Rep. Rugby Trials and Training

Sixty of the best rugby players in Poverty Bay turned out at Rugby Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon last month to play in the two senior representative rugby trial games.

Although a strong back line and good loose forwards were assured, there were few good big men available to fill the gap left in the front of the scrum by Mark Irwin and David Green.

After the games, the new sole selector and trainer, Mr Ray (Husky) Preston, announced the twenty players who were to make up the training squad for the first representative game of the season against East Coast.

The white team's back line movement is effectively stopped as Pat Ransley and Reece Johnstone tackle Bevan Witty. Other players are Don Green, Brian Johnson, Malcolm English, and Doug Katae.

Doug Katae appears to be trying to screw off Pat Ransley's head

At half time, the selector, Ray Preston, confers with Bruce Dodge (secretary of Rugby Union) and the referee, Richard Harris.

Kevin Beuth and John Corbett jumping high in a lineout

After the squad was announced, the serious business of training began. The pictures on this page were taken during a Sunday morning training run. Half back, David Alley, sends out a long pass to five eighths, Mose Harvey, and winger, John McKenzie.

Selector and trainer, Ray Preston, instructing the players on tactics

Don Green passes out to John McKenzie as David Alley moves across in defence

Mr Preston in conference with the players

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 96 : June 14, 1962

Rep. Rugby Trials and Training