VICTORY BY ONE POINT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 103, 3 May 1937, Page 5

VICTORY BY ONE POINT

Although they commenced the. game with two players short, Oriental defeated Miramar at the Polo Grounds by six points to five; Miramar were fitter than their opponents, but they had to contend with more experienced players, who prevented them from combining with any degree of success. Play commenced at a brisk clip, Oriental setting the pace, the forwards forcing Miramar to play a defensive game. ; On several occasions the defenders relieved the pressure, but faulty handling among the backs spoilt some promising movements. Sargeant, of Oriental, scored a try halfway through the spell and this success caused Miramar ■ to, rally their if orces into more combined efforts. As a result Oriental were forced to give ground, but though Miramar hammered hard on their line they were unable to cross, the spell ending without any further score. The second half was vigorously contested, and when Miramar had six points against them they battled desperately to score. Oriental s forwards were standing up to the pressure, but during a melee in tnevr twenty-five, close on time, Taylor 3ust beat an Oriental tack for the ball and scored. Troy converted. -The Oriental defence stiffened and for the remaining few minutes they kept play in midfield. Ritchie scored Oriental s second try. Mr. T. J. Kirk-Burnand was referee. ■ ' •