DITTMAN SHIELD

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1932, Page 2

DITTMAN SHIELD

GREYMOUTH 9, HOKITIKA 3. MATCH PLAYED IN MISERABLE CONDITIONS. By nine points to three, Greymoutli regained possession of the Dittman Shield 1 from Hokitika on Saturday, in the match between the West Coasx Union and Westland Sub-Union. Heavj rain for more than' a week had its undoubted effect on Cass Square where the match was played, in more heavy rain the field being a bog, and the players slushing arpund almost ankle deep in water. Prospects early in the morning that the match would eventuate were decidedly dismal, which had its effect on the attendance. :j'iS T everthele.ss there was a large number of spectators, the grandstand being filled.

The match was a surprise for the majority as far as the standard of ' play was concerned, it being anticipated that it would be nothing more than an uninteresting mud-scramble. On the contrary it was a revelation the way the ball was thrown round at times, although the greasy leather more often tjlmn not was the ruin 0 f many a rush. The display of Hokitika, in the first spell, to say the least of it, was distinctly heartening, the forwards playing with a will, and easily holding (heir own, securing from the majoritey of the scrums. The hacks gave a very encouraging display also, showing surprising glimpes of co-operation in spite of U-e dirty conditions. The Greymoutli backs did not work together too well in the first half, although, individually, they did what was required, but there was more cohesion alter the interval. Their forwards gave a great exhibition in the later stages of the game, completely dominating the game, Scandrett, at half, had few oppor Utilities to shine’ at first, but as the game progressed he was always in the limelight, and gave a very impressive display. Fong and King, at five-eighths, showed good, understanding and were called upon for a. deal of defensive work at the start. The former, especially, showed a great hurst of speed on occasions, possessing a clever pair of hands. The wingers, .Martyn and Jamieson, both, strong runners, had little to do, but were sound when called upon, the former’s pace enabling him to open Greymoutli’® score. The forwards were all toilers, especially in the second half when they practically took control of the game, Bell, Scandrett and Wilson being outstanding. Wet ball and nil the home backs handled like machines at times, but generally, their efforts were individual, Davidson, Hughes, and Diedrichs each being, responsible for some spectacular moveMfents. The first named was outstanding in his handling, defence, and the manner in which he sent the ball away, besides the way in which he saved his forwards. At all times he was to he reiied on. Staines did not see so much of the ball as the inside men, fiiit put in some useful work, his defence being good. Schroder hardly saw the' ball all day, the play going out to the other winger, King, who took some watching. Carter, at full hack, was not impressive, but lie was handicapped ln r conditions. The Hokitika, forwards provided the biggest contrast of the day. In the first .spell they could not go wrong, heeling' the ball well, forcing their opponents, back in the scrums, and being ini.';the ascendency in line-out and loose. The second half was a different tale, for, at times, they could do nothing right, and .vte unable to withstand the onslaughts of the Greymouth vanguard who swarmed ail over them toward the end. All worked-hard, i Kelly, Hughes and Martin, being outstanding. Hokitika early took the offensive, B. Kelly breaking away, and Jones and Cook carrying on until It. King found the line well down. Martyn gave short relief, the home back's coming hack with three short runs. A high kick saw a home back caught in possession, but W. Hughes cleared in time. The visitors were immediately pushed back by the home forwards to their own line. From a scrum W. Hughes whipped round, but lost the hall. A few minutes later he electrified the crowd when he cut in -and went right down to Lind bom who was safe. The visitors were passing wildly, and the home side were quick to turn these opportuni ties to advantage, keeping Greymouth continually on the defensive. Gilbert and Jamieson each put in a good run, and piny gradually drifted back to lmlf-way. Scandrett, Fong and Gilbert put ir'a great rally, but a, knock on spoiled rhen Jameson was in a promising position. Freitas, wlms» lucking was gaining a fair bit of ground, sent them back and a loose forward rush with Cook, Unglue and ,Jones to the .fore changed the scon e back to the visitors’ territory where Diedrichs cut in beautifully. 'Staines carried on but was unable to get bis pass put. Davidson was the next to push through, but Martyn downed him. It. King then had a dash but lost the ball. The Grey forwards swept upheld in a glorious rush but Davidson quelled this by hurling himself ft their feet 30 the ball. The Red and Black van were going great guns and were

not giving tin ir opponents any |rt»ee, mi,] carried el' lief ore them in a run which nearly ended hi & "score, ihe hall slipping out ol Kings hen Is, .Scant!rett, Fong, King and Ma.rt.vn ii'l handled, Died rich* grassing the, hitter. Freitas ai d Wright broke through and supported by the oCmvf swarmed down the pad.luck but were unable to pass Lindbom. The game so far had been full of incident with few really dull moments, A sensation was created

when all the visiting backs handled well in a fast run, but Staines came across to save a certain try in great fashion.

The match was more of an even nature now, the play being in on e side’s territory, then the other’s. Grey i'-ook_ ed like scoring when the backs essayed a movement but L. Hughes nabbed Scandrett who hung on too long, and Keliy, Martin and Wright returned play to half-way. Stab-kicking by their backs saw them in the Grey 25 where the players ploughed round in the water, being indistinguishable in the amount of spray churned up.

Ten minutes of desultory play followed, marked by short attacks by each side which met with '-tout defence. Freitas, Cook, Kelly and Hughes led a fa.it rally up field which placed Hokitika in a good position. Davidson cut in nicely hut Freitas missed his pass. The next minute a home forward had a shot at the line, but lost the ball. C. Wright was handy, and whipped it up to dive over. Hughes’ kick nri'sed. Hokitika 3, Greymouth 0. Th e second spell opened sensationally. Following up & high kick Deere caught a home forward in possession, and the ball was kicked over the line, Martyn beating Carter to the touch. Hokitix 3, Greymouth 3. Up and down play followed, wfih nothing 'outstanding until Fong cut in, and beat thre e men and sent his backs away to the home team’s territory where the latter were penalised, and Martyn goaled. Greymouth 6, Hokitika 3.

Greymouth were now beginning to shine and a loose back and forward rush saw them sweep down to the Hole it’lt a line, where Wright, Freitas and L. 'Hughes saved weil at different 'times. ■Hughes at this stag e retired with an injured nose, being replaced by Gugich. living, Kelly (2) and Martin gave thei?side* a chance to score when they pressed Grey back to their own lino, but Jamieson, following up well caught Carter, and the visitors returned. Hokitika were now cat I .led for some strenuous tfefensivd work which i'*"'•• did <’ fectivelv until, from a scrum B. Scandrett dived over. Martyn failed with the kick. Greymouth 9, Hokitika The last quarter of an hour was marked by a continuous onslaught by Greymouth, .Hokitika .defending for . then lives. It was om'y their deadly tackling that saved a greater score in the closing stages.

The Grey forwards were now playing magnificently and kept hammering away. iScandrett and Fong each had a dive at the line but lost the ball. In a final, desperate effort, Hokitika cleared to the Grey 25 where each of the bade handled but the pass to Schroder, who was in ,a good position,, was erratic am a chance was lost. Time was call;* with no addition to the score. Mr E. W. Hecnan was referee. RESULTS IN OTHER CENTRES. (Per Press Association— Copyright.) WELLINGTON, June 25. Rugby; Poneke 11, Hutt 6; Petono 11, Old .'Boys 9 j Wellington Eastbourne 6; Marist 9, Orient 6; Athletic 9, MiramaT 8; Varsity 4, Berhampore ml. CHRISTCHURCH, June 25. Football matches were played here to-day in fine weather on fast grounds. Rugby Union: Sydenham 8, beat Albion 6; Merivale 15, beat Old Boys nil; Linwood 21, beat Varsity 12; Christchurch 23, beat Athletic 11. AUCKLAND, June 25. Rugby Ponsonby 9, Technical 9; Grammar 9, Marist nil. CHRISTCHURCH, Jun e 25.

Representative games: Malvern 8, North Canterbury 3. Junior representative game: North Canterbury 10, Malnerv 7.