RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1938, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S GAMES. REFEREE'S APPOINTED. The following are the Wairarapa Rugby Union's fixtures and referees for Saturday next: — Senior. Carterton v Greytown, at Carterton, 2.30, W. Grantham. Gladstone v Red Star, at Gladstone, 2.30, E. Millar. Old Boys v Martinborough, at Memorial Park No. 1, 2.30, H. J. McKenzie. Junior. ' Red Star v Masterton, at Rugby Park No. 1, 2.30. W. Spooner. Old Boys v Opaki, at Memorial Park No. 2. 2.30. B. Hurley. Carterton v Greytown, at Greytown, 2.30, H. Evans. ( Thirds. Carterton v Martinborough, at Martinborough, 2.30, H. Matson. Greytown v Red Star, at Greytown, 2.30, A. McWhinnie. College v Old Boys, at Memorial Park No. 1, 1.30, E. Grantham. Masterton v Dalefield, at Carterton, 2.30, R. Dawson. Fourths. Masterton v College, at College, 1.30, W. Percy. CARTERTON v. OPAKI. (By “Touchline.”) Played at No. 1 Carterton on Saturday this game was won by Opaki by 9 points to 3, after a keen struggle. It was a very equal contest, Carterton only losing through two excellent penalty goals, as each team scored a try. Opaki kicked off, Wilkins returning to Hargood who shot up field and sent to Costello who was tackled beautifully by C. Deller. Fergus sent Hunt away, on to Hargood who found touch well in Red’s 25 flag. Offside play gave ■ Carterton relief, Wilkins finding the line at centre. Taplin secured from the line out, sent back to Fergus to find touch on the

Red’s line, where several fierce scrums took place, a force resulting. Hargood fielded the kick-out and galloped for the line, and sent the ball to Congdon who was thrown out at the corner flag. Offside play relieved the Reds, Wilkins finding touch with a splendid kick. Geange, Brown and Alexander with fine footwork carried play to the White's territory, but Costello snapped up smartly, put in a great run to be thrown into touch by Burden. McPhee and Alexander broke away, followed by the whole pack, but Fergus, who was playing a great game, saved the situation. Duncan broke away from the scrum and carried on to the Red's 25 flag, where an infringement gave Costello a fine goal. Play was very fast from this on till just on halftime when the Reds had the Whites defending and from a scrum Warrington secured, sent the ball on to Burden to Deller who scored near the corner flag. Hopkin's kick failed and so the first half ended 3 points all. Great forward play by both sides was seen in the opening stages of the second half. Many of the Reds attempts were frustrated by Hargood at first five-eighth. Several times he took the ball off his opponents toes, and streaked for the line, being unlucky on two occasions in not scoring. From an infringement by Carterton Costello goaled. It was now a dour forward struggle. Costello and Hargood put in some good runs. The latter gave the Red’s backs no chance, his great pace enabling him to smother them again and again. A scrum in Carterton’s 25 line saw Fergus obtain the ball. Har-

good took the ball one hand and brushed the opposing backs off to score a great try. Costello’s kick failed. Tlie whistle sounded soon after, Opaki leading by 9 points to 3. The Carterton forwards played splendidly, Brown, last year’s “rep.,” is as good as ever, a fine clean player. Very conspicuous in loose work were Corlett, McPhee, and Alexander; Geange was excellent in line-outs and scrums; Rayner, Webber and Ticehurst all went well. The backs had little chance to combine, as they were smothered before they could get going. Warrington, at half, was fairly safe, and Hopkins played well at fttll-back. The tackling of the inside backs was weak. Wilkins and C. Deller were solid on the wing. The Opaki forwards played splendidly. Duncan, as usual, was outstanding. Solomon put in splendid work on the line out. Taplin was excellent in all departments. Stinear, Oliver, Raygard and Goodin were always on the ball, the former tackling finely. Seymour hooked well and worked like a tiger. The backs were disorganised and did not combine well. Fergus was sound on attack and defence. He frequently used the line kick to great advantage. Costello and Hargood were outstanding. The latter has a great future before him in Rugby football. Congdon was an improved winger. Hunt and Larsen did not combine well, but that is easily understood as Larsen, a splendid forward, was out of his place, but filled the breach like a sport in the backs. Chapel was safe at full back. The refereeing of Mr Bert McKenzie was an education to the players. Occasional warnings to both sides kept the game clean.