Rugby Notes

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 43, 16 May 1945, Page 8

Rugby Notes

HUTT DEFEAT I'OXEKE—OKIES

Under conditions which were ex- ■ pected to suit the combined team, the ground being wet and greasy because of rain which fell for several ' hours prior to the game, Hutt re- . gistered a last minute but none the less meritorious win. The local forwards turned on a line display ol" wet weather football and dominated play for most of the game. A livepoint lead to Hutt at half time rather flattered the visiting team as the home team kept thorn penned up for most of the spell per medium of line loose rushes by the forwards, splendid line kicking by E. Bligh at full back and occasional sorties by the backs, llutt's try was the result of a nice cut through by Southern, the second live-eighth who planted the ball under the posts for Deas to convert. A little later Jacob son the left winger went over after a nice passing rush but a five yard scrum was ordered. These incidents indicate that the game was not just a forward struggle; it was however, the work of the Hutt forwards which enabled the backs to receive so many chances. The losers tried everything they knew to turn the tide in their favour. The penalty goals, one five minutes before time, was their answer and at this stage it appeared that they might snatch a lucky win, and Hutt supporters were becoming resigned to yet another defeat. flight on time Hutt were awarded a penalty and all eyes were on Deas as he took the kick. Some supporters were heard to say that on the law of averages the kicker should put this one over. Their optimism was well founded as the ball sailed right over the centre of the posts amidst a scene of great enthusiasm. No one will dispute tha't Hutt deserved to win this game as they outplayed their opponents in all departments. Toward the end of the game the losers forwards were playing very loose, a most unusual procedure for this team. It was noticeable too that most of their rushes were of the solo typo. On the other hand time and again the whole Hutt pack would be seen in full cry with the ball at toe. While all the Hutt backs did their work well, special mention should be made of the play of Berg at half and Bligh at full back. These two players did great service on defence. The half had a torrid time of it nipping incipient rushes in the bud and. was rather the worse for wear at the end of the game. At full back Bligh fielded faultlessly and gained big stretches of ground with his line kicking. His, tackling of Hookham, the opposing centre, when that player was going all out for the line, was one of the highlights of the game. The fiveeighths gave an improved display, particularly on attack, but are not yet standing up close enough on defence. They are giving their opponents too much room to work in. The forwards worked so well together that one can truthfully say that there wa& not a passenger in the pack. Their win over Poneke-Ories lias earned the team a game against Old Boys at Athletic Park this week. If Hutt play their usual game they will please the Park patrons, van, lose, or draw. No doubt plans will be laid to circumvent the type of game Old Boys play.

SCHOOLBOYS' COMPETITION Further practises will be held this week when some indication of the starting of the competition may be announced. A tackling bag has been installed in the gymnasium. This proved very popular with the boys who attended practice last week.