RUGBY.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 44, 10 April 1930, Page 11

RUGBY.

HUTT (14) v. ORIENTAL. (8)

The big attendance at the practice matches against Oriental team, was good evidence that considerable interest •has been aroused in the winter game. The grounds were frightfully hard and on No. 1 clouds of dust were stirred up every time a scrummage tools. place. The players in the senior grade took matters more "seriously and the

nature, of the surface did not affect 'the tackling, which was very <hard on both sides. No doubt many local supporters are rather cuyious to find out just what sort of a side the, senior team will field this season. Judging by the form shown in this game by backs and forwards, the club should be represented by a team which in the first place will ibe noted for sound tackling. iSecondly the baerks will be fast, particularly the three-quarter line.- The form shown by Ball and Ppmar.e, demonstrated that these players have been soundly coached ; both being quick to seize openings and make the best use of them. Ball appears to be good either at wing- or centre, although it is .in the latter position that he possesses a very neat swerve. He scored a fine try in the first spell, when lie swerved between the opposing winger and fullback. Pomare in addition to'being a capable player is a place'kick of no mean ability. Feeney is showing good form and is always looking for work. Dick Pelham, the Maori representative, filled the role of second five-eighth and if he vjoins up with the club the back line will be a very sound one, as Ms experience will be invaluable to the side. Nees was tried out as half back and showed up very well. There is no doubt that this player will force himself into the A team as he can play in any position in t-he backs. Ross only needs a little coaching to make a good winger; at present a little hesitation is spoiling a lot of good woTk. The forwards went well, their work being marked by sound-tackling. The scrum can be improved a lot, but the season is too young yet to expect perfect scrum work All the new forwards went well and last year's players showed that they are rapidly getting into form.

Next Saturday's match against Old Boys* should be worth seeing, and will be a further guide to form for tihe selectors. The curtain raser for this game will consist of teams drawn from prospective senior and junior players from both clubs. On the form shown in this early game depends the entry or not of a Senior B team. Quite a number of players will be seen in action who aspire to get a place in the A team.

Three other. •• games weTe played against Oriental teams, which served as useful try outs for numerous players. The Junior and Third games were watched by a committee of five set up to sort out players and alsoto advisd the "Committee, after next Saturday's curtain-raiser,, what entries to make for the Club competitions and in particular advise regarding the entry of a Senior B team.

Grade entries have to be made by Monday next and the committee will enter according to the number of players putting in an appearance at the gymnasium. To-night every player who intends to turn out again should send word down to the. gymnasium that he will be available. This of course does not apply to players already in training. Last year players who we ;havo not yet seen at the- Gym. include High-field, Evans, Baker, Williams (3rd) Churcher, Deans, MeMnhon, Pyne (4th) A. Clendon J. Adams, Brooker, G. L. Clarke, Langford, Stevens (Junior)., all promising players who we would like to hear from this week.

There appears to be an acute. shortage of boys for the Fifth Grade team. Players between the age of 16 and 17 are required for this grade.

The * Fourths are playing, a curtain raiser to the Petone-Poneke match on Saturday. We hope that all the players will turn out as at full strength' quite a respectable side can be placed on the field. T

We -would again remind supporters to buy tickets for Saturday'a game instead of paying at the gate. The tickets can be purchased at Messrs Phillips, Skilton'sj, Kennington^s, Dick's

and E. Sullivan's. No ticket must be sold on the day of the matoi.

Donations are acknowledged with, thanks from Sir Alexander Roberts and Messrs M. C Mason and A. C. Sceats.