UNIVERSITY 2 V. HUTT 1

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 121, 24 May 1937, Page 5

UNIVERSITY 2 V. HUTT 1

Both University and Hutt adopted hard hitting on the Naenae ground, and the result was an exhibition of strength rather than science. The pace was .fairly fast and the heavy ground told on the fitness of the players, the closing stages of the game being marked by lost opportunities due [to a slowingrdown of the stick work. Hutt was unfortunate, as the Valley players made the pace throughout and held the territorial advantage. The students played four forwards and four half-backs, and this formation threw the Hutt men out of their usual combination. The Hutt forward line went into action well at the start. Chapman showing up on the wing. The first score was registered by University, Struthers receiving ,on the wing and going in to score. McColl evidently considered Struthers offside, as he made no real effort to stop the ■ ball. The Hutt line countered with one of the best passing rushes of the match, Graham going down the centre before passing to Chapman, who carried play forward and then passed back to Graham. Graham made a feint at goal and drew McColl to one side. The ball was then snapped across to L. Muir. who had a comfortable shot. The second spell was all in Hutt's favour for ten or fifteen minutes.- but the Hutt forwards could not get a shot past the University backs, and a sudden break away by the students saw the forward line go right to the other end of the field. The Hutt backs appeared to be taken by surprise and the ball went to and from before the goal without anyone having a chance to clear. McColl went out on his right to try a kick but the. ball was passed to his left and Shaw sent it into the net. This unexpected reverse put the Hutt men on their mettle, but the students also rallied their forces and the remainder of the game was mainly a. midfield struggle, neither side getting into scoring position. University 2, Hutt 1. Messrs W. A. Scott and A.-C. Gardiner were the umpires.