VARSITY V. MARISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 14

VARSITY V. MARISTS.

NEVER IN DOUBT. .'Varsity go to the head of the championship, being bracketed with Ponsonby, on their win last Saturday. With all other games off, Rugby supporters \made a good attendance at the showgrounds. Weather spoilt what would have been a spectacular game, and after half-time accurate -passing was impossible. The students were never really troubled, though they did riot have an easy time, as Marists were determined to make a good showing. During the first half the game was spectacular, and till the ball became greasy both sets ,of backs showed ability to handle. The second spell opened inauspiciously, the" game becoming very dull, both' sides trying to handle too much instead of putting the l:a 11 back into \ the.-' mud.. The 'Varsity .pack paved thb way for the' victory, 'Keene giving a great exhi-r bition. He harried the backs, displayed

control of the bal at toe, and always seemed to arrive to, save at .the critical time. Linton : ably seconded the versatile rover. , These. two were head . and shoulders above their colleagues. Robinson and ■ Co'lgan broke too : fast. 'Varsity received most of the ball, but did not make much use of it. The inside backs were again in trouble running across field. . Stotter was right in exploiting the short kick; unfortunately in this department he is weak. McKay again ran across field. Carter gave a sound exhibition, playing the right game of keeping the ball at toe. The wings, as usual, received few

chances, but overshadowed,, their opponents. Bush was not so good as usual. Hadley gave a startling exhibition, but could not play the team; on his own. Cotter, Henry and Carroll work too much in bursts; little cohesion is shown. Marshall played well till he went off. He kicks wildly at time's. The backs received little ball, but could make no headway. They were all inclined to dodge going down on the ball, in which department 'Varsity excelled. Coburn was overshadowed hv Jenkins, and had a hard day of it, owing to the 'Varsity pack breaking Vast. Molloy started off well, but did not retain his form long, and went up to the forwards where he showed more ability.