Senior B team who has been selected to travel to Christchurch with the Rep. Team; and to Marie Walker who is one of the nineteen from whom the Senior A Reps, are to be chosen.

Varsity Senior A upset several forecasts in the Tournament played under International Rules last Saturday. With one round still to play, the University seven are equal with Kia Ora, both teams having suffered only one defeat. Despite unfamiliarity with the rules, our girls appeared to adapt themselves admirably; or was the rain the cause? The accurate shooting of Joy Osborne helped. It is only to be hoped that the team will continue the good work in the final round.

The Senior B team suffered defeat from Training College. This was disappointing, in view of their recent improvement. Unfortunately, there still seems to be difficulty in getting the ball into the goal third.

The Third Grade team is more settled at last, holidays and illness having been serious handicaps and it is indeed pleasing to see that they are playing more up to standard now.

Harriers

Who was the harrier on Saturday who caused a bystander to exclaim. "Gawd! He's lost his pants!"? We would hasten to assure readers that he hadn't and that everything was quite all right, that time.

With chilling showers, and bitterly cold temperature, conditions were far from pleasant for the eight mile run from Berhampore to Island Ray last week-end. Perhaps, then, it was the inducement of a cheery welcome, and a hot cup of tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Scrymgeour that resulted in so fast a pace being maintained. In the fast pack. O'Flynn and Morpeth were always prominent, while Irving, better known in the Athletic Club, showed surprisingly good form in the medium pack. Cumber, new to the club, was well to the fore and should be seen in the fast pack in the future.

Another prominent member was Harry Bowyer, whose place of fifth for the club in the Dorne Cup was all the more meritorious in view of his newness to cross country running.

This year, New Zealand University Championships will be run on August 19th. Already the keener members are training strenuously. For the others, there is still time to start, so what about it? Wednesday evenings at Weir House, 7 p.m.

Au Revoir, Ted Blacker

Saturday night saw a gathering of the clans to farewell a stalwart of the Football Club, and "Father" of social cricket for footballers in the College. One of the best forwards in the memorable 1928-29 teams, he repped when only 17. His unbounded energy and enthusiasm was invaluable as a member of the Students' Executive; and for this alone he will long be remembered. It is indeed fitting that a proposal to nominate him as life Member of the Club should be carried with the greatest enthusiasm ever accorded a recipient of that honour.

"Salient" joins with the Football Club in wishing Ted all the best in his new position and a speedy return to Wellington.

What about Golf?

It is time that something was done about Golf in the University of New Zealand. There is a considerable number of players in the six colleges comprising the University, but no organisation exists to enable them to play as University Students. Overseas, golf is played extensively in the Universities and, in fact, a team of Oxford University golfers has toured the U.S.A. Let us therefore do something about New Zealand.

It has been suggested that golf should be included in the Easter Tournament, though this seems impracticable for three reasons :—
1.The billeting list would be bumped up by at least 18. It is very difficult to arrange 180 billets at present, and the further burden would probably crush the billeting officer.
2.The tournament committee would probably go nuts trying to run a tournament which is already almost too unwieldy.
3.So many other important tournaments are held at Easter that it would be hard to attract our scratch players to participate in our own Tournament.

Nevertheless, a New Zealand University Golf Tournament run separately from the Easter Tournament, at some time later in the year, would indubitably be popular. The holder of the title of "New Zealand University Champion" would need to play very well to gain this honour and I am sure our champion would be regarded with respect on any golf course in New Zealand. At the present time, to be N.Z.U. Champion one would have to beat Graham (V.U.C.). North Island Champion, and Gibbs (O.U.). runner-up in the New Zealand Amateur Championship last October.

Organisation.

First, a club should be formed at V.U.C. This does not imply that we should rent a course, or do anything expensive, but it would give us an official position in our negotiations with other Colleges.

Secondly, a meeting should be held, attended by representatives of all colleges, for the purpose of forming a New Zealand University Golf Council. which should be affiliated to N.Z.U.S.A. and the N.Z. Golf Council.

In my opinion, the first job of the University Golf Council would be to institute and successfully establish a N.Z. University Tournament. This in itself is sufficient to occupy the golf brains of the University for a year or so. Once established, the tournament would, we feel sure stay; but many matters must be investigated and considered carefully before a tournament becomes an established fact.

Inter-Varsity Match.

We suggest that an inter-Varsity match could probably be played concurrently with the tournament. V.U.C. could this year field a good team, comprising such players as David Graham (scr.), present N.I. Champion; John Graham (2), Feilding Club Champion; Rex Burnard (4); G. T. Rapley (5); T. A. Tarrant (5); and Manley (6). Such a team would give the other colleges much to think about, and we hope that something is done very soon to give them such a headache.

—F.D.C.

1939 N.Z.U. Rugby Blues

New Zealand Blues were gained this year by Burke, McNicol, and Hansen. In a forward side that literally overwhelmed Canterbury on the King's Birthday, the inclusion of this trio is some reflection of the general excellence of all the packs in the club. McNicol has further strengthened his chances as an All Black prospect for next year by his slashing game for the Wellington reps, against Taranaki last Wednesday. Mac has already represented Wanganui and King Country, and a little improvement on his present form should at least carry him into the trials in September.

Over the last three weeks, Burke's form, both in his all round forward play and as a hooker, has been well up to representative standard. His lack of weight does not detract from the all-round quality of his game, and it was unfortunate that Lambourne was not in the Petone scrum last week, when the merits of the two men could have been definitely decided. Hansen, better known perhaps as the skipper of the V.U.C. Rowing Eight, is a good solid forward whose hard work in-the tight, and rugged determination in the loose should carry him to higher honours in the next year or two.

—O.J.C.

Here and There

Playing brilliant football for the Hawkes' Bay Representatives is Phil Reid, V.U.C. five-eighth of 1936. He will be a strong contender for next year's All Black side. Remember the brilliant game he played for the Bay against Wellington last year?

In the Badminton world, Eric Roussel has gained fresh honours. This time it is the N.Z. Team to tour Australia.

Another ex-Varsity man has also gone "Onward and Upward"—C. E. Malfroy whose defeat of H. Lee ranked eighth in English Tennis is particularly meritorious.

C. G. "Fat" Rae has been playing brilliant football this year behind the Senior scrum. Repetition of his sterling displays against Hutt and Petone will make him a strong contender for a place in this year's rep. side.

Malc. Mason, who fractured a rib while playing for the Social team, is up and about again. The "Socialists" will miss his powerful voice and "shrewd" tactics.

A. R. Gibson: Ballerina and star crooner of John Carrad's shows. "Gibby" has recently transferred to Palmerston North. A Weir Committee-man and organiser of its social team, he took a prominent part in the social side of University life. His re-union with Brian Turnbull in Palmerston North should prove a memorable affair.

J. P. Eastwood, N.Z.U. Rugby three-quarter and 100 and 440 yards champion has returned to Masterton to join his brother K. E. (N.Z.U. 440 Champion 1929) in his accountancy business. A fine track man and a brilliant footballer Eastwood was recently described as "Rugby Glamour Man No. 1." If Jim takes his football seriously, his chances of going to Africa must be extraordinarily good. Best of luck anyhow, Jim.

Last year's Senior B lock. "Tiny" Armour is playing good football for the Wairarapa Rep. side this season. Congratulations, Alex.