RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 143, 19 May 1941, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

On Saturday afternoon Woodville wcl

coined tlie first competition Rugby match played on the local ground this season, between Woodville and Ilatnua seniors. The local team had first choice of the wind advantage and for ten minutes this availed them little against the greater weight and combination of the opposition, who already bad had tho benefit of a match. l>uring this early period several fine exhibitions of teamwork were given by tho visitors. Tho local men were just capable of staving off their opponents until they could pull thomsclves together sufficiently to reverse the order of play. They made a much improved showing with forward attacking. At this stage they missed a chance with a penalty shot.

The wind was tricky. Play was even at this stage, and no scofe had boon registered up ‘to half-time. There were few glimpses of bright play in the second term, during which operations were mainly in the Woodville territory, and tho local rearguard were given little rest by the persistent opposing forwards. The first and only try was gained by D. Braddock (Ilamua), but the wind frustrated the attempt ah conversion. Thero was a great deal of unattractive scrummaging andfTine skirmishing and the match ended : Ilamua 3, Woodville 0. Mr A. Harvey refereed. Plenty of speed was exhibited by tho local men, and as this was their first match their play inspired confidence. Weakening of defensive power in the late stage of tho game could be put down to lack of condition. It should interest the scrunt to know that they were frequently urged to get their heads under instead of awaiting their opponent’s lead in this detail. Woodville thirds were successful by six points to three in their first competition game, which was played against tainoka at Pahiatua. For the winners, a try each was scored by the Williams brothers. The game was controlled by Mr Foster.