AROUND THE CLUBS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 23

AROUND THE CLUBS

FORM AT PRACTICES

Most of the senior Rugby clubs in Wellington had outings last Saturday, and in not a few cases the teams showed the ' benefit of play in the special matches at Easter. Athletic went well in their match with Hutt. Last year's champions will have much the same first fifteen as last year. Wells, of course, will be a notable absentee, and his services and leadership will be missed. However, Tindill is back in the position in which he excels—at half-back. His form last Saturday was good; it*became progressively better. The nippy Athletic backs worked some good movements, including a splendidly-executed, scissors. Most of the players shaped well. .Gunn and, Guy were conspicuous amongst the forwards, and a fine impression was created by Caradus (who comes from North Otago). Hutt produced some very promising material, back and forward. It would

appear, from the form shown last Saturday that some of last year's lower grade players will serve Hutt well in the senior grade this year. A player who went very well for Petone last Saturday was Simons, a promoted full-back. Love, during the spell that he was on the field, was bright. "He is the nippy back who distinguished himself with Pirates last year. The play of Lambourn and Clayton indicated that Petone should be strong in the front line. ■

Crisp (back from Eastbourne) turned on a convincing display at full-back for. Poneke, a team which appears to be quite strong all round. Though not going at top, Griffiths illustrated his value.

Percy, late of Hawke's Bay, and Golds worthy, from Waikato, were in the Eastbourne pack last Saturday.

Eastbourne's most promising back was Cheyne, at five-eighths. His play was reminiscent of that of Eric Foley.

Alan Wright made his presence" felt in the Wellington College Old BoysEastbourne game. He played only in the second half, and scored five tries. Baldwin had plenty of practice in goalkicking. Thirteen tries were scored, four of the kicks being successful.

Rainbird showed promising form behind the Old Boys' pack. Although the Eastbourne hookers had the better of the deal, Rainbird made the most of the chances that came his way.

The two outstanding young forwards in the Eastbourne and Old Boys game were Waller (Old Boys) and W. Moses (promoted from last year's third grade Eastbourne team). Both played indefatigably and with intelligence.

Ranford, an ex-Palmerston North player, gave Wellington plenty of the ball in the first spell against Johnsonville. Later he did not get the same support from his own pack, and he struck stiffer opposition.

Fulton (Wellington), the ex-Thames Valley representative and All Black trialist, was the outstanding back at Johnsonville. He revealed pace and dash and seized every opportunity. He was obviously very fit.

Jamieson, the ex-Auckland .representative, took a while to settle down at first five-eighth for Wellington, but later proved an effective link with a dangerous cut-in.

Ivemcy (late of Picton) was given a trial at centre for Johnsonville, but saw little of the, ball. Brown (a North Otago representative) was also starved, but he showed up well in defensive play.

Shaw, late of Hamilton, proved a

real speedster on the right wing for Wellington, and with Fulton he proved too fast for his opponents.

Cooper, the Oxford Blue, led Wellington capably, and demonstrated that he has a shrewd eye for an opening. He was conspicuous on the line-out. MoTi'issey and Childs were always goin.j hard, and Climo was good in the loose.

Dean and Mcßride are tall young forwards who show promise for Johnsonville. Both are as yet on the light side.

G. Engel, the small, nuggety Johnsonvilie hooker, not only proved his ability in the front row, but played a dashing game throughout. A. Kenny and Krebs were also live-wires in the Johnsonville pack.