WAIRARAPA RUGBY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1939, Page 2

WAIRARAPA RUGBY

MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN PLAY FAILURE OF OLD BOYS. CARTERTON LEVEL IN CHAMPIONSHIP. (By “Scrum-Half.”) The poor ’ form displayed by Old Boys in the game with Greytown was the big surprise in Wairarapa rugby circles last Saturday, and those who considered Old Boys would go through the first round unbeaten were sorely disappointed. It is hard to understand the Old Boys’ lapse of form, as hitherto they had been playing good football. Possibly the failure of the inside backs had some effect on the pack who did not play any way up to expectations. J. Loader, who filled the second fiveeighths position for Carterton against Masterton, is a player who has shown rapid improvement in ■ the last two weeks. He possesses a neat cut-in which he does not over-use; combined with this, he uses his boot to much advantage.

This week congratulations are extended to: —

Thompson, of Carterton, for a splendid exhibition of strong running against Masterton. L. Foreman. Gladstone’s last line of defence, for a splendid exhibition of tackling, kicking and positional play against Red Star. H. Matheson. Carterton, for line-out work and general play at Memorial Park.

I. Percy, Masterton, for the efficient manner in which he skippered his side against Carterton. N. Trass showed glimpses of the form that gained him a trial for the New Zealand side in 1935, and if he manages to get fit, will be an acquisition to the rep. team.

Although some of his passes from the base of the scrum were not of the best, M. Braggins, the Masterton half, played a fine game against one of the best packs in the Wairarapa. His general play was sound and once or twice he used his boot to advantage.

Carterton's flying winger, Thompson, was in a scoring mood again and finished off several good movements in a fitting manner. Thompson is very fast and once under way takes considerable stopping. Poor tackling on the part of Masterton players, however, made him look better than he probably is. Brown, like his team mate Thompson, is also a sped merchant once he gets going, but is a little unfortunate in the respect that at present he is a bit slow off the mark. However, a few more games should overcome that.

The elusive O’Kane was again in good form against Gladstone. He got the ball out smartly and played an outstanding game. He is the best player in the position the Stars have had for some time. “Baldy” Clarke, Wally Peterson and Carrig were notable absentees from the Star team. L. Foreman, the Gladstone full-back, caught the eye last week. His positional play and tackling, not to mention his touch-finding, was of the best. lan Percy displayed rep. form in the Masterton v. Carterton clash, and the way in which he led his light pack was a revelation.

Gray filled the wing berth for Masterton in an able and efficient manner. It was not his fault that the Carterton backs always seemed to have that extra man. at the finish of a passing rush. Gray did, not get many opportunities on attack, but on defence he saved Masterton time and again by good backing up. Strong running and sound defence was a feature of the play of Missen, the Red Star three-quarter, at Gladstone. Missen should develop into a good wing.

Mason gave an outstanding exhibition of forward play in the loose for Gladstone, and although his two tries were in a manner of speaking a trifle lucky, he thoroughly deserved them.

The Matheson brothers were again towers of strength in the Carterton pack, H. Matheson being outstanding in line-out work, while his brother made his weight felt in the' scrums. IVT. Hargood gave a sound display as five-eighths against Carterton, and is improving with every game. He made several good runs on Saturday but lack of support handicapped him to a large degree.

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. OPAKI v. CARTERTON. (By “Touchline.”) The Opaki team was well and truly beaten by Carterton on Saturday by 22 points to 3. Morgan and Gorringe were missing from the Opaki backs and that meant a re-shuffling of the ■positions on the field. Opaki were first to score, Hunt kicking a penalty goal. Several good rushes by White forwards gave Carterton an anxious time but their defence was solid. Costello was twice within a few feet of the line but could not get over. Reds attacked with some bright back movements and were awarded a penalty near the Opaki line, Steffert equalising the score with a good goal. The losers certainly had excellent chances and had they used the high kick, with the wind behind them in the first half, they might have improved their score, but half-time sounded with the score 3 points all. From the kiclc off in the second half Carterton were soon attacking and frequently used the short high punt to gain much ground. An infringement gave Hurley a chance and he kicked a fine goal, and repeated it shortly after from another free kick. From a scrum in midfield, Warrington sent out smartly to Steffert to A. .Deller, to Hurley and on to C. Deller who raced over for a try, no goal resulting. Corlet was the next to cross for a try, Steffert converting. The latter scored the final try and added the extra points, making the scores Carterton 22 points. Opaki 3 when the whistle sounded. Carterton certainly deserved their win, and the coach. G. Udy, has them in great fettle. Forwards and backs to a man played football as it should be played, hard and clean. To single any player out for special praise, would be unfair, but there is no doubt that the generalship of “Jimmy” Steffert was responsible for their fine victory. The Opaki players were up against it and every Saturday there are gaps to fill but they take their beating like sports. They are qualifying for the wooden spoon certainly, but it is just a game of football. Every Saturday