RUGBY

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 1, 25 May 1928, Page 7

RUGBY

The Senior and Junior results so far -are as follows: — Senior v. Training College won 17 — 0 Wellington lost ti—ll Oriental won 12 —1.1 Selwyn won 8 — <* -Juniors v. Fetone won 3 — 0 Wellington won IX)—l7 Eastbourne lost 3 — o* Old Boys lost 0— 5 HUTT v. ORIENTAL. This was a close gaane, although at one stage it seemed that Hutt would «pm comfortably. The vim with which Oriental played during the last twenty minutes almost carried the -day for them, and it .should serve as a useful lesson to our players. One wonders ■whether the Hutt team is properly fit. Certainly there has been a distinct absence of "pep" in the closing stages of their .games. It seems fchat almost all players would benefit from a few three or four mile runs.

Apart from their lack of sting at the end, the Hutt forwards showed distinct improvement in the serumma^es, and in their general play. Oriental, however, had the better of the line--outs, and it is here that the forwards have a lot to learn. Peck was the only man to go for the ball properly, and it was pleasing to see him get away with it. He has learned also *o dr.op . the hall to his toe occasionally, and not to hug it. Too often players let the ball strike feebly against one hand, and had ao .chance* of -doing anything useful. Then, again there were no concerted driving attacks from the line out. simply because the men away from the ball came. ia at the side—ami .slowly at that. Few Hutt teams realize how upsetting to opposing backs is continual breaking through from line outs (not breaking through of one man, he is easy to stop), but one man with half a dozen at his back goiag as strongly as he is.

The backs showed no enterprise, except on two occasions. The first was when Woods scored in the corner, and it was a fine piece of work. George, -who received in the line-out, saw he was blocked and the opposing backs up on his own five-eighths, sent the ball -> back to Fisher who worked the blind side remarkably quickly, handing to McKay. The latter .nad been quick to see the move and handed, on to Woods just at the right moment. The second occasion was the work of McCarthy. Dashing down the line he feigned to centre-kick (probably he intended to do so, but in a flash saw an opportunity), and then, the opening made, raced ob. Sundgren, who can usually be relied upon to follow up such a lead, was in attendance to receive the pass when tho full back was reached. These two movements were first class, but there should be more.

Fisher was doing good work, but the knocks lie received upset him considerably. Smith should, we are convinced, play inside McKay. Ho will play some good games in that position, if he is left there to improve himself and to get confidence. McKay could, have been rather less unselfish, but it was a good fault. He will not take it amiss if we mention here that he is inclined to harrass .his men with too many cautionary and hortatory remarks. Woooi.s and McCarthy were sound. The former is the better tackier, and seems to be a hard man to bring down. Jarman's defnuencies were obvious. He did get to the ball much more quickly, but he ha* failed to produce his last year's form. ,

The score, 12-11, was too close to be comfortable for the Hu€l supporters in the last few minutes of the game, but Hutt would have been unlucky to lose. Mr Fletcher must be congratulated on his very fine handling of the game.

.VEKSTTS SELWYN. Th^ match provided spectators with sonjfl^ood football and a vast difference was noticeable in the team, work, backs and forwards combined nicely In some sparkling passing bouts—and on one occasion about ten players handled the ball, the movement finishing up a

yaTd from the opponents' goal-line. The handling was not always perfect, had it been the score would have been

much greater; however, if this style of play is persevered with, some goad

scores will be registered before the * season ends. Fisher "was tried out as full-back and demonstrated what is Tequirod of the man filling this position. He saved his forwards repeatedly byfinding the line with short 'snappy kicks, and preferred to make sure of the line rather than, indulge in spectacular play. W«ods and McCarthy again played -well and indulged in Te-

verse passing whenever opportunity offered. Gibson gave a very sound exhibition both on attack and defence, the latter part of his play being very pleasing. When moved up to first five-eighth he showed a nice understanding with his half back, after McKay had taken up that position. The latter player was unquestionably the -best attacking back on the ground. He believes that attack is the best defence and there is no doubt that his play had a big effect on the rest of the team. At half back (during the second half), he showed •how little time is really necessary for a good half to get the ball away from the serum. He should retain that position until another half of class is available. It is admitted that his defence is not sound, but this should be counterbalanced by his nippiness on attack. Smith gave evidence that he is coming back to form, his great weakness In. this match was his inability to take his passes cleanly. George was tried out as half in the first spell and for a first attempt his showing was. ■quite creditable- At centre in the second half, he went very well and if coached up to his duties ia this position, should make good. Bernston was tried out as wing forward, and very quickly found 'his foot. It was noticeable that he afforded his half the maximum of protection and was not slow in .getting down, on the opposing half. The vanguard as a whole deserve a lot of praise. There was a big improvement in the team work and a lot more "sting" was put into the play. Peek was undoubtedly the best forward, his height gives him an-advantage of the rest of the pack. Daily played his best game to date and put that little bit ox ** devil" into his play which is essential in a good frward. He is inclined to get offside a bit and should give attention to this fault. These remarks also apply to MeGrill, whose speed often carries him too far. The next fixture is against University, when wo hope the team will show further improvement and register a good score. LOWER CtEADES. JUNIOR' A. —Lost to Eastbourne 6 —3 and to Old Boys .5 —0. This team can, not afford to lose another game if championship honours are to eorne its way. JUNIOR B.—As intimated another .le_am... was entered in. this gnule anu I started off by registering a win 28—5 against Selwyn. Charlie Slater (Jnr.) turned out again and showed good form. The forwards will be considerably strengthened for tin* next match. One would like to -see Colin or Chum Oudby coaching this team. THlßDS—Defeated Marist 9 —6. Lost to Petone 17—0. This team is improving under the capable coaching of Jack McDougall. INTERMEDIATE — Defeated Wellington A 11—S and drew with Oriental A, 6 all.

FOURTH A.—Defeated Karori GO—o and Wellington B 19 —12. This team could be improved by the inclusion of some B. players, notably Oliver and Deans. FOURTH B.—Lost to Eastbourne 17 —13 and to Wellington A 22—5. FlFTH—Defeated Kaiwarra 15—0 and lost to Selwyn 23 —i. Most of tie boys in this grade are very light and are eligible fur 6th Grade. They should do well next year. NOTE'S. Mills, a Marlborough Rep. hooker lias joined up with the Club and will no doubt be tried out at first opportunity. It is stated that a Rep. wing threequarter from another province will be joining up at the end of the month. It is pleasing to note that the local supporters are still sticking to the Hutt team and will no doubt continue to do so whilst good open play can be seen. THE SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR. (Contributed,) In view of the uncertainty that at present exists here as to the strength of the teams that will oppose the "All Blacks'' in their first two matches in South Africa, it is interesting to note that the N.Z. Services team that played in that country in 1919 met in their first match a Country XV., and in their second a Town XV. This is what is to happen on the present occasion. The game against the Western Provinces, then as now the strongest Province, did not take place until the end of the tour. Will the Town XV. be to all intents and parposes the Western Province team? Will the Town XV. include the University players'? or will the Country XV. include the latter? These are questions that are being asked in New Zealand just now. and as it is likely that the present tour is modelled on the 19.19 tour, answers may be obtained from studying the names of the playeTs in those games of 1919. laifkily, I have those names, and interesting- descriptions of those matches, in front of me. And the position is as follows: —The Western' Province Team (played in the 13th game) comprised 7 University players, 4 Town players, and 4 Country players. No University players took I part iii the Town or Country matches. I think it very likely that, the same procedure will be • adopted during the 1928 tour.

I have been frequently asked ""What are the grounds like?" The is'ewianUs ground in Capetown (you go by train, or car a few miles out) is a iine one, and in 1919 accommodated a crowd of 2fi,000. The turf is as good as our own. The South Africans are as mad about Rugby as we are, and at those games all available seats were taken by two o'clock, although the games did not begin until four. Many seats also were sold for £.1/1/-.

Press reports of the games were more interesting than out New Zealand ones. Here is an example from a description of the Town match: "A great game, undoubtedly; a magnificent struggle, indubitably; but a finished exposition of Rugby it was not. For all that, it.was a game the recollection of which will never grow old. Looking back on more than 25 years of South African R,ugby, I find it impossible to rent ember a match where play has raged more heroically, or been maintained more strenuously without one single feature which could be looked back upon with regret. It was a veritable battle of foTward giants. ... It was a match that would have sent a North of England crowd delirious with delight: not that your Yorkshire man does not appreciate back play, but the game -that appeals to him is the mad clash of tUe big, speedy forwards, the stirrimj dash down the line, the skilful parry and eounteT thrust by the opposing forwards, with the backs always on hand waiting for an opening, or watehng for the opportunity to turn defence n+o attack. . . . Jerseys were torn to -ibbons (three in as many minutes); the tackling was deadly; the pace was like a hurricane in a hurry; and the crowd surged here and there, swayed by th«« magnetism of the game. What a match! ''

This gives a good idea or the enthusiasm of the reporter, and it is typical. The South African football crowd is not in the slightest a dour one, and it cheers louder and more often than a New Zealand one. In this connection the spontaneity of the magnificent demonstration that marked the entry of the Premier, General Botha, to the Newlands ground that day was a revelation to the New ZealandeTs. Not only did it acquaint them with tke esteem in which that fine old Boer gentleman was held, but it prepared them for the remarkable outbursts to follow.