PIRATES V. ATHLETIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 15

PIRATES V. ATHLETIC

Conditions were very unfavourable both for players and spectators at Wakefield Park, where Pirates met Athletic. Snow and rain in the first spell made the ball and ground greasy for the remainder of the game. However, some excellent play was seen on both sides, especially amongst the forwards. Neither set of backs realised the possibilities of a high kick up the centre of the field. They persisted in little kicks which could quite easily be fielded by the opposing backs. In the first spell, playing with the wind behind them. Pirates were definitely on top, both backs and forwards playing infinitely better than they have done the last few games. The handling .of the greasy ball by the Pirates' backs was first-class, Hickling and Wyness being outstanding in this re.: spect. The star, however, was their second five-eighth, Love, who scored two brilliant tries after beating several Athletic men. One of these was converted by Bailey. Dobson scored another tr-y for Pirates after a melee on the Athletic line. In the second spell conditions steadily grew worse and play resolved into a forward struggle, with Athletic getting the best of. it, sound defence by the Pirates backs keeping the line intact. In the last five minutes, however, the excellent play of the Athletic forwards was rewarded when Johnson scored a try. The final score was: Pirates 11, Athletic 3. Mr. I. McArtney was the referee.