Wanderers Best On Play But Athletic Unlucky To Lose

Chronicle (Levin), 1 July 1948, Page 7

Wanderers Best On Play But Athletic Unlucky To Lose

THE SENIOR game at the Levin Park Domain on Saturday was ' marred by an absence of attacking movements by Athletic, the -reason. being their failure to get possession in both the line outs and sc'rum. The heavier Wanderers pack used its weight to advantage. s .. BOND (Athletic) several times hooked the ball, but was hontinually being pushed off it by the weight of the opposing pack. Milroy (Wanderers) is improving as a hook.ei; and ih his general play. Considering his foi-m, it is unlucky that he has ^ been left ,out of the senior representative team. "

; Best for ward, of the day was W., Lincoln (Wanderers). His line out play and rucking was particiilariy praiseworthy. It could be . that it was this man's ability that enabled Wanderers to get their last try. W. Winiata (Wanderers) played his usual sound forward game.' At half back, Hakaraia (Wanderers) looked to be outstanding on the day's play, but it should remembered that he received good protectiofl from his forwards. It was noticeable that he was not once worried by the opposition breakaways. The Wanderers first five-eighths, A. Hakaraia, was no match for his opponent. Gordon Sciascia did not shape up to his usual high standard considering the feast he got of the ball. Neither of the Wanderers wingers played up to McCready's standard. This player would ha.ve shown much more determination in getting the last tr,y than did Skilton. Of the Athletic pack, I Bond and Denton were the best on the day's play. Fee and O'Brien failed to 'do their job as breakaways, but did their share in the rupking and the line out. T. Cameron played quite a solid game as halfback behind a pack which was quite often coming back On him. First five-eighths, W. Galloway, was the outstanding player on the field, his defensive work being of the highest standard. He completely outclassed his opposite

number. Athletic's winger/Stevens, played one of his, best games, his handling being much improved. At full-back, A. Fletcher (Athletic) played an outstanding. game. His; tackling and line out kicking was a ! great asset to his side. Considering that he has only played in this ' position four times, it speakS well for his ability as a footballer. The remarkable thing about Saturday's game was that Wanderers on play were 10 or 15 points , the better team and yet Athletic were unlucky not to have won, showing how great an dsset it is for a club to have a goal kicker. ' c - On. Their Selection It is too early yet to comment on the rep. selection, as the players chosen have not yet been . allotted their positions. The selectors have done a good Job, but it is a plty that Ross smith, Jim . Corbish'iey and J. Grainger were'riot included. No doubt the selectors were rignt as these players have not played consistently this season. In all probability Smith will be available. for the first rep. fixture, but whether he will.be in form or not is another thing. . It was also a surprise to notice that W. Winiata is in the B. Team. It is to be hqped that all the men selected will be at the practices on July 1, 6 and 8, as no doubt tne material' is there and with training they will justify their presence in the first fifteen. .. . % ,