"SPITFIRE" RUGBY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1940, Page 4

"SPITFIRE" RUGBY

matches at eltham As a result of Rugby football matches played at Eltham on Saturday, the Spitflre fund will benefit to the extent of about £15. The organisation was carried out by the local football club. The first match saw two Eltham school teams ^ in action Hurricanes v. Spitfires resulting in a win for the Hurricanes by 6—0. This was followed by a burlesque fancy dress match, the teams taking the field under captains "Burley" Payne and Baker Haycock, there being many veterans on either side, who showed to great advantage when there was a clear field slicsdi Highlights of the game were dashes down the side-line by Jimmy Ramsay and Snow Sturgeon, two backs who shone. Amongst the better of the forWards were Fred Silver, Darcy May, and Bill Bootten. Amongst those who tired early were Pop Nitingale, Son Stanners, Stan Dyason, Doug. Gyde and Jim Hessell, but it is hoped that as the season advances these ex-champions will regain form. The game was controlled by Tito Gower who otoing to the speed of the game was rarely handy to see any infringements. The game ended in a draw neither side showing enough form to cross the line. Proceedings of this match were greatly enlivened by the running commentary given by announcer Pug. Burrell. In an inspired burst in the middle of a brijjiant passing bout, however, he put the mechanism of the broadcaster out of action. In a match Single v. Married men Single won the, the score being 22—9. Some excellent football was witnessed in this match and surprising form was shown by some of the married men who had not played for several years. Naturally they tired early in the second half. Red Bourke at full-back for married men, gave as good an exhibition as has been seen at Eltham this season, his handling and line kicking being outstanding. C. Nicholls at first five-eighth played a great game making many good openings and his try was brilliant. Dr. Saunders was the referee.