Rugby

Hutt News, Volume 12, Issue 10, 3 August 1938, Page 5

Rugby

HUTT v. PONEKE Hutt turned ,on a, line exhibition of wet weather JJugby to decisively; defeat Poneke by 17 points (four tries, one conversion and one .penalty. goal) to 10 (two converted tries). Actually the score did not represent the difference between . the teams as Hutt did most of the attacking and only really bad luck-prevented • them from scoring several more tries. Both sides were without some of their regular players. Poneke in particular feeling the absence of : Pringle and O'Brien in the forwards. Hutt's absentees were Kilmister, Cassidy and Grant. Misty rain and a fairly strong southerly wind weTe factors which Hutt had to contend with in the first half and Poneke made early use of the advantage by rattling on a converted try, before Hutt settled down. Thereafter Hutt were in the ascendent and deserved more than a one-point lead at the interval, as | they were on the attack repeatedly. In this session Flanagan, scored after a great forward rush which simply could not be stopped and Burton scored from an opening engineered by Sargisson, after bavks and forwards had handled in a nice passing rush. Hutt also were close to scoring at least two occasions. Sargisson was unlucky when he fell on the ball just as it went into touch-in goal and a nice piece of passing between Perno and Blair only failed because Blair was prevented from taking a pass. The wind dropped in the second spell so Hutt lost this advantage. From the kick off they harrassed Poneke back and forward. Evans safely piloted a penalty kick over the bar increasing the' lead t 0 four points. For a time play was a little more neutral as Poneke were put on attack by some splendid line kicking by Crisp. The visitors attack however lacked sting and Hutt appeared to find little difficulty in clearing out of danger. Eventually a shattering forward rush which started at half way ended in Blair scoring with Kemp and Griffen on the spit also. Ev&ns converted this try thus making the score 14 —5 in Hutt's favour. Not content with this lead the backs turned on a good movement when Sargisson cut between Poneke's five-eighths, making a splendid opening and handing on to Burton who drew the defence perfectly to send Williams over for a very fine try. With a lead of twelve points and less than that number of minutes to go the game was safe foT the local team, which probably accounted for the fact that only half-hearted attempts were made to stem a loose rush by Poneke which ended in a try near the posts which was easily converted by Crisp. During the remaining time Hutt were definitely on the attack and 'came close to adding four more points when Sargisson's usual "pot" went over the top of the

posts. The fine win by Hutt was due to intelligent tactics, the attack being varied between backs and forwards. In the previous match the latter, had demonstrated that they could be a matchwinning factor if given the opportunity, which however had been denied them in that game. On Saturday last it was good to witness bunches of forwards breaking away with the ball at toe and controlling the leather in fine fashion in long Tushes. It was the sort of play expected from the Poneke pack, but which failed to materialise. Most of their work was of the solo variety. Another pleasing feature of the forwards work, was their backing up in passing rushes. Not at any stage this season have we seen them handle the ball so much or to such good purpose. Where every man pulled his weight individual form could perhaps be passed over but the fine work of Foley and Giffen in the line-outs and the consistent hooking of Potter were factors which had a 'bearing on the work of the whole team. As the loose forward Kemp had chanccs to show his worth. He led rush after rush but was not allowed to play a lone hand as Blair and Griffen were often in the limelight in this direction. Pot'ter, Perao Corkin and Flanagan also figured in the loose play. Foley's best work was in the line-outs and rucks. It was very pleasing to see him getting high into the air and taking the ball off the opposition in the line-outs. A good deal of credit for 'the work of the forwards, must be given to Evans behind the scrum. Often he ran round the scrum and rucks to set his forwards off on rushes which had Poneke defending hard. A halfback must run with the ball to a certain extent to get the best results. It is only when he overdoes it, "that he becomes a nuisance to his side. Evans blended his game very judiciously with the result that the opposition was kept guessing. Sargisson was the pivot of the attack and full credit must be given to him for a big part in the win achieved by his team. Three times he cut through the defence and tries resulted in two instances, while the best movement of all ended in the referee ruling a forward pass after Williams had crossed the line. Each time Sargisson made an opening his supporters got up quickly enough to allow him to get the ball away before being tackled in possession. Wiggins improved on his previous igame, fitting into the play much better. He was noticed stopping some forward rushes in the approved style Burton seemed to attract play his .way, as he fielded quite a let of loose kicks and turned defence into attack With Evans and Sargisson he got through a whole lot of work. His drawing oi the defence to send Williams over was faultlessly executed. Of the two wings Williams had easily the most work to do. As an attacking player he is fast developing into a very good winger. His speed is deceptive and he travels faster than appearances indicate. One of the highlights of the game was his solo dribbling effort. It deserved a try, but unfortunately he slipped after steering the ball clear of

the full back. The value of dribbling practise for oaeks, was brought home forcibly by his effort. Holland's best work was on defence, where his speed enabled him to get back and cover up well. Handicapped by a weak ankle, Graham gave quite a sound showing at full back. Providing the team can turn on the same brand of football this week, Wellington will have to work haTd to repeat their first round victory. The visiting backs will bo a force to be reckoned with, but the Hutt forwards should turn the scale.

All players, honorary members, and supporters are advised that a will be held in the R.S.A. Tooms oil Saturday week August 13th. The Committee would like to see a big muster of players and honorary members. Providing reasonably good support is received for this dance, others may follow. For full particulars see an advertisement in this issue. Don't forget the date.