SIDELIGHTS FROM THE SIDELINE

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 183, 1 May 1933, Page 11

SIDELIGHTS FROM THE SIDELINE

Flay and Players

PAGE STEPS OFF ON RIGHT FOOT

Fine Game by Lilburne

Page, the All Black five-eighth, struck a bright, patch of form for an opening day. He scored two splendid tries which showed up the Athletic defence in a rather weak light. .Speed aud determination marked both efforts. tn addition to this lie took a prominent part in the development. of positions from which three of Wellington's other tire tries were scored.

Though Diack (Wellington) must be approaching the veteran stage when judged from Hie number of years he lias figured in big football, ho is thoroughly capable of blending in with a sound rearguard combination, as he proved on Saturday. The variation of his attack-—never over-doing the same trick —had the Athletic centre continually thinking. Tho ex-Sou t Ida nder’s bool also proved a valuable asset to Wellington, for he converted five tries and kicked a penalty goal.

The main match at the Park saw last year's Wellington representative mid New Zealand half-backs opposed to each other. TimliH's work suffered in comparison will) Kilby's only to the extent Hint Kilby had the better backs to throw Itis work into sharper relief. Each stiv‘<’ a very satisfactory display, and it is quite evident that Kilby has lost none of his skill.

The tit-bit of the Wellinglou-Athletie mnti’li was Tindill’s field goal. Tn the opening exchanges of Hie second spell Hie ball was rucked back to Tindill. who was covering n loose scrum near tho sideline about forty yards out. A snap dropkick saw the ball sail high across the strong northerly wind and find its mark to the accompaniment of well-merited applause.

Athletic possessed a pair of toiling forwards in Mollier mid Watson, both frontrankers. Mollier, benefited by a strenuous surf season as a member of the Lyall Bay cluli's winning team, was Hie fittest mat) on Hie ground, mid led practically every Athletic forward rush, and there wore many. Watson was justly rewarded with Athletic’s only fry. mid it wns Mollier who initiated the niovenienf from whence if. came.

The height of Barry and Peek, who towered over Hie stumpy Poneke forwards. meant a 10l Io Hutt, in Hie lineouts on Saturday. Much of the buck play originated from (his source, and was not countered till well on in the game, when Poneke bunched more in the lineouts.

Lilhurnc, tilling tbo full-back position for Hutt, was safety personified, and averted many scoring chances by the Poneke backs. His line kicking was faultless.

Killeen, playing first live-eighth for I luff, showed guml form in difi'erent singes of (lie gatin’ against Poneke. Ile has a very tricky run. Iml seems still Io lack solidity when the pres’-ure goes on.

Julian was Hie bi'sl of the I’oucke backs, anil initialed tile inoveineul whuff: brought the wiiinitig try. tliough Chesterman's cut-in was really responsible for notching the deciding points.

N. Ball, playing his first game for Poneke against his old eluli. was Hie target for n good deal of beekling from Hie crowd, which obviously affected his g.'iine. :ind ho did not play Us well ns tic might have done will, the opportunities coining his way.

Mcl’lu'rson. Hie Poneke captain, was unable to play up Saturday ou account of a bruised foot. The. Poneke pack, which is composed largely of young players, sorely missed bis leadership.

t 'ntler snored six of East bourne’s 13 points, while Hie two kicks that missed did so narrowly. Eastbourne's opponents do not: want: to give Fuller 100 many opportunities to kick goals for his boot is going to be as good this year again. I’tillor plays in n somewhat lackiidaisioal in.'iniier as if everything calls for exertion beyond his •■.•ipacily. but his style conceals real ability.

Marist were without Hie services of Macdonald and Robins, who wore nursing injuries, 't'lioy wilt lift available next Saturday and will slrengihen the side.

Marist have an addition lo their forward strength in Clarke. cx-Auekland I ’nil (’r.sily ami representative player, t'larke is a typical Auekltiiul forward mid on the game lie played on Saturday tic is :t divided acquisition.

McHardy Ims turned out for Marisl again after a spell of a couple of season’s. lie is already playing well mid scored :i handy try.

WHAT IS FOOTBALL BOOT ECONOMY?

Cortniiity not cheap hoots Hint make the feet sore. Far better to buy th,' patented "0.15.” FoulbtHl Boot, worn by the leading players, including "Aii Blacks.” The studs can't hurt the feet

. . . the patented Alumitiitiiii Plate dis tributes till pressure evenly. Print. 23/15. (f not slocked locally, write O'Brien and Co.. Ltd.. Christ church, for nearest stockist. — Advl.

Additional Rugby news Mill ho found on page 1.