Junior Fixture-Stars v. Grey.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 12 August 1901, Page 4

Junior Fixture-Stars v. Grey.

Beautiful weather was experienced for the above fix'ure, and as an interesting and big fight for supremacy was expected a large number of spectators assembled, nor were their expectations to bo denied, m one of the hardest-fought games seen on the Park this season was witnessed.

Grey, facing the wind, kicked off and at once some real, hard give-and-take play ensued, which was removed to Grey’s territory by the splendid punting of little George McKay, but the splendid defence of Greys was at once prominent and the oval gradually worked back to the centre of the field. The first few scrums showed the Stars were sadly at sea owing to the absence of Corcoran from the front rank, and disorder reigned supreme till MacPherson with a strong run and a long kick took the oval to close on the Reds’ goal line. R. "White, who had been playing brilliantly, obtained possession of the oval and, eluding the Greys, slipped promptly over the line, MacPherson failing to convert. Stars 3, Grey nil. Prom the kick out Grey rushed play down to the Stars territory, but M'Kechnie getting in a good kick, which was followed up to a man by the ambers, took the ball right back, and Chapman was prevented from a certain score through being tripped by a spectator right on the corner flag—a bit of fumbling by the Stars saw their side in serious trouble, and a free kick was awarded to Grey, from which Drumm kicked a good goal, whilst McKay did likewise for the Stars just prior to half time, the spell ending Stars 6, Grey 3. • Connor set the ball rolling for the Stars, but the Grey forwards, who averaged well over 12 stone, were now fairly on their mettle, and eacli man working like a Trojan gave the Stars a lively time clearing their lines from danger, but Richardson and R. Whi c, ably assisted by McCarthy, by brilliant line work took the scene of operations to the Grey’s twenty-fives, where Hutchinson by judicious and well-judged kicking saved. Shortly after, the referee overlooked a palpable piece of off-side play by Drumm who by a long punt sent the ball out of touch just on tho Star’s goal, line; Play was centred and Brauiff securing possession from a scrum under the goal posts, snicked the leather out to Fiulay who promptly whipped over and Drumm added tho major points, Grey 8, Stars 6. Prom this out fierce onslaughts were made by each side and just before time was called Ngarta White who had been showing splendid defensive and attacking powers made the run of the day and scored by the corner flag. The kick at the goal was abortive, the game thus resisting Stars 9, Grey 8. For the winners M’Kay at full played faultlessly and surprised all by his characteristic safety and splendid kicking. White and M’Pherson on the wings both played sound games but the former in that position was the best man on the ground and was ultimately carried off shoulder high. Sweetman made every opportunity of the passes which were sent out repeatedly to him by M'Kechnie and made some splendid openings, but the backs as a whole showed lack' of combination. Among the forwards R. W r hitc was the pick of the ground and is fit for any senior team. Fast, heavy and ever on the alert, lie was here, there and everywhere, playing like a demon, and taking severe gruelling with an ever-lasting smile. Richardson played brilliantly in the open and made desperate efforts together with M'Carthy in bringing about the elder club’s downfall.

For the losers Hutchinson at full was the right man in the right place, whilst Drumm and Findlay played magnificently although poorly supported by their colleagues. Johnston, Home and West among the forwards proved a veritable thorn in the Stars’ side, and will be welcome additions to the senior ranks next season.

Mr Skoglund made his maiden attempt at refereeing, and although impartial m every sense of the word yet made one or two errors, but has the makings of a first-clttss man to “wield the whistle.”