PETONE AND OLD BOYS.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 106, 7 May 1928, Page 14

PETONE AND OLD BOYS.

A large attendance at the Petone Oval saw the local team go down to Old Boys after a hard tussle, in which play was confined mainly to the fonvards, with occasional flashes of back play. A fairly strong wind was blowing downfield, and Avith this at their backs in the first spell Petone had the better of matters, but failed to establish a lead sufficient to head off Old Boys Avhen it came their turn to have the sun and wind at their backs. The teams were as follow: — Old Boys—Malcolm; Tate, Grenfell, Wylie; M'Donald, Wixon; Dv Chateau; Lamason, Reynolds, Bray, Emerson, Preston, Jones, MeadoAvs, M'Pherson. Petone.—Davis*, Udy, Welch, HaAvkins, Corner, Cutbiish, Coman, Wilkinson, Warden, Higgins, Thomas, Potts, Dickens, Carr, Davies. Old Boys kicked off against the sun, and for the first few minutes play Avas centred in midfield. The White backs essayed one or two passing rushes, but bad handling broke up the movements. Then Coman sent the Petone backs off on a great passing rush, in Avhich Welch dummied his way through to make a fine opening for Hawkins, but the Avinger Avas pushed into touch in the corner. Coman narrowly missed with a free-kick in front of the posts.. At length the Old Boys backs got going, and Grenfell cut out two men before. passing to Tate, avlio was pulled down a few yards from the line. .Dickens forced after Lamason had dribbled over the Hue, but soon afterwards Malcolm goaled from a penalty. Old Boys 3, Petone 0. Petone attacked once more, and after Davis had failed from wide out, Corner sent over an easy penalty goal. Petone 3, Old Boys 3. Some sparkling movements by the Blue backs Avere rewarded Avhen Hawkins, receiving from Corner, just got over in the corner. Corner goaled Avith a great kick. Petone 8, Old Boys 3. Just before half-time Cutbush retired Avith an injured knee, and was replaced by Lambourne. Dovetail play by Tate and Grenfell put Petone on the defence Avhen the second half started. Play Avas very willing, and several times the attacking backs were held up right on the line. Passes Avere being sent out at random, and there was little combined work. During open play near the Petone line Dv Chateau passed to Wixon, who dashed over under the posts. Malcolm goaled. Old Boys 8, Petone 8. The visiting backs now showed up better, and Grenfell made an opening for Wylie, who scored near the touchline. Lamason missed the kick. Old Boys 11, Petone 8. Except for an occasional sortie by the Petone forwards, Old Boys continued to hold the upper hand. Near the end the Petone backs shoived up in a combined effort, but Hawkins Avas well tackled, and time came with the scores unaltered. Old Boys 11, Petone 8. Mr. J. Wilson refereed.