RUGBY

Hutt News, Volume 13, Issue 41, 3 April 1940, Page 3

RUGBY

BONNER SHIELD

The annual match between Hutt juniors and Athletic jutiiors (Levin), played at Levin on Easter Monday, Saw Hutt draw with Athletic (3 all) and retain the Bonner Shield. The weather was ideal for football, although the ground was rather hard.

Winning the toss, Hutt played Into the sun, and right from the start play was very fast and willing. Shortly after the start Hutt were penalised in a line tor continually obstructing, and a scrum was ordered. However, the Hutt forwards, a little too eager to get the ball out, were penalised for lifting in the scrum. A free kick was awarded to Athletic, from which they nearly received three easy points. Play resumed with both packß of forwards fighting very hard for the ball. The Hutt pack, who had the advantage in weight, drove Athletic back, and for a long time held them In their own 25. A splendid forward movement by Woods, Ander,son, Glover and Morton nearly sent E. Pllcher over fo» a try. However, the Hutt forwards were a little too eager, and over ran the ball. A scrum going down, Hutt were again penalised for lifting in scrum, giving R. Galloway (Athletic centre) three easy points. Athletic 3, Hutt nil. With five minutes to go before the end of the first spell, Hutt tried hard to even up the score. However, Athletic were not to be denied and with Gower, Fletcher and Wills breaking away, nearly saw Blenkhorn score. Play was stopped while E. Pllcher (who was playing a good forward game) received medical attention." Play,resumed, but the half time whistle saved any further score. Athletic 3, Hutt nil. llutt. attacked strongly and gave -Athletic some moments. Kicking off, Hutt sent a high one down field, the ball returning to half way,, where it was gathered In by Dunn (the Hutt half), who ran In and sent his forwards away, and after a fereat passing rush by Morton, Glover, Langford . and Anderson, finally saw Woods fight his way over for a good try. Whitcher just failed to convert. Hutt 3, Athletic 3. From then on play became more willing, with both Bides striving to increase their score. Play was again stopped, the Hutt skipper having to leave the field owing to head in--1 juries Piay resumed with Athtetlc

pressing hard. However, they were a little too eager. With only a few minutes to go.:3}'p.tfi sides fough.t solidly to score: a' wiu, but neither packs "could penetrate,' and the final whistle ended a hard fought game. Hutt 3, Athletic 3. In the evening a dinner was served, during which the coaches and captains spoke, and, the shield presented to the Hutt captain. The coach and manager of the Hutt team (Mr. H. R. Baker), in speaking of this annual junior trip, referred back to the time when the late Pilot Officer "Snowy" Trenchard was a member of the first junior team to go to Levin, >■ Mr. Baker asked both teams and ail thos£ present to stand in a few minutes' silence out of respect to the late Pilot Officer Trenchard, Later in the evening the Athletic Football Club held their annual smoke concert, at which the Hutt boys were guests.