AUSTRALIAN RUGBY

Evening Star, Issue 22413, 10 August 1936, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY

GAME OF ATTRACTIVE TYPE NO " HELD BALL " The visit of an Auckland Rugby enthusiast to Sydney recently coincided with a Rugby Union game between Randwiek and Western Suburbs, the two leading first-grade teams in the competition, and the journey by tram to Coogee Oval, where it was played, was well worth while, and the game thoroughly enjoyed. The ground is in a hollow, and is open on all sides, with the result that the authorities have to erect each Saturday a screen of hessian right round it to maintain the financial side of affairs. A large and enthusiastic crowd inside, fine weather, and the ground in good order, promised a good game, and the players did not disappoint. New rules were played, and eight forwards packed 3-2-3, and there were seldom any delays with putting the hall in the scrummage. Attack always and often, even from the defending goal-line, was a feature, and to keep possession was another. Both sides were out to play an open and attacking game. Each team in turn opened out with passing runs, finite often from their own goal, and most of them were of the penetrating type and gained much ground. It was early evident that possession of the ball was of the main importance, and little stab kicking was attempted, and was only tried when a player with

the ball was absolutely jammed. The forwards were evenly matched, and both sets were strong and fast, and some fine dribbling rushes were well executed and were very dangerous This with botli sets of backs anxious to open out made the game fast and exciting. A noticeable move both on attack and defence was that when throwing the hall in from touch it was sent right into the centre, where an inside back was up to take it. Most effective also was the way the held-ball rule was adhered to. There were no “ sacks on the mill.” If the ball was not dropped absolutely at once, whistle and free kick was the very prompt penalty. The result, 8 points all, was a fair indication of each side’s merits Two full-backs of international standard played grand football, as did Richards. of Randwiek, who is likely to come to New Zealand. while the game played by the Western Suburbs five-eighth was wonderfully good also. Botli teams displayed ability and football mentality of a high standard, ami the display of up-to-date Rugger was much enjoyed.