OLD BOYS BEAT SELWYN.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 10

OLD BOYS BEAT SELWYN.

Kelbum Park was a "cold shop" for the match between Old Boys and Selwyn, in which the former team were successful by 9 points to 3. The game was far more interesting in the second spell than in the first, which closed without either side scoring. The teams were fairly evenly matched, but Old Boys did not show up to advantage in the beginning as they did during the concluding stages. For the most part the struggle was one between the forwards. There was too much wind to make a classical display possible, and goal-kicking required a nicety of judgment. The first half was characterised by a fair amount of wild kicking, which did not conduce to spectacular display, but Malcolm, the Old Boys' full-back, could not be classed as an offender in this respect, for some of his line-kicking was particularly good. Selwyn. played against the wind in the first spell and had to meet some hard attacks, but Malm, at full-back, was equal to the occasion. Some of the Selwyn forwaids were guilty o£ rather glaring obstructive tactics at one stage, and the referee (Mr. A. E. Neilson) had to. remind those responsible that that was not playing football. When ends were changed, Old Boys' forwards, who had been taking things easy in the first spell, suddenly came to life, and they played a fine attacking game against the j wind. Shortly after the interval, Mansfield opened the scoring account for Old Boys with a try,'taking a pass from the half, Underbill, during a scramble in front of the Selwyn goal. Malcolm had no luck with the kick. Old Boys 3, Selwyn 0. The Greens were not long in equalising, for M'Brady kicked a, fine penalty goal from well out, but with the wind in his favour. Old Boys brought play to the Selwyn end again, and Malcolm was successful with a free kick. Old Boys 6, Selwyn 3. Play now became keener, and there were some close struggles, which tested Selwyn's defence very thoroughly, but at iength they themselves were able to take a turn at attacking. Then came the most spectacular and exciting incident of the match. Tho Whites were being hard pressed in their own twenty-five, when Bedell suddenly hooked the ball out of the ruck, dribbled it (he whole length wf .the field, und scored a brilliant try,

This solo effort was splendid, as Bedell left all hands, both supporters and opponents, yards behind him the whole way. Malcolm did not convert. Old Boys 9,' Selwyn 3. Selwyn tried hard to score again, but without avail, and the game closed with Old Boys in the Greens' twenty-five.