NOTES AND COMMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 129, 3 June 1935, Page 5

NOTES AND COMMENTS

As the last line of defence fof University, Tricklebank excelled himself in the Melrose-Selwyn match. His line-kicking was powerful and accurate and his tackling sound. It was on attack, however, that he made his presence most felt. He joined in with admirable judgment. Although he scored only one try—which, in itself is a good piece of work for a full-back— he made several dangerous dashes along the touch-line, paved the way for Russell to score, and also, converted on one occasion. " . ■ ..

Rae (University) was a tower of strength behind the scrum and is a hard man to catch when on the move. He possesses a very tricky-run and was always dangerous when in the opposing quarter/ He would do well, however, to concentrate on improying his passes, as this, at the present time, appears to be his one weakness.

. The display given by: the combined Melrose-Selwyn team was most disappointing and fell far short of the standard expected from a side of senior status.. Although their forwards improved in the second spell and secured a fair share of the ball, the backs were unable to penetrate, and only Hale and McAuley handled to advantage.

Hunter was the best of the MelroseSelwyn forwards and possesses a remarkable turn of speed which he used to good purpose time and again. McElwain gave a brilliant exhibition at wing-three-quarter for 'Varsity in their game against Melrose-Selwyn and must be ranked)as one of the best players in that position in the senior competition. He is a fast and powerful runner with plenty of stamina to back him up, and his. try after racing the length of the field was a superb effort.

Players should appreciate the futility of constantly disputing-the decision of the referee, and although they are perhaps justified at times the practice invariably «results in leaving an undesirable impression. This was the case in the University, v. Melrose-Selwyn game and the iCombined team were entirely to blame. As a consequence one of their backs was ordered to leave the field. , .

Wallace, a big Maori forward, played his best game of the season for Johnsonville, heading the loose rushes, with A. Kenny, another Maori. Wallace came in for some hard knocks, but remained imperturbable. • • ;• • A. Kenny again1 led Johnsonville with distinction and played a fine solid game. Craig and Engel were the best of the others. Trerichard was greatly missed. ■ ■ , ■ Calcinai; Cook, and the twoCodyres were Miramar's best workers, the twoformer being, heady players, m ' ■ • » ■ • d; Algar-started off very soundly as Miramar's full-back,, but' he, was overshadowed on the whole game by M. Kenny. •■,-.. , . ••,..-, All-the Johnson ville backs played up very well' indeed,' the younger ones, Kelly, Helliwell,. and Lindsay, being particularly smart. As usual, Chancy gave good service. a ' ». • ■ * Dawson, though-selfish at times, was easily Miramar's.best back. Reeves, at centre, also has the qualifications, but got few chances. • ; .',''. Berhampore Have falieh on lean days of late.lnjuries haye seriously depleted the club's senior team,! and the inroads lately: b£ 'another1, code have also had an 'effect on: tHe'elub's playing strength. However, the* officials of the club are enthusiastic aha '. hard-working, and there is a sound and solid core in the club' which will undoubtedly see it through its present troubles. .•'■:•''•'• • ''' '• : Berhampore played a game without form or plan, and against such a smart side as St. Patrick's College, Old Boys

a concentration on pure spoiling was their only chance to keep the score down. The forwards have pace and dash enough, but until they learn to scrummage, much of their dash and hard work will go for nothing. Powell, the Mason brothers, and the auburnhaired Aitken worked very hard on Saturday. Powell looks a-really good forward.

Spencer had a hard day, and came through with credit. He failed to get the line at times, and handled badly at others, but his tackling was solid.

K. O'Connor let his contempt for the opposition lead him into trouble once, but he was generally sound and resourceful, and kicked a great length.

St. Patrick's College Old Boys were superior in every phase of the game, the combination and pace of McDermott, P. O'Connor, and Black taking them deep into Berhampore's defence time and again.