Palmerston v. Old Boys.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8193, 21 May 1906, Page 7

Palmerston v. Old Boys.

It was about twenty-five minutes past three when this game started, and from the kick off it was seen that Palmerston were going to prove a troublesome, if not superior team. Playing with the wind in their favour, Old Boys set up a merry pace, and it was sanguinely expected tbey would rattle up. a large score. But this was never near realisa-

tion except on one or two occasions and then their splendid efforts were nullified by kicking too hard. The game shortly after the commencement, developed itself into a purely forward contest, but the Palmerston back division were playing with precision and good judgment, and were truly effective m stopping the good combined footwork of the Old Boys vanguard. Of course it was rarely that Palmerston, in the first spell, transferred play to past the half-way flag, and, generally speaking, were seriously on the defensive throughout the spell. That Old Boys did not score was, in a great measure, purely their own fault; for times innumerable the chance was thrown away by kicking too hard; but credit is certainly due to a couple of the Palmerston backs for their impregnablo defence.

With the wind in their favour, in the second spell, Palmerston kept their opponents busy protecting their line, and on two occasions flaws were discovered in the defence and Palmerston, taking advantage, made the most of the opportunities, and successfully pilotted the ball over the line each time. The tries were scored by Price and White j respectively, Black adding the major points on one occasion. Rev. C, C. Harper refereed. Taking into consideration the very unfavorable weather circumstances, I do not intend to be too severe in mv criticisms. The Palmerston team was a greatly improved one, and had they shown similar combination and other capabilities in their initial match they would not have merited my severe admonitiens for their exhibition on that occasion. 1 have tho satisfaction of knowing that it has 'had the desired effect, and the improvement in their style of play on Saturday was very pleasing, to me at anyrate. The selection committee placed a good team in the field, but a couple of the forwards still want " weeding out" and replacing with men who play with more vigor and vim, and who will take notice of instructions, and not those alleged players who know all —but guess it 1 Samson, Fitzherbert, Smith, and Wood, in the back, and White and Black, in

the forward division, played rattling games. Old Boys' forwards were equally as sue • cessful as their opponents in iootwork, but received little support from the majority of their rearguard. Belfit developed a fine inclination for off side play, and cost his side many penalties for his funny business. Ongley, at half, gave tho worst exhibition I have yet witnessed of .him. Perhaps he had a day oft Of tho forwards Smith, Walsh, and Walde-

grave were the best, but the backs gave a very poor account of themselves — they did not feel at home in the wet,