Will-O’-The-Wisp Hikurangi Backs

Northern Advocate, 9 May 1938, Page 2

Will-O’-The-Wisp Hikurangi Backs

Penetration by the inside backs was the only feature lacking in City’s display against Hikurangi. and this cost them the game. It. was not until the second spell, that the Hikurangi backs really sprang into their striae, ana when they did so Codling, Gibson ana Co. flashed here, there and everywhere. ■ Gibson, in particular, was a footballing will-o-the wisp. Taylor, the City custodian, gave a magnificent display, and was the only man to challenge in pace the Hikurangi flyers. City Make Early Running. In the early stages the defence oi both teams was fully tested and found flawless. City started throwing the ball about from the outset, and on several occasions it went right across to tho winger and back infield, but without much ground being gained. Once Conaghan, gathering a high kick one handed, set sail in a dangerous run to be upset by Codling’s flying Tackle, and on another occasion Taylor and Armstrong got away at tho corner, a knock-on spoiling the opening. Rather shaded in the scrum, Hikurangi were bested territorially in the first half hour. However, after three spectacular attempts, they succeeded in drawing first blood. Gibson started it by stab-kicking, recovering tho ball, jazzing through the City inside men. and swerving past tho full-back. However as he dived, Conaghan and another City man grabbed him and held him on his back, preventing him from touching down. The ball came from the scrum to Codling, who took- a header, but was hold up. Then Gibson got it again, dummied, and sent Rouse over for a try which brought the crowd to its toes. B. Martin missed the kick. In the face of smart following by Dempster and Callanan. Rarity forced, but just before the interval the City forwards carried everything before them and Callanan. playing a game out of the box scored. Ho made a weak attempt to improve and it was three all. Mercurial Gibson. Hikurangi reopened with a beautiful movement which left the City players standing nonplussed in the centre of the field. Receiving in a passing rush, Gibson dummied and swerved magnificently before passing to Hutchings, on the wing, who was blocked a yard short. After Rarity had missed a pot by inches, the versatile Hikurangi first five-eighths, again had City in difficulties when he found a gap with his punt. City lost position when a five yards’ scrum was ordered, and Hutchings got over, but it appeared that Cunningham, the previous man to handle, had knocked on slightly. Cunningham goaled. Gibson’s quick change in direction again put City out of position. He unloaded to Hutchings as Taylor tackled, and tho winger ran right round. Cunnii*{sham goaled, and landed a penalty when Callanan strayed offside. The score was mounting against City who were anything but a defeated team. They proved it when the forwards swept upheld and Conaghan, getting the ball to his toe, kept it there until the goal mouth was passed. Roos converted and it Was 16-8 at the finish. Mr. F. Harrison refereed.