Varsity at Rugby

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 157, 5 July 1945, Page 7

Varsity at Rugby

MASSEY COLLEGE TOO STRONG FOR VICTORIA COLLEGE

In a game played under ideal conditions at the Showgrounds yesterday, Massey College proved too strong for Victoria University College, beating them decisively by 19 points to live. The match was remarkable for the stoppages for injuries and for the goal kicking of Brian, who converted Victoria College's try as the last incident of the match. The ground was in splendid order and both teams made every effort to open up the play. The packs, however, were quick to counter every move, and the tackling was deadly with the result that there was little penetration from most of the passing rushes.

Massey College were early on the attack and, following good work by bustling forwards, Cartwright secured and drew the last defence before passing to Stirling who went over for a nice try.

Victoria College's backs were in action several times following the resumption but the defence held and when the ball was kicked through to the visiting full he was nearly caught in possession. His clearing kick was weak and Gunnell gathered it in and ran round to send his backs away. Asher accepted his pass and transferred to Stewart, beat his man and passed to Cartwright who, in turn, fired the ball on to Potaka. The wing had little room but sprinted along the side line to complete a grand movement.

Massey were going well and in another rush early in the second spell Potaka was grassed inches from the line. In the scramble that followed, Gunnell secured and dived over to make the score 9 —o. Cartwright converted. Cartwright made another opening shortly afterwards when he cut through. The ball went along to Potaka who made a brilliant run to be halted inches short of the line. The play swept across the goal front to the other corner where, following a long struggle, Doole went over for Massey. Cartwright again converted and the score was 16—0.

The total was raised to 19—0 when the bounce beat the defence in front of the goal front. Massey eventually secured and Gudsell, taking his tackier with him, forced his way over under the crossbar. The kick at goal was deflected.

During the closing stages of the match Victoria College held the upper hand. A good run by Loveridge took them well into Massey's twenty-five where Hyett, accepting the pass, was upended a few yards short of the line. Loveridge made another fine run a few moments later and sent Wilde over for a try near the posts. While this was going on, the Victoria University College full-back signalled for an overcoat. He put it on and then stepped out of his pants which looked as if they had been caught in a lawn mower. Rid of them, he walked over and took the kick at goal. He made no mistakes. Mr. A. Gordon was the referee. There were numerous stoppages for injuries during the game and four men had to leave the field. One of them, Grant, of Massey College, who sustained an injury to his back, was taken off in a stretcher and away in an ambulance.