Rugby

Hutt News, Volume 11, Issue 13, 25 August 1937, Page 5

Rugby

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES. The final championship games for 1937' were played on Saturday last under ideal conditions. If anything the grounds 'were , a little too hard, this being due to the exceptionally fine spell of- weather during the preceding two weeks. * There was nothing at stake in the match -between Hutt and iPetone. Neith- " • ..e was in the hunt for the cham.ship or in danger of relegation. Under the 'circumstances it was expected that both teams would endeavour to throw the ball about. Expectations' in this direction were fully realised and the moderate crowd present witnessed one of the most entertaining games of the season. Proceedings were lively all the way and. the manner in which the players kept going was a' tribute to their physical condition. This was all the more remarkable after three weeks' spell from club football. Some of Petone's regular players were missing including Lainbourn, the All Black hooker, who very wisely decided to have a spell. Andrews was missing from the Hutt team, Kemp taking his place. j The match resulted in a win for Hutt by 23 to .15, representing five tries, two conversions, and a field goal to two converted tries, a field goal and a penalty goal. At one stage Hutt had a lead of 17 points which was reduced to 5 points before Hutt put the issue beyond doubt by scoring a try a few minutes before time. The handling oil both sides was goo.l in patches. Although Ilutt combined better than l'etone too much kicking and solo work by llie insides spoiled several promising movements by the Hutt backs. There were some very exciting incidents including an interception by Hudson, the speedy Petoae. centre. He looked certain to sco«e but Gillespie showed a great turn of speed in overhauling him just short of the line. Gillespie repeated this performance later in the game. At times the proceedings had the spectators roaring with laughter so disjointed did play become. Another period of the game saw the ball travel from one end of the field to the other and back again and then to midficld before going into touch. The players certainly appeared a.little fagged after these efforts which thoroughly delighted the spectators. . The players on both sides are to be commended for providing such a' .bright finish to the season. If they enjoyed it as much as the spectators, then they certainly had a good afternoon. Notes. All match balls should now be handed in to the secretary, or left with Mr. 11. Ski It on. The fourths provided some very bright football in the uurtaiu-raiser which they won by Outstanding in a line set of backs \\as Burtoii who caned holes in the defence. Very fast oil' the mark, this player is past his opponent before lie can get up to him. Physically, Burton is well equipped for the game and this fact should count in his favour next season when he conies out into the open grades next season. So long as he is not played too near the scrum, senior honours should not be beyond' him. There are other good backs in this team in Williams, Wiggins and Millard, in addition to .Tones, who looks •likely to .make a good half. There should be room for them in the senior B team next year. Excepting Flanagan, who is eligible for fourth grade again, next year, the forwards are a bit on the light side. Some of them, however,

arc developing very fast, notably TV-l----1:;I'd, a front-row player, and Allison, side row. .Swift service from the scrum is tiie Jirst duty of a half-back. In 'this direction Kilmister. the Hutt half, has no equal in (he senior competif ion. With the defection of Sadler one would expect the Wellington selector to look round for a young player to take his place . After the wretched showing most oC the players made against the Springboks quite a lot of now .blood should have been introdu ed into the representative team. Nothing is inrve certain than that the public are dissatisfied with the present, personnel of the team. Why not'give young'players like Knowles (I'etone), Kenny, fullback'. Foley fHutt). lock (1-tst. 41b. and Oft. I in.), Carter (Pol one). and others a chance. They may be :■ little inexperienced but to counteract this they are young and full of ppp, which is more than can be said of some of the players now in training.