THE RUGBY CODE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 228, 8 July 1937, Page 3

THE RUGBY CODE

OLD BOYS v. TECHNICAL.

THE GAME ON SATURDAY.

(By “ Onlooker.’o

The Technical Old Boys v. Old Boys senior game was played on the top grounds on Saturday and after a somewhat ragged start developed into an interesting game ending in a draw. In the last 20 minutes some good play was seen and excitement was high “Tech” having the advantage and trying desperately to score the deciding try. J. White (O.B.) did not inspire confidence in the first 15 minutes, but improved as the game progressed and during the second half brought off some splendid saves. Of the wingers, S. Duncan did not get a great deal to do, the play going to the other wing. This player demonstrated his speed on one occasion when he overhauled Bradley. V. J. Petersen held his end up. His line-kicking is weak and he is inclined to get out of position. A. Bradford was prominent in several rushes and made some good openings but is inclined to go too far on his own. W. Burgess at second five-eighth played a fine game and varied his play well, adapting himself to the conditions. He is deserving of a place in the County team. V. O’Donoghue is improving and played quite well. He should pay more attention to the pass he gives. He should remember that on the football field boxiiljfc tactics are liable to put him on the line.

D. White, at half, again played a good game, and was an inspiration to his side. He is the logical County halfback.

In the forwards C. Stevens shone as a loose forward, playing very well, but he does not get into the tight. Perhaps he is playing to instructions. He and Kelly (Methven) are the County’s best rovers. Wilson was the player who took the honours in this pack. He grafted in the tight and was in most of the forward rushes. F. Sotham and Lloyd were also prominent and were ably supported by the rest of the pack. R. Varcoe, full-back for Technical, did not disgrace himself. Playing quite confidently, he got his side out of difficulties on numerous occasions.

Robinson has a powerful fend as most his would-be tack levs know. If they went for his legs they would meet with more success than around the body. Bevan at centre was a safe link in the bacPline and was aggressive * when on the attack.

C. Bradley and J. Varcoe at fiveeighths had a hard afternoon and came through with flying colours. Bradley’s try was a good effort and well deserved. J. Varcoe, while not so spectacular, wa9 very solid and broke up many an Old Boys attack, both in the forwards and backs. G. Calder, a promoted junior, played very well at half am} fed.his backs at every opportunity. N. Hawke again showed that he is the outstanding forward in the competition by a great game. His easing up for a spell early in the second half was the only blemish on a fine game. A. Dalton, besides winning most of the scrums, gave of his best in the tight and loose and with Hawke kept the red and black pack together. Hill' was another who showed out by playing a sound game with quick following up. The remainder of the pack ably assisted the leaders and not one played poor game. One point the Technical forwards should cultivate is to run back to the line-outs or loose scrums, not walk back as if play would not go on until they get there.