Rugby Football

Hutt News, Volume 20, Issue 43, 23 April 1947, Page 12

Rugby Football

HUTT v. ATIITiKTIC PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON Hutt played a full series of matches against the Athletic Club jn Saturday. The main game was preceded by a match between the second division teams from each elub, in which a number of first division players took part. This was a very scrappy match. Davenport showed promising form at second five-eighth and may be a prospect. Scullion was very noticeable in the forwards for his line-out work and consistent following up. The evergreen Mick Darby had a run in the second spell. His solid tackling and all-round play were an object lesson to the younger players. The main game, which followed, was noticeable for the dash which Athletic put into their work in the initial stages, during which they put on three tries, and Hutt's recovery to finish up all square in a high scoring game, 19-aIL Hutt have the right forwards.to_ capitalise on' opparienia' mistakes. Their work, plus good goal kicking by Boyce. the full-back, who gained thirteen points, enabled the team to finish- level. The hack had a hard row to hoe, as they spent most, of the day chasing their opponents. After some weak tackling in the early stages they settled down and defended solidly, breaking up mahy attacks. . Selectors' Diflietilt Task \y : Taking everything "Into consideration, the selectors' task in sorting out a back line for the first match is a very difficult one. it appears on form to date that the only certainties are Potter, Boyce. Berg, and Burt. It is a different matter with the forwards, where it is a question of whom to leave out. Rogers, who has been on annual holiday in Auckland, is due to return this week. His inclusion will strengthen up the line-out work. Haigh'ls expected to be available In about three weeks. The indications are that the lower grades will be reasonably strong. There are some very good players amongst the age limit grades.

TAITA DEFEATS MAORIS On Saturday, at Strand Park. Talta defeated the newly-formed Maori team. Te Aroha, 25-0. The Talta forwards dominated the play and threw the Maoris on the defensive. The majority of the set scrums went to Taita, but their backs did not make full use of their speed and rarely did the ball reach the three-quarters. Back movements were spoilt by lob passing and players being caught in possession. In the second half rain fell and the ball became very greasy and difficult to handle, but both sides adopted the "up,and under" tactics, at which Taita were the better, particularly Sage, Wyatt, August, and Inglebretsen. Kahu, Te Aroha's full-back, was kept busy stopping the Taita foot rushes and acquitted himself well, but was too often caught in possession after fielding the ball on the full. Tries for the winners were scored by Hopping, Wyatt, Rohloff, Mackle. J. Mcintosh, B. Mcintosh, McLennan and Wyatt each converted a try and Wyatt kicked a penalty. Mr. S. Palmer was the referee.