RUGBY IN PAEROA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32711, 10 May 1946, Page 5

RUGBY IN PAEROA

SIDELIGHTS *ON FOOTBALL GOOD FORWARDS SEEN LAST SATURDAY’S MATCHES (By “Off Side”) Judging by the display of both sets of forwards on Saturday last Pheroa will have a representative rugby pack which should hold its own anywhere in the district. Bill Nevin and Norm Herold are a handy pair to have in any team. Howie and Martinovich had a great duel for ibe ball and both hookers are good. H. nours were about even. -Charlie Bradley; was going great guns on Saturday. He was good when he played in (Paeroa before and he has lost none of his dash.

'Two lightweights in the West pack McNeil and Dean got through a ton of work.

-Goodingi and Hampton led the United forwards against tough opposition. They have a ton of experience between them and they know how to use it.

Fred Chaney was seen in a new role at fullback. He had plenty to do but got through it with credit.

Taka Harrison has filled out a lot since last season and looks a ball of muscle. He seemed lost at second fiveeighths in the first spell, but played a great game when shifted in to halfback in the second spell. Bill O’Loughlin played a good game for West last week. With an extra stone weight this player would be worth his place in any team in the district.

Teddy (Short was well looked after, but despite this was always dangerous. His quick thinking and fast following up earned him a well deserved try.

The wingers last Saturday did not get much of a chance, mainly due to wet conditions. 'Still there were occasions when they could have been given a run, but the inside backs elected to kick. This was common to both teams. The inside backs must realise that the wingers are in the team for a definite purpose, not just to run their insides out chasing a ball, which they have no chance of getting, after an inside back has rooted it down the field. A kick is' warranted sometimes but not as often as it was used last week.

■And it is not only the outside backs who suffer. What about the forwards ? They fight hard to gain possession, only to see a back give it to the opposition with a well-placed (?) kick. No, it is team work that count's and while individual efforts look spectacular they seldom win a game. There are 15 men in the other team and it is. only by a better combination and understanding in a team that a win can be registered.