TUKAPA-UNITED MATCH

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 446, 31 May 1937, Page 2

TUKAPA-UNITED MATCH

Notes On The Players (BY “GRANDSTAND.”) W. Lash at full-back, kicked 1 well ,and gained much ground along the line. In the early stages he did not field satisfactorily on some occasions, and to make matters worsb appeared to loiter on his job. It was a new position for him, and he is sure to improve with experience. * * * McCarrison and L. Lash ou the wings, shone out, the former being the better on the day, though both were safe. * * * Richardson was overshadowed somewhat by his vis-a-vis, Sullivan, and did' not get the. chances that he deserved. However, he did a lot of solid work and made the most of his' opportunities. * * * Adlam’s first appearance at fi|st, live-eighths was successful, and his combination with the half and second live-eighths was promising for the future. He bore the brunt of the ruthless Tukapa attacks and came out ot' the contest with honours. * * * McCready, in 'the second fiveeighths position, co-operated l well with Adlam and Richardson. He has pace and uses it to advantage at times, particularly in joining up again in passing runs, a successful instance of which was his fine try in the second half. * * * O. Ries, at half, was helped considerably in his job by the way the ball was heeled out of the scrums, for it was seldom the Tukapa pack secured possession. His passes were good on the whole, though slow at times, and he collared well.

Th© back division were responsible for mistakes that Tukapa were quick to take advantage of and thereby gained the victory. Indecision In tackling and also in co-operating when danger threatened was United's main fault, and often neutralised the splendid efforts of the forwards'.

Bowler’s new place behind the scrum suited hirh well, and he will no doubt be kept in it.

Heath, Murphy, Thomson and Bonner in the mid'die row gave equal praiseworthy service with O’Keefe, Robinson and Cannon in the front. They -were brilliant on occasions* Combining, they made sweeping rushes in the open, and Tukapa had several anxious 'times from this cause, more especially in the second spell. United secured the baH in most of the line-outs. DeSpite reverses when a score for them seemed imminent, United's pack'Worked with tireless energy, right to the end, and in no sense can the reason for defeat be laid at their feet.