RUGBY FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 25 May 1942, Page 1

RUGBY FOOTBALL

COBDEN WIN. ARMY-BLAKETOWN DRAW. At Rugby Park on Saturday, Cobden and Hokitika, hitherto unbeaten teams, met in a scrambling game, which Cobden were lucky to win by four points to nil (a field goal by A. Lindbom), to nil). Both sides threw the ball about, but the conditions were against bright play, and most movements came to poor endings, through dropped passes, or a slip in the mud. Cobden had the bettei - of the scrums, but line-out play was fairly even. For Cobden, J. Lindbom at full-back, played an excellent game, his handling and kicking of the greasy ball being outstanding. A. Lindbom, at first fiveeighth, was sound and was well supported by Keating and Hay. K. Horrack at half-back, fed his backs well and apart from a few faulty passes, his game was sound. The forwards played well enough in the tight and King, Birchfield and Richardson were prominent. For Hokitika, M, and G. Davidson at half-back and first five-eighth, played well, while Tainui and Amberger were also prominent. The forwards were well led by Weiblitz and Mahuika. The teams were:—

Cobden: J. Lindbom, McLean, Hay, Meagher, Keating, A. Lindbom, Horrack, Hobbs, Ryan, Gilmore, Birchfield, King, Richardson, Beardsley and Swift. , Hokitika: Sampson, Schroder, Amberger, Monk, Tainui, L. Davidson, M. Davidson, Mahuika, Richie, Kinder, Teen, Henderson, Weiblitz, Muir and Atkinson.

The match was refereed by Mr N. Eggleton. Hokitika kicked off into the wind, and play settled in their territory, both packs working hard. Gilmore led the Cobden pack from half-way almost to the goal-line, but a count-er-attack saw play return to midfield. Cobden continued to press with back movements, but luck was against them,- and they failed to cross the Hokitika line. Keating almost went over from the 25 -Tine, beating two men, but his pass-out went astray and again Hokitika saved. A few minutes before the end of the first spell, Richardson picked up the ball from a ruck and passed to A. Lindbom, who potted a nice field goal—from about 15 yards out and almost in front of the posts.—Cobden 4; Hokitika nil. Play resumed with Hokitika on attack, the forwards led by Weiblitz going deep into Cobden’s territory. Play remained there for a time, Hokitika being unlucky on several occasions. Hokitika, indeed, had the better of this spell, having Cobden in difficulties several times. Before the final whistle, Cobden rallied and good line kicking b” J. Lindbom and hard forward rucking saw them., on the Hokitika line again. Cobden were awarded a free kick right under the posts, but J. Lindbom’s kick went just outside the upright. Shortly afterwards, the game ended with the scare: —Cobden 4; Hokitika nil.

BLAKETOWN S—ARMY 5. In comparison to the main game, the match on the No. 2 ground produced good football, both teams being well matched and playin" energetic football. Although play was confined mostly to the forwards, the backs had several opportunities and in both cases backs scored the tries. While Army had the best of the set scrums, Blaketown showed up in the loose and often took the ball to the opposing goal line in dribbling rushes. Blaketown were exceptionally unlucky not to win, this being due mainly to the excellent play of Collins, 'as Army full-back, and in the 2nd. half Blaketown had Army desperately defending. Coppersmith was the outstanding Blaketown forward, playing a great game in the loose. He was ably supported throughout. The Army pack, was ably fed by J. Fisher and Kirkwood, who often broke through for dangerous dribbling movements, while Co'u lins, Roche and De Freatus were the best Army backs. Blaketown opened play in a vigorous fashion, the forwards employing bustling tactics to sweep down on Army’s line. Blaketown had a golden opportunity when they raced through but mistook the goal line and kicked over the dead ball line. However, Blaketown.. shortly opened its account, when Stewart secured to cut his way through the Army defence to dive over in a handy position. He converted his own try. Army then attacked but were soon repulsed and Army was compelled to force.- Catching Blaketown unalert, Armv swept down the paddock and in a scramble for the ball, Croft scored in a handy position. Roche goaled to make the scores even. From then on the game was played at a fast pace, each team endeavouring to obtain the decidine pointsBlaketown were continually on Army's line, and though Collins and Dp Freatus often relieved with good kicks Blaketown were soon on the attack again. During the second half Army were compelled to force over half 'a dozen times. ■ Blaketown was exceptionally unlucky when McDonald intercepted at half-way and raced down the field to kick over Collins’s head and head for the line with a clear field and a man supporting him. He beat Roche for the ball and dived over. However, Roche’s dive forced him over the dead-ball line, and the try was not allowed. Army had a spell at attack just before the end of the game,' but a penalty kick relieved. Full time sounded with the score:— Blaketown-5; Army 5. Mr C. F. Cockburn v>as referee. ■ CELTIC B—STAR-UNITED 8. Played ■in poor conditions on the Cobden Domain, Star-United, feilding a much stronger team than in tne past, held Celtic to a draw. Bota teams sported good packs and torward play was even. The draw was a good indication of the' game. LOWER GRADES. In . the curtain-raiser at Bugby Park, Celtic third graders defeated Technical by 24 points to 3. Star third graders drew with coqden—three all. ; ... Blaketown fourth graders eas ’A defeated Technical by 29 points to nil.