Rugby Football

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 42, 16 April 1947, Page 2

Rugby Football

Hl-TT •I-IB'S PRACTICE MATCHES A series of matches was played against Petone teams on Saturday. Mosi Interest centred on the senior match, which attracted a large gathering of spectators. A win lor Petone by 15 to nil was not altogether unexpected, as Hutt are scratching for backs owing to the absence of King, now residing at Ngaio. and Delamore, who will be Off the scene for a few weeks yet. i There is n surplus of forwards, and in this connection there is no doubt that a very solid, paclt can be fielded. Taking a line through th • form shown against Eastbourne and Petone, the forwards should come from Laing, Turnhull. Booth. Anderson. Brown. Scullim, Barnes. J. Duffy. Bayliss. Healey. Corkin. and Rodger.? (who has not been available for these games). Totter has been the outstanding hack in both games, while Burt and Berg should both get places. In the absence of Sewell. Davenport looks to be the only full-back in sight. Guthrie should have claims for consideration also. % Problem for Selectors The search for wingers presents the selectors with an acute problem. Swain has pace to burn and If be can improve his handling he may make the team." Dewhurst is a possibility. Some of those already tried out appear to have little prospect of making the team: consequently it appears that the selectors would be well advised to Held less players in this week's game against Athletic, so that the probable back line for the first championship match on the 26th inst. will have a chance to work up some combination. A bright curtain-raiser was turned on by the Hutt and Petone fifths, the local team winning Sl2 to St. These hoys throw the ball about freely, but could have got it out to the wings more.

WINS FOR TAITA Cl/ITI

The Taita Football Club won senior and junior games against the Red Star Club at Masterton on Saturday. Taita won the senior match 8-0. Tries were scored for the winners by Fernte and De Menech. one of which was converted by Blandford. The junior game was won by Taita. 8-3. Wyatt scored a try for Taita. which he converted, and also kicked a penalty goal.