LOCAL RUGBY FIXTURE.

Shannon News, 26 July 1927, Page 3

LOCAL RUGBY FIXTURE.

PLIMMER. TERRACE WINS

To show the interest taken in the annual Rugby fixture between residents of Plimmer Terrace and Ballance Street, played on the Domain during the week-end, a crowd larger than what is usually seen at a senior cup fixture, was present. Each team had its army of supporters, who urging the players to give of their best caused the contestants to put up a great fight for supremacy . The pace- was a cracker throughout and the number of new methods introduced of handling—or not handling—the ball were astonishing, several of the players confusing the rules of Soccer and Rugby. An outstanding feature was the formation of the scrums, in which about six , forwards would often be seen fighting for the two positions in the back row; these players had evidently been studying the ‘ * safety first ’ ’ rule. The obstruction rule was infringed on occasions, but the cleverness .with which it was carried out evaded the vigilant eye of the referee. The game had not long been in progress, when Ballance Street, favoured with a cold wind, made a raid on their opponents’ territory, but owing to loss of breath in their effort, they were unable to penetrate the defence put up by the whole of the opposition, which went to show what proper training will do. However, from a^scrum the winger, J. Curran (xxx), dribbled his way through and Lockett (the unknown) gathering it up, kicked well down the field. It was here that Perry showed how the Ballance Street backs could handle the ball, but unfortunately for them each man was carefully marked and not much advantage was gained. By this time quite a number of players were enquiring if it was orange time. Realising they had to get a lead in the first spell to win the cqveted cup, Ballance Street made another effort, but they had. not counted on Murdoch (Waikato) and Bovis (Silent John)- nor the King-Bros. (West Coast and Spider) and the veteran Curran, and it was not until they had been forced several times, Silent John being responsible for two, in one of which. when he accidentally fell on the ball, that Pannikin (late Ratana’s Reps.) scrambled over the line with four players on his back to register Ballance Street’s only try for the day. W. Moynihan (Beer and Butter) failed to add the extra points. In the second half Plimmer Terrace forwards headed by Spider King, McGuckin (King Country), and Dutchy Pirovano dribbled through, but full-back Hennessy was waiting for them and hurriedly kicked into touch. From the line out the ball struck Archie Reid on the head, and rebounding back, Bob Terry caught it and sending it on to Buckman (Cackle Berry) allowed the Ballance St. backs to get in motion, but G. Nahkies, the imported man from Switzers, spoilt it by up-ending Tom Moynihan (XXXX), thus disorganising the movement. Ballance. Street now opened up the game and some good passing was witnessed. On two occasions Tom Moynihan set. off to score; but his form failed himand no support coming from his colleagues, the efforts had to go unrewarded,' Lockett, by good kicking, returned the play to Ballance Street territory, where from a scrum near the lino, the ball went over and after four players overran it, J. Curran touched down, amidst loud applause. F. Wilson, an emergency, took the kick and placed Plimmer Terrace in the lead. No further score- resulted and Plimmer Terrace holds the Cup for the 11)27 season. Len. Satherley’’s interpretation of the rules met with the full approval of the spectators.