RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1940, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MASTERTON V. GLADSTONE. The Masterton-Gladstone senior game on Saturday was well worth seeing. It was not a spectacular game, but a solid go from start to finish. Masterton had the better of play in the first spell and were unlucky on several occasions when they had Gladstone fighting on their goal line. Splendid defensive work, however, staved off a score. The winners played three of last year’s third grade team and they stood up to it in fine style. These boys were going to play for Opaki, but were asked to play senior; otherwise Opaki would still have been “on the map.” Joblin and Henson were outstanding in the winners pack. Reri, at half, was very safe, but was smothered frequently before he could get his passes out to Colquhoun. The latter played a fine game. His passes on several occasions were a bit low, but his defence and attack were good, and his ■ try, just on half-time, was a clever i piece of work. C. Wyeth also played well. Foreman was safe and a game or two should see him back to his old form. The other backs were always in the picture.

The Masterton forwards played splendidly, Percy, Ewington, Ford. Hargood and Condon being always conspicuous. The Masterton backs, Gray and Barnett, were starved and had to make their own play. They are both dangerous backs and, if fed, would be hard to stop. Workman at full back played splendidly up till the time he was injured. Grovnor took his place and was very safe. Another player was injured and Taplin filled the gap. Masterton deserved credit for sticking together and they are certainly the best of the senior teams in. the north this season.