THEIR FIRST DEFEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 140, 16 June 1930, Page 13

THEIR FIRST DEFEAT.

. Technical College Old Boys, "who up until Saturday had sailed along on their winning war, tasted the bitterness of defeat fnr the first time this season when they met Grammar in the star attraction at Eden Park Their lighter forwards could not stand up to the thrusts of the Grammar snearhead. with the result that they went down to the tune of sixteen clear points. There was nothing very spectacular or hrilliant about the game, yet it was interpsting throughout. Grammar won easily because their forwards right at the outset <»ot a strapgle hold on the game and would not-for a minute let up. Led by ■ the Knights, Batty and Greville, the Grammar forwards were tireless and indomitable in attack, and they held the territorial advantage for the greater part of the game, all for the reason that a lighter, yet gallant pack, could not stand up to their concerted play. Too often through the game, the Technical forwards were a pack of individuals. There was no real cohesion about their play. With such tactics, how could they hope to combat the solid Grammar spearhead? At every opportunity the Tech. backs opened up the play, but their movements were mostly ineffective, because they ran across the : paddock. One or twice they rah close to scoring, lack of finish rather than good Grammar tackling spoiling their chances. They play attractive football, however, but they have yet a good deal-to learn about the tactical side.

Grammar backs; who have never been a very reliable lot, shattered their critics on Saturday by rising to the occasion and playing with resource, speed and cleverness. Once the Grammar forwards realised they had a'strangle-hold on the game, they let the Ball out to the backs, who threw it about with, gay '•■ abandon, much to tiie consternation of, the Tech. defence. • There was some lively alliance between- Lindrum at. centre, and WRson, on the wing, the latter displaying pace and cleverness whenever he got the ball. He has a handy swerve, and a.good'side-step, so good, in fact, that the Tech. wing was often left hopelessly in the lurch.

In individual play, the honours must go to the two Knights, Greville and Walter Batty among the forwards, and Corner and Wilson in the backs. Grammar's new fullback, Hutchinson, always gave one an uncertain feeling whenever he attempted to field, a ball, but in fairness it must be said he'got through the afternoon without once letting his side down.

Fortune did not smile too kindly on Tech. on the run of play. At times they were most unlucky. Their chief fault was the fact that they did not pay enough attention to concerted work. Perhaps this reverse will teach them the. folly of their ways. With a young, virile, intelligent team, there is always danger for the opposition, and a change of tactics will otten accomplish wonders. ,