Rugby Notes

Hutt News, Volume 19, Issue 12, 22 August 1945, Page 5

Rugby Notes

MUTT VERSUS WELLINGTON In a typical end of the season display of football Hutt defeated Wellington by 9 points to 6. The match calls for little description as the bright patches were few and far between. Two of Hutt's and one of Wellington's tries were gained by combined back movements, but generally there were few really good movements throughout the matcxi. The local forwards maintained their good form. They received strong support-from Berg and Thorburn in the backs. The latter showed up strongly on attack, where he cut through repeatedly to set the rest of the backs going, rie engineered two of Hutt's tries. Berg spent most of the day getting his side out of trouble but often took a hand in the attack also. Perrett was very prominent on attack also using his speed to advantage. At full back l Angus was very solid on defence. His line kicking however, still lacks direction. LOWER GRADES On No. 2 ground, which was in a [ very bad state, the Fifths had a gi-eat tussle with Poneke whom they defeated by 3 points to 0. The Hutt forwards were in their element on the boggy ground and with raking foot rushes had their opponents bottled up for a great part of the game but found it hard to score. All the forwards played well but Kiernan was outstanding. Time and again he came away with the ball at toe to sorely test Poneke's defence. He was followed very closely by Kilpatrick, Laing, Baker, Pollard and the rest, feature of this match was the manner in which the boys of both teams stopped forward rushes. They had no hesitation. whatever in going down on the ball even if they had to dive into a pool of mud. It was not a day for the backs but the half, first fiveeighth, centre and full back all showed up weil.

In the Fourth Grade match Sim at full back again fielded very clean ly and invariably found the line Tyith his touch finders. If this lad can learn to kick with both feet he will make his mark as a full back. Regarding the balance of the players in this team we feel sure that if they can be got togetner early next season and providing they can give up the necessary time for training they will mould into a good side. PRIMARY SCHOOL COMPETITION Teams from the Hutt Valley will be picked to play teams from Wellington some time in September and will play curtain raisers on Athletic Park. As the schools are now on holidays the .teams will not be select ed until after the boys get back to school.

OLD TIMERS' DAY

Many Old Timers have not answered the questionaire sent out by the Secretary, Mr. R. Wickham. They are asked to give the matter their prompt attention. Remember, it is being held on Saturday week, September Ist, on Strand Park, and the secretary requires all availauie information regarding attendance so that catering arrangements can be gauged. WOBURN RUGBY NOTES The Juniors again won on Saturday, beating 13-10. team as a whole did not show their excellent form of the previous week and the tackling throughout was poor. In the forwards there were too many loose heads in the tight and they did not show the dash they are capable of, although they were well led by Devine who as usual played a great game. The bacns did not function very smoothly and the handling of the inside backs was poor. For Woburn tries were scored by Prince and Instone which were both converted by Jaeger who also kicked a penalty goal.. It is hoped that a full practise will be possible this week as they meet Hutt next Saturday.

The Thirds drew with Upper Hutt 9-9. The only try was scored by Keen who played an excellent game on the wing. Dudding kicked two fine penalties. In tne forw'ards Brailey and Nightingale played an excellent game in the loose and caused plenty of headaches for trie Upper Hutt inside backs.

The Fourths evened matters when they beat Upper Hutt 10-6 in the second round. Tries were scored Shapcock and Lock, both being converted by Shapcock. Delaney played a good game at first five-eighth.