AN EVEN STRUGGLE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 90, 3 May 1937, Page 9

AN EVEN STRUGGLE

Havelock North Go Down To - Hastings rather unlucky Hastings and Havelock Nortb contested a very even struggle on .the outer area at Nelson Pazrk, Hastings, and the Villagers were rather tmlucky to lose hy 10— ' -8, for territorially they had the better of the game. The play generally was f ast, but lacked brilliance, the forwards predominating for the most part of the, game. Hastings— Dyer, McNab, Robertson, Wright, Nelson, Brimer, Cooke, Sparks, O'Brien, Tate, Croft, Aldridge, Wilson, McDonald and Muir.

Havelock North.— Bligh, R. Joli, R. Gloyn, Taylor, C. Joll, F, Gloyn, Davis, Ferguson, A. Joll, Russell, Wright, Small, Ross, McKenzie, Butcher. The early part of the game was confined mainly between the quarterways. The forwarus were keen to open up the game, but neitker set of backs were handling well and there were many droppeu passes. One of the exceptions in these movements by the 'Hastings backs enabled Robertson to score nicely well out, and Nelson, with a great kick from near the sideline, conveited. The Villagers promptly retaliatcd and were soon rewarded when C. Joll kkked a good penalty goal. Followiug .a spell of sweeping forward rushes and niiuch kicking. A. Joll gained possession in tlie ruck and drew the defence to send Q. Joll over for a good try, which was converted. At this stage J. Davis, the Havelock half back, re|ired with a broken nose. With the Villagers leading 8 — 5 at the interval, play upon resumpticn brightened up somewhat, but was still confined mainly to the forwards. However, they kept up 'the interest with their sweeping rushes from one end of the field 'to the other. ,The spell was well adv'anced before Hastings regained the lead, and this came about when Aldridge and Croft broke away, the former battling his way over for Nelson to . give his side victory with a splendid kick from the sidelino. The scorers were as follow; — Hastings; Nelson (two conversions), Robertson and Aid'.dgo vtrv each). Havelock Nor.h: C. Joll (try, penalty goal ar.il ctniersico). Mr D Gralam wai referee.