WAIRARAPA'S

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 22

WAIRARAPA'S

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Although quite convincing, the win ■byv, Wairarapa over "Wellington on Wednesday was not easily achieved. The first spell, in fact, gave the impression that Wellington had tho game well in hand. Improved form was-expected from' Loth sides iii the second spell, and it came, but much more so from Wairarapa than from Wellington. The visitors lat one stage had doubled their opponents' score Of eight poirfts, and it was* then thai Wairarapa's persistency in directing the leather towards the opposing zone com,'menced to receive its real reward. Wellington 's advantage iii points was wiped off in the course of lively bouts of play, and there were more exciting moments as tho game progressed, with considerable local enthusiasm when a dashing effort hy Stringfcllow, who had come right into his own in the second spell, placed Wairarapa ahead. That clinched the issue, with one of Henii's fluo kicks increasing the margin. There was a lack of co-ordination1 about the Wellington team which mado the side a far remove, from that which sailed on a wavo of success Isibt season. True, it was without some of its most important units, but was still well oil for players of rank. It was fortunate, indeed, that Kilby was there, for ho was the life and* soul of the Wellington team, and it was distressing to sco hia fine work in the main going for nought. His service from the scrum "was excellent, but.it was iv covering up mistakes that he appeared at his best. Several times he flashed through from a point at which there had been a breakdown, and in doing this he paved the way" for some of Wellington's points. :Jfext to Kilby, the best service in the back division was given by Crisp, ; wh6 filled the full-back position in.a cool, capable manner, getting fine length with his lucks and generally directing them well, .though on one side of the .ground touch-finding was not so, easy as on the other.

Lilburno played a nice, even game as first five-eighth, rarely using his boot in attack. - On one oi" the few occasions that he; lucked, tho ball wont straight to Striugfellowj and it was then that the winning try was scored. Pollock linked up well, but was too prone to. Uiek. That, of course, aft'eetedtthe play of the three-quarters, and ■ with Hansen uncertain, though speedy, at centre, the wings, Fuller and Ball, were greatly handicapped, often finding themselves in difficult positions. • , ,

Among Wellington^ forwards, Barry and Dellabarca were an" outstanding pair. Dellabarca played up to his reputation as a great scoring forward, and was unlucky in not having four trios instead of two to his aecbunt. In set serums Wellington did well until lato ;in the game, when their measure of success was not1 so marked. In lihe-out play, however, the performance was none too good. The forwards were up' against a set which was energetic all the way and sprightly in tho"*'seeond spell. ' . .

Stringfellow, far from^bcing a back number in big football, would do credit the best of teams.' As centre-three-quarter he was the man behind the gun for Wairarapa, and.in the second spell particularly he showed up as an accomplished performer. That form would have given Mm higher honours had ho had the chance this season, and ho figured just as prominently against Hawke's Bay. Devine, too^ played attractively, as second five-eighth, with Himona a live wire, using a snappy puut to good purpose, in front of him. Fitzgerald showed a lot of pace on the wing. In a good set of forwards Uaing was noticeable for splendid work all the way. They all played, their part, with Howard, Fraser-Smith, and Trass frequently conspicuous. ■Wairarapa did well.