THE SECOND TEST. PIG-HUNTERS v. MOERA.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 12, 14 August 1930, Page 5

THE SECOND TEST. PIG-HUNTERS v. MOERA.

(By "On« Eighths'>

It is rat-her difficult to account adequately for the Pighuiiters' comparatively poor farm in their second clash with Moera when they were convincingly defeated by 20 points to 11. Possibly, had the fixture been postponed for a week to allow of more intensivo training operations-)' they would

have given a more sparkling display. They certainly lacked sparkle. Moera on the other hand, were in perfect condition. Ably led by Scotty Holmes, their, dash and vigour'-to the final whistle in no -wise indicated that Pig Island had won a, great victory the day before. Chief Pig-stiekcr Harman was present, arid as line umpir* gained many valuable yards for his side, but Monigatti, as the score indicates^ was obviously off colour with the whistle. '

■Skipper Grierson and Dick Long .played like men inspired in their efforts to avert defeat. Unlike Porter, Archie kept well behind the ball—some times a couple of chains—and ; was newer a source of anxiety to the referee, or the other side. Except for the 13 points scored in the first ten of the •game, Moera found Dick Long's defence impregnable. He brought off some beautiful low tackles ■while his line kicking was a revelation. Time after time he turned defence into attack by penetrating runs to set his backs in motion; but Langford— rand hero we desire to tender our sincere apologies' to A. E. Cooke for our unfortunate 'blunder of a fortnight ago —failed to link up and promising movements broke doiwn.

Ted Rea at centre, saw little of" the ball, but his-try .from a centring kick by Bunter Suridgr.een was a gem. He gathered beautifully, and with a dazzling 50 yards' run flashed through the opposition to score,beside tho posts.

Tom Saulsbrey—who by the way affects the same style of coiffure as Archie and Cliff, though to a .minor degree—was one of the best forwards on the -ground. On one occasion he mcatle a scintillating dash for the line, |)u.t anixed his gait in the last few strides'and failed to pay a dividend.

Harry Harnran failed to collect an orange at half time and it was general- 1 "1y agreed that (the, Chief Pig-sticker's indignation was quite justifiaible, as he played a shocking game—which reminds me again of Langford.

Joe Silva once again jdelighted the crowd with his tumbling acts and his

sore leg,

Bunter Sundgreen needs a ffew silver thread^ among the; gold to moderate the vigour of his offensive. He is getting more like Bull Irvine every game. That (might please the skipper, tout what would Mr. Baxter say?

Horrie Skilton was patchy—mostly

bad patches—and with. a»bject apologies to Miv Ball we unreservedly withdraw any (insane comparisons we have made in tho past.

The specialist, Fitzmauriee, besides ■besides putting them over fTom any angle—distance doesn't count —gave a dashing ,allraund display. His boots will be .on exhibition at the gym. during the week.

At the dinner, in the evening, jMr. MeKcnzie {was the guest of honour. After apologising for the unavoidable •absence of Mr. Baxter, he made eulo-

gistic reference to the game and the players. He specially mentioned'the almost complete absence of any douibtfU'l tactics such as shepherding, obstruct ing {and illegal tackling and commended the display as one of. the cle^anest he had witnessed during the season.

In responding on behalf of the -players, Archie (thanked Mr. McKenzie for his kindly and comforting remarks, and stated officially on 'behalf of himself and Dick' Long that, while |it was not the happiest day of their lives, they-^had decided to come bael^ into the game and wauld foe found next season among the /wearers of the red and white jeT&ey.

This week both teams go into camp for the Third Test for which the box plan will shortly open at the Central Studio. * ■ ■