PROMISING DISPLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 13

PROMISING DISPLAY

TRAINING COLLEGE DEFEATED Grafton continued its winning way. running up another big: score in defeating Training College in the main fixture at Eden Park by 36 points to 11. The game was fast and open throughout, and, although the is'sue was never in doubt, the rapid changes of fortune territorially thrilled the spectators. In spite of the wide difference in the scoring the feature of the game was the spleni did showing of the Training College fifteen. Out-booked, out-weighed and otit-generalled it revealed excellent physical fitness, fine speed among backs and forwards, determination and tenacity. What it lacked in experience and cohesion it made up in splendid dash and incessant following up. After the first 15 minutes Training ColJega.\ffained/confidence when Hare, the fullback, levelled the score with a fine penalty goal. The side tested the Grafton defence many times until the final whistle with fast loose rushes. Thornton led the forwards brilliantly, heading almost every rush, following up well, working hard in the tight and on defence. He was well supported by Hammond, Hughes, Burke and Thomas. These forwards fully earned the repeated applause for" their spirited efforts. The Grafton score would undoubtedly have been greater but for the fine game played bv Hoskins, on the Training College right wing. Until he retired early in the second spell he was one of the outstanding players M the field' He displayed ability to turn fo advantage every opportunity, and proved a difficult player to bring down. On defence he was invaluable. Hoskins received a j splendid ovation for his plucky display. Edwards, behind the scrum, gave a good exhibition, being a tower of strength both on attack • and defence. He received a knock in the second half, and this, combined with cramp, caused his retirement. A marked weakness in defence by the Training College inside backs, and a feast of - the ball from scrums, lme-outs and rucks, allowed Grafton to score consistently throughout. / Pearman and Killeen were in pxcellent form at five-eighths, and were far too clever and experienced for the men' marking them. Killeen played a brilliant game, and was the best back on the ground. He cut thrdngh the defence repeatedly with pretty side-stepping and nimble footwork. Pearman again proved himself a mined and clever back, and a valuable scoring man. He handled well, made many splendid openings, while his goal kicking v\as again of a high standard. Arkle an " other fine game at halfback, while the threequarter line, Dick, Prentice' and Burgess, played attractive football. Paton was sound The "powerful Grafton pack, although bustled at times by the rush tactics of t c opposition, played a dominating part in the game. McLean was in his element m the loose, but lost opportunities through holding on to the ball. Anderson was on the ball throughout, while Bunting was rewarded for;a solid game by two fine tries as the result of excellent following UP aii( * anticipation. Tannahill, Passmore and Cliilds were also prominent. For Grafton. Killeen «).. McLean _(2), Bunting (2), Passmore, Ghilds and Pearman scored tries. Pearman converted three. For Training College Belgrave scored. Hare converted and kicked two penalty goals. Mr. C. V. Paull was referee.