RESERVE LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1940, Page 10

RESERVE LEAGUE

PLAY-OFF NECESSITATED Stratford and Tikorangi will play off in the final of the Taranaki Rugby League reserve grade eompetition. The game will probably be played on September 21. The final position of the points table was: —

The Stratford-City game at Stratford last Saturday was played before a large attendance under ideal weather conditions. With the Stratford Citizens' Band in attendance, the line umpires, Messrs. Richards and Smith, attired in white outfits and the ground in good condition it was a real gala day for League at Stratford. The game, although perhaps not as spectacular as expected, was full of action. Spectators were given some idea of how fast and exciting the League code can be made. It was generally expected that • the Aucklanders would be too experienced for the Stratford team, but, although City at times produced some good movements, they only once succeeded in breaking through the defence. It may be said in fairness to City that the long trip to Stratford ending at 2 a.m. on Saturday morning probably affected players' form. The Stratford thirteen, however, is deserving of the highest praise, for its determination to put up a good fight, great tackling and good backing up. The heavy City pack never got more than a few j-ards before its progress ',was stopped by effective tackling. The same applied to the backs who, although producing some good passing movenients, were unable to penetrate the Stratford rearguard's great defence. As an Auckland official put it "We only played as well as our opponents allowed us.". Stratford enjoyed a territorial advantage and, although it scored only one try, it was within an ace of scoring several c'hers through combined movements by botl) backs and forwards. Smith and Mataira showed up. in the City pack and Hutchison, Bell and Gould were impressive in the backs. The Stratford forwards all played well but Yeates and Harvey were outstanding. Yeates was probably the best forward on the field. Patterson, O'Shannessey, Webb and Taylor played fine football. ' Swan behind the scrum was very reliable and appears |o be up to the standard of any half in the code. Pat Collins was here, there and every where and he came through a heavy day's work well. W. Lash, playing out of his accustomed position, was sound. A. Lash at centre made some great breaks and tackled with determination, He has played some dashing games this season. R. O'Shannessey and Cuff made the best use of anything that came their way. Villers at full-back besides kicking three good goals played a fine game and repeatedly put his team on attack with good kicking. ; •

Pts P. W. D. L. for ag Ch. Stratford 6 5 0 1' 61 41 .10 Inglewood 6 5 0 1 71 35 10 New Plymouth 6 1 0 5 53 76 2 Tikorangi 6 1 0 5 48 81 2