INTER-CLUB MATCHES

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 94, 22 April 1935, Page 3

INTER-CLUB MATCHES

AT HOME AND AWAY

EASTBOURNE V. GEEY-

TOWN

Local Rugby football clubs fulfilled a number of engagements on Saturday afternoon, some receiving visits from country teams and others sending representatives to the country districts. Three Wairarapa club teams came to Wellington, and their matches with jfaslbourne, Petonc, and Miramar' provided tl'e main attractions locally. . The annual fixture between senior teams of the Greytown and Eastbourne Clubs was decided at the Eastbourne Recreation Ground, where there was it large attendance of. enthusiasts. Although the play fell short of senior standard, both sides inspired plenty of dash into their game, and the victory for Eastbourne by 22 points to 11 was well merited. Interest was added by the appearance of Stringfellow, who gives promise of being a strong candidate for the New Zealand team to tour England this year. Being carefully watched on Saturday, he was not given many opportunities, although he showed up well at times, particularly on defence.

The teams were:— . Greytown.—James, Anker, Stnngfellow, Lepien, Brooks, Barney, Sleight, Rewi, Hood, Hume, Harlaud, Jaro, H. Gaudin, Trotman, G. Gaudin. Eastbourne.—Crisp,' Meadows, Orme, Walling, Fleming, Hill, Mayer, Barnett, Berry, Griffiths, Clark, Sleep, Avery, Jose, Bracken. •Eastbourne gave early indications of being the stronger combination, and had matters much to their own liking in the first spell, at the conclusion of which they had run up a lead of eight points. Had it not been for erratic handling by their backs, there is no doubt that they would have placed themselves in an even stronger position, as many opportunities were lost through this weakness. Their forwards, on the other hand, showed up to advantage, and their efforts were deserving of better support. Barnett was the outstanding figure in the Eastbourne van, and if he maintains his present form he should prove invaluable to his club as the season progresses. He combines ruggedness with speed, and it was these attributes together with a keen sense of anticipation that enabled him to contribute two tries to Eastbourne's total. Shortly after the commencement of the game both he and Avery led an attack which resulted in Avery opening the account for the local side. For the remainder of the spell play seldom left the visitors' twenty-five, and both Barnett and Fleming added further tries, one of which was converted by Fleming. Towards the end of the spell, however^Greytown made a determined bid and, after the backs had participated in a penetrating movement, Brooks outpaced the opposition to send G. Gaudin over for a splendid try. Eastbourne lost no time after the interval in forcing the defence and, penning" Greytown right on the line, were, rewarded when Barnett followed up 'quickly and crossed in a good position. The visiting forwards now seemed to gain confidence, with the result that the play evened up considerably. Their backs were given a large share of the ball, and Lepien and Sleight figured prominently in some bright passing movements. From one of these, Lepien was successful in scoring. .Walling (Eastbourne) provided a sparkling interlude in this session when he picked the ball up near the half-way mark and staged a fine solo efforf which ended under, the. posts. The. same player was again successful shortly- afterwards, and this, time Fleming made .no mistake with the kick. A final rally by Greytown in the, .final stages kept Eastbourne on the defensive, and from a scrum on the local line just on time Lepien snapped up and touched down close to the posts. G. Gautiin added the extras, and an interesting'game, ended Eastbourne 22, Greytown 11. : ■[ ' ■: