Sidelights On Hui Mai-Rahui Match

Chronicle (Levin), 24 August 1949, Page 2

Sidelights On Hui Mai-Rahui Match

Hui Mai had. an off day at Otaki on Saturday, while they also fielded soriie fresh f aces. . Old. campaigners— ih-. W. Page and M. Staples were inissing, as also were two. of the Robinson Brothers. Lack of Qombination was apparent as a ' result, .and, few movernents worthy of. 'comthendatipn were seen. Henry Wallace at lialf showed up occasionally, as also did H. Cook, who was obviously not happy at first five-eighths. In the second half, with the wind carrying several kicks into their territory, Corbett did some good def ensive work and his ability to take the ball inspired confidence. Wingers Horn and Tawhara, promoted juniors, had few • opportunities as a result of the faiiure of the inside backs. Horn had a hard job covering an old head in McLeod. Forwards Lander, the two- Robinr sons, and G. Bryant, with Hazlett, worked conscientiously, mainly as individuals, and here again little to enthuse over was seen in their efforts. 'They were particularly well looked ^fter by the opposing fronfc row men, who were a'pparently in better condition. For Rahui Casey at' full-back gave his usualf safe display, with ample cover-defence provided by the three-quarter line, McLeod, Waaka, and Bradley. The latter , had a holiday compared with the previous week, and apart from the ; smart try engineered by him and J. , Winteirburn, his wing was neglect-

ed. Waaka was very sound. Some of his tackling as usual was most effec.tive, while he was always up with" the play, two tries coming his way as a result. There is little doubt that the return of Wallis has meant the return of confidence to Rahui's backline. This was amply borne Out on Saturday, and A. Winterburn (half), Merwood, Wallis,' Waaka, McLeod combination was at times good to watch. J. Winterburn gave a "pleasing displp,^ and earned full marks for his~shrewd early movement when he stood off a line-out ito race round as the ball was thrown in, for: Bradley and Lethbridge to top off the move succe'ssjfully. As breakaway he also iharassed the opposing inside I backs. The remaining Rahui for'wards toned incessantly, Lethbridge, Spiers^ Walker and Fox being conspicuous at all times in foiloWihg xip^While Phiilips, Wilton, and Watt did good work in tfght rucks." ^ ■ Highlight of a fairly ragged game was 'a mov.e which commenced on Rahui's 25, and which saw forwards "and backs taking their time in throwing the ball about and baffling the opposition.

The movement.broke down on the Hui Mai goal-line, to the disappointment of '"all who witnessed the mqvementr - The position was promptly retrieved when the player who fumbled the high pass, secured and passed infield, and a try resulted. — "" ^