STRATFORD UNITED MATCH

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 454, 11 June 1937, Page 3

STRATFORD UNITED MATCH

(Notes by “Grandstand.”) The- Stratford team was practically at full strength on Wednesday against United, after a spell of bad luck as the result of injuries to some of their prominent backs. Ross was back at certtre, and he did well, notching in trieu and kicks as many as 16 points out of the team’s total of 23. But it is a matlter of opinion as to the wisdom of his change from first five-eighths last week, when he operated so successfully..

To have left him at first five-eighths would not have jeopardised the known qualities of the players affected (P. Collins and G. Lehmann). Lehmann has proved l his value as a centre, and Collins would be in front to co-oper-ate wiith him and Ross. Indeed, the reliable Collins would have more open ground to operate in and make opportunities to feed his centre. However, these lines on the position simply indicate public opinion as gauged on the terraces.

Sangster’s injury (left shoulder muscle affected) is regretted by all, not only from the fact that he will be unable to play for Ittie team tomorrow, but also on account of his popularity with the “bankers.” “Shorty” will be missed behind the scrum, for his absence was felt afJter his retirement. His potted goal was well timed', and was one of those snappy bits of play that delight the spectators and applause. Herein may be included the Stratford public’s.' best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Rowl-andg was in good form and pleased the onlookers witth his safe tackling and serviceable runs.

Collins worked well With Sangster as usual, and made many splendid openings, while his passes to Lehmann were invariably all thalt could be desired. His kicking was well judged, and his tackles deadly. * * * Lehmann’s’ breakaways gained much ground, and he was prominent in many movements. The nature of his play sometimes tends to make him lose touch with hi<! fellows, and it was impossible sometimes 'to keep up with him in time to receive a serviceable pass. Still, Ross was never very far away, and often he had to take the shock of United’s counter, strokes'. * * * Cuff played a fair game on Ithe

wing, and; when placed behind l the scrum suffered by comparison with Sangster, but he is gaining experience and promises to be a valued member of the three-quarter line.

Dodd was hardly so consistently good as in Saturday's match, belt tne opposition was stronger and worried him quite a lot. The club is lucky to have him as the last line of defence.

Smith was. seen in a new light when he played as wing.three-quar-ter after gangster’s retirement. He did much good work, and) filled the position satisfactorily, but no one suggests that he should be anything buta forward —and a good one at thaf.

“Grandstand” was 1 pleased to see Fastier in something like his best form. He was a. veritable tiger for work, and gave the whiltes little rest when he followed fast on the ball.

R. Clarke also revelled in the game, and) was tireless in attack. Young’s work in the line-one was equal Anly to his energy in the loose Hirjton capped) his good work with the last try of the day, a.nd this player’s many admirers were pleased to see the referee tap him on the back 'as a taken of success. Butcher shone in the loose, and with Davey' and L. Clarke, shared in the honours of victory. * * * It is difficult to place the finger on non_succe.ss. They have some first-class men in the backs, particularly Richardson, McCready ■and Adlam, but even they were responsible for letting the opposition through on several occasions; and it was only the fine defensive work of Robinson, the Lash’s and McCarson, that prevented Straftford’s score being larger than it was.

United’s. l main strength was in the forwards. Few men on the ground played a better game than Keath, but he was inclined to overdo his job by an excess of zeal. * * * Thomson, Bonner, and Murphy appeared to be the most reliable workers, but Bowler, O’Keefe, Thompson and Ries completed a solid pack. The manner in which this: division fought back in the closing stages was worths’ of better luck than has dogged them this season.