VARSITY SURPRISED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 371, 4 June 1928, Page 6

VARSITY SURPRISED

EXTENDED BY SHORE GREAT FORWARD BATTLE Tlio determined resistance of North Shore came as a surprise to Varsity. Varsity was herd put to it in the first spell to check repeated invasions. The opening exchanges distinctly favoured North Shore, whose strong sallies appeared to demoralise Varsity. The Shore forwards were a splendid pack. Their sweeping rushes completely nullified Varsity’s attempts until they tired in the last quarter, allowing their speedy rivals to notch several tries in succession. A feature which caused some surprise was the repeated success of the Shore hookers, who practically dominated the scrum. The encounter was an exciting one, and the issue was in doubt right up to the closing stages. Soloman, the popular Shore rover, was undoubtedly an inspiration to his side. He was prominent in every movement and never neglected zi single opportunity of pushing a thrust home. Both the North Shore wingers, Holmes and Sinclair, played sterling games. The former was responsible for some excellent dashes down the side-line. On the other wing, Sinclair, promoted from the junior ranks, looked like becoming a permanent fixture. He handled well, kept , his place in the field, and was always handy when a fast finishing run was needed. Boston, who played as full-back, was absolutely safe. He played a wonderful game, and got through an immense amount of work. Walsh, Palmer and Stokes did all that was required of them and defended well. In the forwards Simpson was a tireless worker, and he was ably supported by Clarke and Cooper. Varsity was unfortunate in losing Macintosh early in the second quarter, the Scottish flyer being compelled to retire when he strained his knee. Malcolmson, who replaced him, did well. Bush was sound as full-back, without being brilliant. The Varsity backs combined well. D. Stotter played a splendid game, and scored a nice try between the posts. Varsity’s fitness had a telling effect in the last quarter, and when the Shore forwards slackened their pace, Varsity swooped down solidly on their line. Malcolmson and Minns each scored in the corner from back rushes, sounding the death knell for Shore’s hopes. Although Varsity won by 17 points to six, Shore made things desperate for a great part of the game, and demonstrated that it is a greatly improved team. Hindenach and Matthias played fine games in the Varsity forwards.