RICHMOND ROVERS HAVE CLOSE CALL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 395, 2 July 1928, Page 6

RICHMOND ROVERS HAVE CLOSE CALL

MARIST MISSES Richmond Rovers had a close call in their match with Marists on No. 2 ground at Rugby League headquarters on Saturday, when, after being six points down at half-time, they eventually won the match by 10 points to 9. It was a ragged and for the most part uninteresting game, and had not the greens’ backs let a splendid pack of forwards down, Tykes would have had little trouble in winning. Headed by the redoubtable Moisley, the Johnson, Graham, Noble

trio did great work in tight and open, but sadly missed the support of their backs. Nasey at fullback was a poor substitute for Gregory, who is on the indisposed list, while Richardson necessarily fell below the veteran Brisbane’s standard. Brady, in the fiveeight line, was also

RICHMOND OFF COLOUR Richmond gave what must rank as on© of their worst displays this season in the opening stages, the whole team playing much below standard. Skipper Prentice was missed as a hard worker and successful captain, but

even so the maroons’ display was lamentable. Turning: round after the spell to play with the wind behind them, there was a commendable improvement on all sides and just enough dash anions the backs to score where Marists had failed previously. GREAT MATCH-WINNER To Taylor, who led the maroons on Saturday, must go the palm for another display which demonstrated again his worth as a match winner. He certainly took some time to get his shooting boots on, but when he did he put his side ahead by converting two tries —from easy positions, it must be admitted. And then, when the fierce-looking Moisley was tearing down field with a clear run in front of him for a try that would have reversed the result of the match, within five minutes of time, it was Taylor who ran up from behind and grassed the burly Tyke not more than five yards from his goal. Moisley had a day out, scoring Christ’s opening try after corkscrewing his way through Richmond’s defence and evading the tackles of probably ten men. Graham was probably the next best Tyke forward, but would do well to refrain from protesting and appealing to the referee. Why Campbell persists match after match in lying down in the scrum is hard to understand. HANLON AGAIN Hanlon again acquitted himself well in the five-eighth line, being responsible for the try which eventually put his team ahead. He tackled well and had Davis let the ball out with more snap he would have done even better.

Turton and Wheaton also got through some tough work, while Leng proved a sound last line of defence. Colebrook, McCarthy and the Stewart brothers were the pick of the forwards overshadowed on the day by the much pack.