SENIOR FORM

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 141, 15 June 1940, Page 19

SENIOR FORM

PLAY AND PLAYERS

Although not given the same latitude as in the previous match, Veitch was once again the king-pin of the Wellington back line. Despite close attention by the Athletic forwards, he was a constant menace on > attack and his defence left nothing to be desired. Crawley, on the wing, was not so closely watched and after Cochrane's retirement, he supplied much of the dash in Wellington's attacking movements. Some of his breaks were brilliantly executed and once or twice he came very close to scoring after long sprints. The Athletic back line was in excellent form against Wellington and the successful penetration by Jones and Thurstom was made possible by the thorough play of the men inside of them. O'Halloran, at half, once again gave a sound performance in every way. Stott, at first five-eighth, however, provided a reliable link. His handling and passing were well-nigh faultless and he varied his play judiciously. On defence, too, he was a great asset and Veitch was seldom given time and room to manoeuvre in the way he did against Petone. Greig was tried out as full-back for University and gave a sound display against Eastbourne. His kicking was particularly powerful and often took his side from likely danger. Hill, Mclndoe, and Corbishley are a trio of young Eastbourne forwards who are improving with every game. Tireless workers in the tight, they show up in the open with their dash and determined tackling. With the ball at their feet, the Johnsonville forwards are proficient, a strong trio in this respect being A. Kenny, L. Liddle, and Bowler. The last-named unearths a lot of pace. A. Kenny, too, has speed for a big forward and he outpaced three opponents in his dash to score the final try against Wellington CJSilege Old Boys.

The Johnsonville pack is a heavier one than in previous years, with Grant and A. Kenny the heaviest and Berry, Titshall, L. Liddle, Mcßride, and M. Kenny all weighty men. M. Kenny played at centre-three-quarter last Saturday instead of at lock. He is a versatile player.

G. Reynolds wasi the most effective Old Boys' back, playing solidly both on attack and defence at first five-eighth. The only other back to show up well against Johnsonville was the winger Davidson, who handled cleanly, and made some excellent runs.

The best Old Boys' forward was Amies, the big lock. He was a hard worker throughout Worboys was the leader in the loose, but received little support.

J. Burns (Johnsonville) opened up the attack smartly against Old Boys. He profited from mistakes by the opposition and defended splendidly. Others to show up were H. Kenny (very safe at full-back), G. Burns (a sound first five-eighth), and Lyons (speedy and dangerous on the left wing).

Hegglun (Poneke) was in great form

kicking form was not his best, as he missed at least one very easy shot. Russell, on the wing, has pace and he displayed the best form of any of the wingers in the game. Johns, at first five-eighths for Poneke, played a sound game.

Jack gave a determined display for Oriental against St. Pat's 0.8. Given the ball, this three-quarter invariably made a desperate bid for progress, and on several occasions it required the efforts of two or even three opponents to stop him.

Randall is a handy type of forward, always consistent. His .try in the last minute of the Oriental-St. Pat's 0.8. match, which enabled Oriental to break evens, was a fitting reward for a good afternoon's work.

O'Connor (St. Pat's O.B.) is a useful five-eighth and gave consistently good service against Oriental, setting his backs in action time after time in the face of determined forward rushes.

Todd proved an able leader of the pack for St. Pat's 0.8. against Oriental. His example produced a prompt response from the pack, whose every effort was required to stem the hard-rucking Oriental forwards.

Mallett, a promoted player from the second division team, justified his inclusion in the Petone first fifteen last Saturday. Of his side's eleven points he scored eight by fine goal kicking. Two of his efforts were made from well out near the sideline, and, although the ball was heavy, he made no mistake.

Showing the way to their opponents, the Marist forwards launched attack after attack and from start to finish the whole pack, worked tirelessly against Petone. Stanlaway was outstanding and, in scoring two tries, Smith did well. Meadows was also

another excellent performer. Of their backs, Brown, at half, gave sound service, and at full-back, Thomas was in his usual good form. , » IN THE SECOND DlvfelON. Mcliugh, an ex-pupil of Swin Hadley, jz showing very promising form as a hooker for the Marist Old Boys' second division team. He is a credit to his teacher and bids fair to go much further as he is good outside the scrum. Taylor (Marist) played a very heady game at five-eighth against Athletic. He had to take some poor passes, but took everything that came his way. He Tuns straight when in possession, but is hampered by having to stand too close to his half-back.

Pelham (Athletic seconds) seems to have the secret of perennial youth if one can judge by the amount of work he gets through every Saturday. He made his experience come to his aid against Marist, and did a lot of clever saving. The Athletic second -division forwards were outplayed by Marist last Saturday. The pack had quite a few scouters. Loose play is all right in its place, but has severe limitations when opponents are getting the ball and keeping it close.