STRATFORD IN RARE FORM.

Taranaki Central Press, 19 April 1937, Page 2

STRATFORD IN RARE FORM.

Superiority Over Inglewood. The score registered by the Stratford team against Inglewood at Vicoria Park was pleasing to the supporters of the red and black colours, and as the opposition was not to be despised, many of the spectators prophesied a successful season for the winners. Indeed, their display in both back and forward divisions was of such a standard as to place beyond doubt their capabilities as a very strong combination. With the score in their favour standing at 30 points (7 tries, three converted) and field goal) to nil, there was 'a noticeable slackening of endeavour on the part of some of the Stratford team, and it was during the last stages of the match that Inglewood scored two tries, one of which was converted (8 points). The Teams. Stratford (red and black). —V. Robson; W. Rowlands, A. Lehmann, J. Ross; Clifford-Jones, P. Collins; C. Sangster; P. Fastier; E. Smith, R. Garlick, R. Butcher, R. Young; L. Clarke, P. Bird, R. Hinton. Inglewood (maroon). —Bi Corkill; McCallum, E. O’Byrne, W. Ross; L. Rumball, J. Ward, L. Arnold, J. Murphy; D. Murphy, C. Bromhall, A. Patterson, S. O’Byrne, T. Corney, W. Young, J. Brown. From the kick-off, Stratford set up a nice passing rush, the ball going out to Ross, who was stopped by Rumball near Inglewood’s 25 flag. After being pushed back to their own quarter, Stratford battled to Inglewood’s line, but the defence held and they were sent back. McCallum again brought down Ross in good style when he made a strong run down the line to the 25. Corkill earned applause with a useful kick to the line as Stratford bore down on him in following Sangster’s long punt. A free kick by Ross missed the goal and was forced by Inglewood. A strong forward rush headed by Roger Young looked promising, but Inglewood forced luckily. » P. Collins narrowly missed a snap pot at goal. From a passing rush in which Ross, Fastier, and Young handled, the forwards carried on and Butcher scored in the scramble. Ross’s kick failed. Stratford 3, Inglewood 0. The game continued in fast and interesting style, and the Inglewood backs showed glimpses of ability to pass, but the wings seldom had a chance to do much. Up to this stage Stratford monopolised the passing movements. Play was mostly in Inglewood’s territory, and on one occasion a penalty enabled them to clear the line. From a scrum near Inglewood’s corner, the ball passed right across the line to Rowlands, who grounded as W. Ross tackled him on the opposite corner. Ross’s kick failed. Stratford 6, Inglewood 0. Several scrums followed ,and these were watched with interest, as the visiting forwards were doing good work. As it happened, Inglewood won the majority, the ball coming out nicely to Arnold, who sent it away smartly, but his backs were unable to get it out to the wings. Fast work among the Stratford forwards, led by Young, created enthusiasm, and Sangster got up in time to take a pass and run ten yards to cross the line. Clif-ford-Jones goaled. Stratford 11, Inglewood 0. The Stratford backs had several passing bouts, Rowlands on one occasion being collared near the corner. Sangster broke away inside the 25, but Fastier knocked on a fast pass and the opportunity was lost. Garlick marked and kicked a goal. Half-time score: Stratford 14 Inglewood 0 STRATFORD PILES UP POINTS. Play went to Inglewood’s territory, and a pass went from the half to Collins, to Lehmann, who ran straight and beat the opposition. CliffordJones missed goaling. Stratford 17, Inglewood 0. Roger Young broke into the open and started a passing movement, Rowlands handling eventually and kicking to the centre. Offside play 1 brought Stratford back to half-way. Lehmann made an opening and ran to the full-back, sending a long pass to Ross, who showed the opposition a clean pair of heels. Clifford-Jones missed goaling. Stratford 20, Inglew r ood 0. - R. Young picked up the leather inside Inglewood’s 25, and battled to the line, Smith scoring. Clifford-Jones goaled. Stratford 25, Inglewood 0. Inglewood forwards put plenty of dash into their work and play was in Stratford’s territory for some time. Carrying play to the goal-front, Stratford atacked. From a scrum, Hinton showed up and sent the ball passing through to Ross, who ran round to score well out. Clifford-Jones goaled. t Stratford 30, Inglewood 0,

Inglewood then scored their first try. W. Ross ran down the line and passed to Arnold, to Rumball, who lost possession on the line, and J. Murphy touched down. Young goaled. Stratford 30; Inglewood 5. The Reds dominated a scrum oq their line and pushed back the opposi tion, but play was still in their 25. From a strong forward rush Corney got across and scored. Young missed goaling. Stratford 30; Inglewood 8. Stratford battled hard on their opponents’ line, but were driven back to their own 25. They were back again in a hard tussle on Inglewood’s line just as time was up, and the defend-' ers were lucky to force down and prevent another Stratford score. STRATFORD 30 INGLEWOOD 8 Mr. R. Phillipson refereed.