Young All Blacks

The odds are in favour that New Zealanders are going to develop such a vast superiority in the game of Rugby football that nobody will be found in future years to stand up to them. Nowadays, football is such a firm favourite with many hundreds of schoolboys that by the time they reach senior status they will be veterans of the game. In Gisborne alone, more than 800 boys play every Saturday in the Junior Advisory Board's grades, in either school or club teams. The intensive coaching and experience of the game they absorb over the years cannot fail to show up in a vastly improved standard of play later in life.

Pictures on these pages show incidents in two of the many games played on a recent sunny Saturday morning.

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Marist player with ball draws intensive Muriwai defence as he heads for line

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Intermediate Blue player makes to clear hall in game with Intermediate Gold

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Well-tackled Muriwai player has cleared ball. Referee, left, is Mr Hunter

Finding grounds and referees for over 40 games on a Saturday morning is quite a job for the Junior Advisory Board, Grounds are used at Intermediate School, the Oval, Barry Park, and the High School. Referees mostly come from established clubs, or are teachers. There is a cup for each grade, and each year the Welply Efficiency Cup, donated by the Board president, is awarded to the player best qualified in behaviour, punctuality, and dress.

Teams travel in each Saturday from outlying districts like Muriwai, Patutahi, and Manutuke to mix it with city school and club teams. They all show tremendous keenness, and not a little ability at the game.

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Muriwai player in lineout is promptly tackled

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Another lineout shot

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Intermediate Gold player takes ball in face of advancing opposition

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Intermediate Gold on attack