BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1938, Page 2

BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL INTER-HOUSE RUGBY MATCH. STOCK AGENTS WIN AGAIN. The ability to turn to account mistakes on the part of their opponents enabled the Stock and Station Agents to defeat Banks, Law and Dentists by 9 points to 3 in the annual Rugby match, played yesterday afternoon at Memorial Park. It was bright entertainment, interspersed with occasional flashes of good football. A surprisingly fast pace was set from the outset and, even more surprisingly still, much of it was maintained throughout the match. On the general run of play there was little between the teams. The Stock had the backs and the Banks the forwards. Time and again the Banks would launch dangerous movements but they always seemed to run into an overdraft or a bunch of burly stockmen. Some of the players in both teams had played Rugby at some time or other. Others had apparently not. But all had something in common —enthusiasm and, for a time at least, vigour. Much of the vigour and energy, unfortunately, was diverted into channels that did not lead to the goal line but it provided excellent entertainment for the large crowd of spectators. On paper Stock looked a ten point better team, but the Banks had something in reserve and were a trifle unfortunate not to come out on even terms. Duff, Corbishley and Alexander played sterling games for the Banks, while Clarke, Crisp and Large were always prominent for Stock. At the interval Stock led by 3 points to nil, Martin, whose speed always represented a source of danger, scoring an unconverted try. The Banks came to light with a number of determined efforts to equalise, but Stock’s values remained firm and refreshments came with the score unaltered. Shock tactics enabled Stock to add a further three points to their tally after the interval when Large raced across. Then the Banks made their big effort, which resulted in Alexander scoring an unconverted try. Banks held command for a time but their shares dropped, in price when Stock broke away strongly and Eiby capped a hot rush with a try. Near the close of the spell some of the players started to settle down and play became fast and furious. Not for long, however, and the last ten minutes saw many bellows to mend and when the referee, Mr R. Dawson, sounded the final whistle the sighs of relief almost blew the grandstand away. In the absence of the usual typists’ race the highlight of the afternoon was the Bosses relay race. It was a gruelling contest in which speed, stamina and superior track work carried the day. With two-thirds of the journey gone, BankS held a commanding lead but the whips were out and it appeared unlikely that they would stay the distance. Running round to the home turn several of the runners ran very wide and when the field bunched for the run to the post there was considerable jostling and interference. Several runners definitely “got tfie axe,” while others improved their chances from the subsequent mix-up. At the distance A. Caselberg hit the front in a punishing -finish. He looked a winner all over when unfortunately for his backers he slipped and fell. That gave the veteran stayer, S. R. Gawith, his chance and he immediately took charge to win handsomely from G. A. Doggett with A. F. Stewart in third. When A. Caselberg fell J. H. Cunningham remounted and finished solidly in fourth place. The result was: Legal Harriers, 1; Legal Sprinters, 2; Banks, 3; Stock Agents, 4. First and second trophies were presented to the captains of the successful teams by Mr G. Rushton. The other competitors received their reward under the grandstand.