FITNESS DECIDES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22416, 25 August 1947, Page 7

FITNESS DECIDES

FAST P.B. PACK DEFEAT OF E.C. TEAM DOUR PLAY IN TRIAL Though outweighed in the scrum, the pace, fitness and combination of the vanguard proved the deciding factor again on Saturday when the Poverty Say Rugby representatives defeated East Coast on the Gisborne Oval by 13 points (three tries two converted) to nil. Aided by a light breeze the visitors maintained a territorial advantage in tbe opening session though the score was five-nil against them and an even share over the first half of the second spell, but in the concluding phases the home side, both back and forward, were on top. The teams were: Poverty Bay (Scarlet). —B. Preston, 12.0; E. Carrington 13.7, W. Edwards, 13.0, Jack Barbour 12.12 R. McKinley, 14.0, R. Clav 11:4: S. Lee 10.2; G. King 15.4; G. Elliott 12.12, I. Shaw 14.4, W. Varley 14.0, B. Birrell 12.10; J. Ferguson 14.0, N. Summersby, capt. 13.7, W. Brown 13.0. Reserves: Backs, G. Harris 11.3, R. McGregor 10.10, J. Blanc 11.2; forwards, W. Carrington, 14.0, V. Hata 14.3, T. Donovan 13.0. East Coast (Sky Blue). — J. Takarangi 13.8; T. James 12.7, N. Goddard 11.10, H. Crawford 12.7; L. Blane 11.7, B. Brown 10.7; N. Williams 11.3; W. Jenson 17.0; N. Mackey 13.0. T. McClutchie 16.0, W. Forrester 13.3, L. Hooper 14.0; B. Walker 14.0. T. Lambert 13.5, T. Lincoln capt. 14.5. Reserves: Backs, J. Marakai 14.0, J. Oates 12.0, C. Nelson 12.7; forwards. J. Walker 13.9, G. Stubbings 13.10. In the latter half of the second spell, Goddard retired with an injury. Oates came on as first fiveeighth, Brown and Blanc dropping to second five-eighth and centre respectively. The East Coast forwards showed an average weight of 14st. 51b, nine pounds in excess of the home side's average of 13st. 101 b. In the backs the visitors were the lighter set, averaging 12st. compared with 12st. 51b. for the Poverty Bay rear division. Possession of Ball Honours in securing possession of the ball showed the forwards to be fairly evenly matched. From scrums, the Poverty Bay half received the ball on 19 occasions and the East Coast half on 17. Twelve other set scrums were indecisive. Lines-out showed a slight margin in favour of the visitors, who secured the ball on 22 occasions compared with 20 by the home side. Twenty lines-out -were indecisive. Each side was awarded eight penalty kicks. In combined rushes and dribbling and handling the ball and in covering for the backs when required the home forwards held a slight advantage. Their superior physical condition enabled them to sustain the hard pace to better advantage, the visiting packmen fading noticeably over the concluding quarter. In combination in the attack the Poverty Bay backs also shaded the visitors. In team work when on the defensive the home rear division was decidedly superior, a noticeable feature being the consistent support accorded tbe last line. But for tnat East Coast must have penetrated on several occasions. Tackling on both sides was faulty. Oustanding Back Though given very close attention by one or more opposite numbers the Poverty Bay second five-eighth, R. McKinley, was a constant menace to the visitors and was the day’s outstanding back in both attack and defence. The remainder of the home backs played well in their respective positions with the half, S. Lee, showing out often in clearances of critical situations. Both Clay and Edwards showed powers of penetration. Barbour was again the more consistent of the wings and was the only scorer in that position.

As full-back, Preston gave an improved exhibition of positional play and anticipation of opposing movements. His tackling was sure.. Though uncertain in the early stages, his fielding of the ball became reliable as he gained confidence and he also approached a good standard in touchfinding. Showing remarkable speed for a thruster of his poundage, G. King, played a splendid game in the home pack. That tribute was earned also by each of the other seven. There were no slackers and if Shaw was notable jn the line-out and B. Birrell and G. Elliott caught the eye repeatedly in fast loose rushes with Birrell also showing up in defence, the other units also gave useful contributions throughout. Prominent Coast Units

Though facing a powerful vis a vis, the East Coast second five-eighth, L. Biane, played prominanlly and was the mainspring of the attack. The left wing, I. James, was impressive, playing opposite Barbour in the first half