RUGBY FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 28 May 1935, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

NOTES AND COMMENTS. The absence of nine players in WestP Ol l the Duller-West Coast match on Saturday, principally from the ranks of the United and Blaketown senior teams, had an adverse effect on their displays. Bliaketown. previously unbeaten this season, lost to Stars' by a narrow margin, and United scraped home only narrowly from Cobden. Blaketown backs were the only rearguard to combine effectively in passing movements, but they Jacked the necessary penetration. On the run of the game Blaketown were unlucky to lose, but their defeat tends to make the competition much more interesting. Cobden forwards were getting all over United in the early stages, and only fine defensive work by the back line and the constant mistakes of the Cobleu backs kept Cobden at bay.

11. Longstaff made his re-appearance due to the shortage of players in the Blaketown pack, and played as wingforward throughout, being a constant source of annoyance to Star’s inside backs.

Another who donned the black jersey on Saturday was S. Batchelor, the Blaketown coach whose weight and hard graft in the tight proved of the greatest assistance. Batchelor has played in big football in the southern portion of the South Island, and is well versed in the finer points of the game. Now that he has taken the field again, he might, be induced to carry on for the remainder of the season.

M. Olsen gave a fine exhibition of hooking for Blaketown, and should occupy this position in the West Coast side to visit Marlborough on August 3 in quest of the Seddon Shield. He has been absent during the past three Saturdays due to an injury received in the course of his occupation, and Saturday heralded his return by outstanding play in the loose and valuable /raft in the tight. P. Pascoe was Blaketown’s best forward on Saturday. Tie was always in the thick of the forward battle when there was work to be done. TI. Scott is one of Blaketown’s most tireless packmen and is a good scoring man once the opposing line is within striking distance. He has a natural aptitude to see an opening, which is found lacking in many forwards. C. Preston played a fine game behind [ the Blaketown pack, and this is v.n doubtedly his right position. He was, however, inclined too often to work the blind side of the scrum, and hang on over-long, instead of giving I. Elder a speedy winger an opportunity. R. Bunt was the most impressive of the Blaketown backs, and presented several openings, but Reg. Olsen handled poorly on most occasions and neither wingers, Elder and D. Olsen had many opportunities. W. Minchin acted as Blaketown’s custodian and got through a great amount of work with honours. E. Fell has been playing football for many years now, and on Saturday’s play proved himself as good as ever, lie is a toiler and follows up to advantage. Quinn is another Star forward who is always in the thick of the battle. Four other Star packmen who served their side well on Saturday were V. Stevens, B. Dixon, R. Furness and W. Buchanan. J. Deban was the mainstay of the Star backs both on attack and defence. His long stab kicks into open spaces from defensive positions gained ground for Stars on several occasions. Stars were lacking in a centre, the position being filled by Watson, a junior player. Had Deban been better supported Star backs would have put up a better showing. J. Hensley is a reliable full-back when he has the room to work in, but does not relish going down against a forward rush, which is one of the qualifications for this position. Heasley has a good boot and gets in some long accurate clearing kicks to the side-line. B. Scandrett, Star’s half-back, had few opportunities in attack on Saturday, but proved a dour defender, as usual. J. Devonport is a hard man to tackle when he is running at full speed, but would acheive better results by run ning more in a direct line, or by at tempting to swerve infield on occasions instead of being gradually forced out.

Star juniors showed a vast improve roent in their play on Saturday, ex tending Blaketown. J. Costello was a tower of strength to the United senior team on Saturday, his excellent defence and backingup and unorthodox method of attack marked him as a player of distinct promise. _____________