PLAY AND THE PLAYERS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 405, 12 April 1937, Page 2

PLAY AND THE PLAYERS.

(By “Grandstand.”) Th© feature of the Shield match j was the display of two distinct plans ! of action. Eltham relied upon their I forwards and played the 2—3—2 • scrum formation, with a wing forward, j while United struck to 3 —4—l, rely- i ing upon their strong back division ; to push the attack. There was little i to choose between the plans on the play, but Eltham’s pack was superior, and th© wing-forward was instrumental in harassing the opposing backs, with disastrous effect. Th© collaring by the winners was good to witness, as this basic principle of Rugby is more often noticeable in the breach than the Observance. * * * On the other hand, United were the more spectacular of the teams, and have no need to feel ashamed of their back division; indeed, they reached a high standard on many occasions in their passing movements. Good, smart exchanges were given, and in a manner worthy of the best provincial teams. Their one and only try cam© from one of these bursts of speed and action, and was accorded applause fron the crowd. * *• * Of the Eltham forwards, it would be invidious to single out players as outstanding, lor the reason that they were a very dven lot, and toiled hard and unceasirgly from kick-off to whistle-blow. They packed a strong scrum, but wore not always successful at hooking. Though only fair on the line-out, they shone in the tight work and gave their opponents some anxious times in the loose. Neal, Leatham, O’Sullivan, and Ryburn were prominent in the* open. * * * Th© Black and White backs gave spasmodic displays of their ability to handl© the leather, btat were shaded by their opponents’ work. Worthington, when he tool: his place behind ‘the. scrum, was prominent, but it is understood he will not be available for the season in the seniors. Prestidge worked well with McCook (centre), and both the vdngs were safe. Glentworth -at full was reliable and kicked with judgment. * * * Adlam, as usual, whs a tower of strength to United in the full-back position, and participated in many of the offensives. The Ries-McCready-Richardson combination was a powerful one and was responsible for much of the bright lights of the back play throughout. Cochrane and Bowler on the wings ably assisted the trio and displayed good judgment. Lash, at half, also played a good gam© and was unlucky in being injured. Certain faults in technique were noticeable among the backs, but in view of the circumstances, and especially their first run together, an improvement is to be expected as the season progresses. * * There was a good deal of disappointment at the display of United's forwards, taking them as a whole. They lacked finish, and even the oldtimers suffered from the complaint, which, however, can be attributed to lack of training. In th© scrums they were generally successful in getting the ball, and were superior to Eltham in the loose work.