SENIOR GAME.

Northern Advocate, 20 August 1928, Page 7

SENIOR GAME.

OLD BOYR’ WIN. CITY BEATEN 14— 9. ' Olrl Boys had the host of their meeting' with City, although earlier iu the w'eek —when team building was in .prospect—their chances w'ere net much favoured. However, Old Boys’ juniors had a win by default from Maungakaramea, and their seniors’ ranks were filled from the lower team. The first half wa’a very even, but the City backs were overshadowed in the second spell. The teams took the field as follow's: — Old Boys—Full-back, P. Brunnette; three-quarters, R. Tilly, A. MaeKayj and A. Lacey; five-eighths, .1. Collins j and J. Britland; half, D, Fraser; rover, ,T. Millingtori; hookers, P. Jones and O. Bindon; lock, W. Grove; sides, M. Sherriff and M. Griffon; back row', R. Dempster and B. Bray. City —Full-back, F, Lindsay; threequarters, L, Winstanley, Hemi and D. McLeod; five-eighths, T. Ryan and K. Ridings; half, P. Jones; rover, ’ B. Clotworthy; hookers, N. Clotworthy and Coyle; lock, W. Fletcher; sides, W. McKenzie and C. Dent; back row', T. Gardiner and J, Tucker.

Britland won the toss for Old Boys, and elected to play against the sun. The City forwards followed the kick, catching Griffon in possession. Me Loot! had a ‘'soccer" kick from a penalty, but from a half-way scrum Ryan bustled through, downing Brunnette with the ball. Ridings centred with a good kick, Tilly securing and

finding the line at half-way. Britland made a good run down his wing, well supported by Mac Kay. Lindsay took the ball from the latter’s toes, and kicked to Britland, who attempted unsuccessfully to drop-kick a goal. However, Old Boys first score was not long in coming. Britland, heading a bunch backs, picked up, and sent on to Mac Kay, who got over easily.

Fraser’s kick went wide. Old Boys S —City 0.

Bustling City forwards, headed by McKenzie and Gardiner, took play to within striking distance, where Old Boys were penalised) and Lindsay landed a great goal, equalising the scores. Old Boys 3—City 3.

Both sets of backs in turn showed their paces, the movements being halted by Britland losing the ball, and Ryan sending out a. weak pass. Half the Old Boys joined in an offside stunt, and Lindsay’s kick just fell short.

Jones and Winstanley made Erun-nc-tte uncomfortable, and later B. Clotworthy and Fletcher took play past Old Boys 25 line. Then came a sensational score for Old Jones sent out a difficulty pass, which Ryan did not. gather in, and Griffon, pick-

ing up, broke away. Britland came up fast in support, and made run before handing on to Tilly, who sprinted for the line, which he reached as he was brought down. Britland missed what should have been a moral goal Old Boys 6—City 3. Thrice McLeod was cheered for

smashing Old Boys’ back attacks, and

finally the veteran intercepted Britland’s pass and ran* through to halfway. Fletcher lined well down, and

Sherriff, escaping the offside whistle,

j kicked Ito Lindsay. The fullback | fumbled the ball, and fell over, losing a great opportunity for a dropkick. Half a dozed Old Boys' forwards who were handy, stood still wl’ile Millington knocked on, when he had a clear run. A scrum was formed on the 25, and Jones made his .way round for a brilliant try. The kick taken by Lindsay narrowly ! missed, making the score six all. | Old Boys’ forwards, for whom Bray 1 was a consistent worker, threatened the City line, and the town side forc-

ed twice before the half-time whistle brought relief. SECOND SESSION. | City were soon on th* job after j the spell, and Old Boys w'ere penalised right iu front of the uprights. Lindsay just raised the flags. Old Boys (i—City 9, Britland, Tilly and Fraser went away in a nice movement, the latter dribbling over for Jones to force. Lindsay was just about to get in a clearing kick, when Lacey brought him down. Old Boys won a serum, and Britland, cutting-in nicely, made a splendid opening for Mac Kay to gain his second try. Sherriff added the trimmings. Old Boys 11—City 9

j The last, quarter opened with a really good "ping pong" exhibition, which ended in Gardiner dashing down the line, and sending his pass well forward. Fraser negatived the movement, but the City backs handled nicely, Hemi running strongly before kicking right into' Brunnette’s hands, for the full-back to mark. I Then the Old Boys’ backs combined effectively, the ball coming from Fraser to Collins, to Britland for Mac Kay to make ground, but he hung on too long and Tilly over-rgn him. Bright work was also seen when Winstanley secured, and in-passed to Hemi who ran straight and ; nearly got over, Clotworthy was held up, but the ball went across and McLeod took a difficult pass'. Fraser cleared, however, and Lindsay fumbled badly. but recovered and luckily found the 'line at half way. Then came the most sensational movement of. the day. The Old Boys backs handled crisply and the ball went out to Tilly. The winger lost possession, but regained the leather, and went over for a good try. Sherriff made a weak attempt at conversion, and the game ended 14 to 9 in favour of Old Boys.