KEEN FORWARD PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 14

KEEN FORWARD PLAY

MARIST MISSES CHANCES The principal attraction between Devonport and Mnrist proved rather disappointing, although there were Borne good movements by both teams. The contest whs keenly fought by the forwards, and Devonpert proved superior as a combination. The Devonport backs were also better than the which lost some great scoring chances through bad mistakes. Early in the match a good wing-threequarter would have scored three trioa for Marist and these mistakes made all the difference to the game. Marist'was unlucky to lose its fullback, Glover, in the first spell. Glover saved two certain tries with fine tackles, but hurt himself on each occasion and had to re tire. Clark, who went to fullback, was weak in this position, while Furlonger, who filled the vole in the second spell, was well below the required standard. In the second half Marist could do nothing right as a combination. Devonport was always dangerous and whs easily the better team." L. Scott, who scored a sensational try on the previous Saturday, was responsible for an even better try against Marist. Intercepting in his own twenty-five, _he ran round the opposition and then straightened up to outpace all his opponents and scoro between the posts. It was a most spectacular effort and Scott was warmly applauded by the spectators. The Devonport rearguard showed far better combination and understanding than its opponents. Kerr acain plnyed a sound game at fullback, while the threeqnnrter line. Hall. Jordan and Scott, all played well. Jordan is a promising plnyer and was quick to see and take advantnge of an opening. Crooks and Miller, the fiveeighths. were seen in some clever play both on attack and defence. The former tackled Hnslam well in the second spell, but his one fault was a tendency to kick too mucK. Cowan, at half, got tho ball away smartly and did a lot of hard de fensive work. E. Scott was the outstanding Devonport forward nnd he played a fine ali-round game. His excellent tackling and covering on defence Baved his side on several occasions. Hollows also stood out, showing ability in handling and making openings. The pair were ably supported by the other forwards, of whom Milicich did some good work.

A (Trent fault with the Marist backs was in positional piny on defence. This allowed Devonport too much latitude ami threw a lot of unnecessnrv defence on to Hnslam. The former Rugby representative _was in good form. Ho made severnl snlendid openings which would have resulted in tries had he been better supported. Matson, first five-eighths. was weak, nnd Haslam often had to take his passes flat-footed. Even with this advantage he made ground, only to see the threeqfoarters nullify his work. Bakalich, nt centre, gave an improved display, but the wings were not impressive. He scorpd a good try by giving a short kick nnd then regaining possession. Aro. at half.' did some clever work on attnek. Among the forwards. D. Kenne. who captained the team in the absence of N. Cnmpbell, played a good all-round game and was woll supported by Breed and. O hnne. Devonport. which led by 15 points to 3 at half-time, won by 20 points to 9 For the winners tries were scored by F„ Scott Milicich. Jordan and L. Scott. Kerr and Milicich each converted two tri/?s. For Marist O'Kane and Bakalich (2) scored tries. Mr. P. Rogers was referee.