RUGBY FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 3 July 1944, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

Star-United Win Again HOKITIKA BEATS BLAKETOWN Conditions were fine at Greymouth on Saturday for the continuation of games in the West Coast Rugby Union’s main competition, and interesting football was the result. In the only senioi- game played at Greymoiith, Star-United maintained their winning trot in the competition by defeating Celtic by 16 points to 9. At Hokitika the home team secured an easy victory over Blaketown by 20 points. ~ „ STAR-UNITED 16 v. CELTIC 9. Though attacking strongly towards the end of the second spell, Celtic was unable to make up the 16-point lead of their opponents, and Combined hung on to run out winners. Though played at a fast rate with plenty of back play, two even sets of forwards took a prominent part in the game, and this was not conducive to particularly spectacular football. Combined possessed a better pack of forwards and consequently their backs obtained more of the ball .and the speedier Celtic rearguard was' Unable to go into action as an attacking side too often. J. Gillan played an excellent game for the victors. He showed plenty of speed and his strong running netted three tries for his side. L. Sweetman at half also showed to advan'age. Anderson, a new player recently arrived from Westport, showed a' lot of speed in the five-eighth position. W Millett and W. Hamilton played good games in the Celtic back line. W. Croudis and W. and J. Rea played fine games in the Celtic pack, but Star-United were too heavy in the forwards, where Jones and Pegley were consistent. Star-United allowed no time to elapse before they commenced their attack and from the kick-off they advanced deep into Celtic territory. There the backs indulged in a snappy passing movement which ended in Gill'an touching down n«ar ‘he corner. The kick missed, —StarUnited 3; Celtic 0. Celtic then took a tourn at attack and play was very even. Combined were penalised, but Millett failed with the kick, and soon had Celtic back on their own line. A scrum took place near the posts and the ball was kicked through. Sweetman followed up fast and scored in a handy position. Anderson failed ’to goal.—Star-United 6; Celtic 0. Keeping up the pressure Combined allowed Celtic no respite, but the latter were defending solidly. Then Fitzgerald kicked to clear, but Gillan charged down the attempt, gained possession. and dashed over for a fine try. J’ones converted —Star-United 11; Celtic 0. Celtic then took a turn on the offensive and were in Combined territory for some time. However they were unable to score though shortly before half-time W. Clancy missed a penalty. When half-time sounded Star-United had resumed the .attack.

A priod of even play took place on the resumption, before Star-United legan to press again. Gillan again scored. This time he obtained possession well out and made a good run before passing on to Pegley, who was in support. Pegley sent a Pass back to Gillan who went over n a handy position. Jones convert-ad.—Star-United 16; Celtic 0. When the position looked hopeless Celtic jegan to make a determined attack. Thev swept down the field in a grand rush which Combined were unable to stop, and finally J. Rea went over for ,a fine try. Millett’s kick at goal was disallowed. Celtic 3; Star-United 16. Encouraged by success Celtic continued - to press and Hamilton rounded off a good movement when he secured and went over in a good position. Clancy failed to convert.—Celtic 6; Star-United 16. Star-United were unable to advance and were penalised in front of the posts, Millett goaling —Celtic 9; StarUnited 16. Celtic continued to force and were getting the better of the game in all departments. However, despite sterling efforts they were unable to decrease the margin and <he final score was 'Star-United 16; Celtic 9. Refei’ee: Mr D. Hoggarth. HOKITIKA 20 v. BLAKETOWN 0. Playing at Hokitika, Blaketown were beaten by 20 points to nil. The game was more even than indicated by the score, but Hokitika were superior. J. West played a. good game for the home team and initiat'd some fine movements. Though Blaketown hooked most of the scrums heir back line, which had been changed round owing to one of the nside backs being unavailable, was unable to make any successful movement. LOWER GRADES Blaketown thirds suffered their ■irst defeat of the season when they went down to Celtic, in the curtainraiser at Rugby Park by 16 points to nil. Celtic and Blaketown had been leaders of the competition, their previous meeting .having resulted in a draw. Technical third graders defeated Cobden by 12 points to 9.

Elaketown fourths 22 defeated Technical B 3.