Win for Hutt

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 3, 19 June 1946, Page 5

Win for Hutt

PETONE TEAM BEATEN

McBAIN SHIELD MATCH

Tlie thirteenth match for the McBain Shield attracted about 6000 spectators to the Hutt Recreation Ground on Saturday. The ground was very heavy and after the first quarter of an hour it was difficult to handle accurately owing to the liberal coating of mud on the ball. Hutt fielded the heaviest pack they could muster and concentrated on determined rucking and scrummaging. From the initial kick-off they attacked strongly and raked Petone fore and aft, by keeping play in the middle of the field as much as possible. The backs endeavoured to open up the game a shade too much in this half. The first incident of note was a penalty goal by Sewell for Hutt, which roused the enthusiasm of local supporters. Unfortunately a Hutt forward had foolishly got in front of the ball and a scrum was ordered. A little later Paewai, play.ng first five-eighth in place of Delamore (out of action with a damaged hand), made a nice opening to send King over for an unconverted try. Petone made solid efforts to equalise but the teams changed over with Hutt enjoying a 3-point lead.

For the first 12 minutes of the •second half Hutt kept Petone pinned in their own twenty-five, then misfielding by a Hutt back put the visitors on attack. The visitors endeavoured to make play with their backs. The ball, however, was difficult to handle, and this factor, plus Hutt's dour ►defence, drove them back time and again. A slashing run by Abbot, Petone's left winger, indicated that he was a source of danger to Hutt, who, however, saw to it that he was well marked from this stage on. Short punting by the insides also caused Hutt a bit of bother at times but they weathered the storm and attacked in turn. From one of these sorties Sewell kicked a nice penalty goal. Despite some strong thrusts by Petone backs and forwards there was no further score and Hutt's challenge had succeeded amidst scenes of great enthusiasm. Comment on Players Hutt's well-deserved win was due to the splendid work of the forwards who worked as a pack all day. In spite of Petone's- extra weight there were times when the Hutt pack pushed them back yards at a time, so concentrated was their rucking play. In the backs Berg and Paewai teamed well together. The latter's generalship was worth a lot to his side. Potter was solid on defence but King was the player who caused the opposition the most trouble., His strong running usually attracted the attention of two or three defending backs. Perrett held Abbot in check well. Wall had a reasonably easy time on the left wing. Sewell turned on a very sound game at full back. Players and supporters will sympathise with R. Jacobsen, the captain of the second division team, who fractured a leg while playing against Petone. Primary Schools Competition The following are this week's fixtures, all to be played at Strand Park at 10.15 a.m. on Saturday morning: Hutt A v. Petone A. Hutt B. v. Petone B. Eastbourne v. Upper Hutt.