SENIOR RUGBY MATCHES

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 435, 17 May 1937, Page 2

SENIOR RUGBY MATCHES

STRATFORD’S FIRST DEFEAT HAWERA UNBEATEN IN SOUTH The surprise of the matches in the northern division on Saturday was the defeat of Stratford by New Plymouth Old Boys, who secured a 7-points margin (19 —12) in a game that was very interesting, especially in the closing stages. Tukapa had a decisive victory over Inglewood, but the Clifton-Star match was a close coritest. in the south Hawera scored a goal from a try and beat Opunake by two points, and occupies the top place in the points table, with Kaponga and Opunake equal on the 10point line. Following were the results in both divisions: Clifton 14, Star 1 2 Kaponga 10, Eltham 8 Tukapa 17, Inglewood 6 Old Boys 19, Stratford 12 Patea 8, Waimate 6 Okaiawa 1 8, Athletic 0 Hawera 5, Opunake 3

STRATFORD’S DEFEAT

Old Boys’ Surprise Win A. 6 Rugl y Park. New Plymouth, the public were given a surprise Pin the defeat of the Stratford team by Old ‘Boys, the final score being 19 points to 1?. The half-time score was 6 to ttil, Old Boys having kicked two penalty goals. Stratford* were without the services of R. Young and C. Sangsler, both •uffering from injuries. The teams were: Now Plymouth Old Boys: Johns; Ford, Tall, Tippins; Hosking; B. Clif-ford-Jonea; Uhlenberg; Stobers, Cleverley, Brown. Wheeler, Richardson, Davison, Leatherby. Stratford: P.- Collins; Robson, Ro«s, Rowlands; Lehmann,, p rClif-ford-Jones; Cuff; Hinton, Garlick, R.

Clarke, Butcher, Smith; L. Clarke. Bird. Pastier. In the second half Collins, went to five-eighth, the others moved out and Robson went to fullback. It was a splendid game with heavy work for the forwards of both teams, who played tirelessly. The first half was more solid than spectacular, but the thrills came in the second. First the Stratford backs flashed away in delightful fashion for Ross to score. B. Clifford-Jones’ kick was -disallowed. Then Ford scored, winning the race to the touchdown. Old Boys swung the attack to the other wing, Hosking kicking through for Hall to carry on and send Tippins over in the corner. Stratford reduced the deficit when Hosking was offside in a line-out, a simple kick for ClifFbrdJones. The brightest period of the game followed, Old Boys scoring twice and Stratford once in rapid succession! A Stratford man was offside under the posts, Johns goaling. Stratford

retaliated! with a try by Cuff after B. Clifford-Jones had made a wonderful run through the defence. The next four points came to Johns, who fielded a clearing kick from Collins n front of the posts. Stratford made a final effort, whch yelded a penalty goal from Clifford.Jones’s foot after hectic forward work in Old Boys’ twen y-five.

The Old Boys’ pack surprised even the team’s supporters by its tigerish play. Most improvement was noticeable, however, in the Old Boys’ backs, Johns giving a n almost faultless display as well as kicking four goals. Ford was as resourceful as ever and was given more opportuniies, while S. Clifford-Jones did a fine day’s work on attack and defence. F. Uhlenberg was very solid. Smith was again the star of the Stratford forwards, though even he seemed less active than usual. Fastier showed good form, The backs played brightly but not as steadily as usual. Except for his handling, B. Clifford-Jones was brilliant. Mr L. Retter refereed. POINTS TABLE.

Northern Division. p. w. L. D For Ag Pts Stratford . . 6 4 1 1 118 56 9 Tukapa . . .. 5 3 2 0 72 38 8 Clifton . .. 5 3 0 2 56 66 6 Inglewood 5 2 1 2 55 62 5 Old Boys .. 5 2 1 2 54 71 5 Star .. . .. 5 1 0 4 34 77 2 United . . . 5 0 1 4 26 45 1 Southern Division. Hawera . . .. 6 6 0 0 72 29 12 Kaponga . . 6 5 0 1 76 36 10 Opunake . . 6 5 0 1 55 13 10 Eltham. . .. 6 3 0 3 37 55 6 Athletic . . . . 6 2 0 4 35 64 4 Okaiawa . . 6 2 0 4 61 50 4 Patea .. G 1 0 5 25 65 2 Waimate .. 6 0 o 6 29 72 0