RUGBY NOTES.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 8, 15 July 1927, Page 7

RUGBY NOTES.

HUTT v. PONEKE. The local players fielded a much improved fifteen in this game, notably in the back division. The reappearance of Fisher and the selection of Berntsen as a five-eights, improved the rearguard both in attack and defence. With a couple of games together this back line would make it interesting for any opposing team. Foote (at full' back) gave quite a good exhibition and although not a powerful kick, he makes sure of finding the line. He took the ball on the full when possible and made no mistakes in this direction; his tackling was also sound. McCarthy played a very fine game, his try being the "titbit" of the match. This player should be fed as often as possible. Fisher (although taking no chances with his injured hand) made his presence felt in attack and defence. Munro was good and bad in patches. On one occasion a pass infield to Fisher would have meant a certain score, but he elected to give it a go on his own, finishing up on his back. in. touch. This player is also inclined to kick too much instead of passing infield. McDougall has played better games; he is obviously out of condition, so is not in a position to do himself or his team justice—he should be put out on the three-quar-ter line where he will not get so much work. Berntsen was a decided success at first five-eighths—one would like to see he and Fisher together in the five-eighths line. Slater's play was up to his usual standard, and he does not neglect to feed his backs; in this respect he is the best player tried out in that position this season. George again played a sterling game; as a spoiler of opponents' back play he has no equal in the competition at present. He also opens up the play for his own team at every opportunity. Peck was the outstanding forward in the local pack (and possibly the best forward on the ground); his line-out

work was a feature of the play. He also showed that he has a fair turn of speed—this was noticed when he followed up a couple of high kicks; his powerful line-kicking also gained a lot of ground. Sundgren was obviously off-colour. Grierson, Daily, Langford and Forsyth all grafted hard. HUTT v. OLD BOYS. Fisher developed influenza prior to this match, consequently a rearrangement of the backs was again necessary. Gordon and Teal were requisitioned for service in the forwards. Hutt presented Old Boys with two tries early in the first spell, which fact lessened a good deal of interest in the game. The local backteam played much better than was expected, owing to the re-shuffling of the players. Most of their movements gained ground and were sufficiently snappy to keep the opposition on the move. Foote improved on his previous display and got out of a lot of awkward corners by using his head as well as his feet. McCarthy scored another sensational try, showing a clean pair of heels to the opposition in a fifty yards' dash to the line. Munro (at centre) did fairly well, but has not yet lost the habit of kicking instead of passing. Hume (until injured) got through a lot of work and did -it well. McDougall did a lot of good work, : but might have done more had he been fit. Berntsen consolidated his position as a first fiveeighths by playing a very solid game. Slater gave his best exhibition to date, and it was very refreshing to see him get the ball away to his backs so cleanly. George played as well as usual, and caused the opposition quite a lot of trouble. The forwards all played well against a much heavier pack, and special praise must be given to Gordon and Teal, especially the former, who "hoed in" in good style and never failed to get his man by the heels. Peck was noticeable for good line-out work and was well backed up by Grierson. The exhibition given in the last two games has done a lot to hold the

interest of supporters, and should a decent back line be fielded for next Saturday's match against Petone, a good game should result. LOWER GRADES. Juniors defeated Varsity 11—9 and drew with Petone 6—6. Petone are now one point ahead of the local team. Petone were minus some of their best backs, and Hutt were without the services of Bonetti, Hansen and Fetzer. Thirds lost to St. Pat's 0.8. 21—11 arid Melrose 6—3. Intermediate A lost to Kaiwarra A .11—0 (their second defeat) and defeated Old Boys 14—3. ' Fourths defeated Oriental 14—0 and lost to Petone 19—12, both rattling good games. The local lads evidently felt .the effects of two hard games running. Petone had an easy game last week; However, Petone were the best team on the day. The local team could be improved with n little shuffling- round of players. Intermediate B lost to Poneke and Wellington B. Fifths defeated Wellington College 30—3 and Berhampore 11—0. This team now leads in this grade.