BERHAMPORE V. OLD BOYS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 10

BERHAMPORE V. OLD BOYS

LUCK WITH STRONGER TEAM FINAL SCORE: 14 TO NIL. This match, played at Duppa street ground, resulted in a win for Berhampore, who, even with the enforced absence of Mouatt, were decidedly the stronger team. To a certain extent, also thev had the advantage of luck on their side, the wind being dead against MaiLcolm's efforts in attempting goals from the free kicks awarded; while, close to the termination of the first half, Smith, of Old Boys, who had a terrific fall, went off with a broken collar-bone. On the other hand, Old Boys played two wing forwards, while Berhampore played only one. THE TEAMS. The teams consisted of: Berhampore.—Full-back It. Brooks; {hree-quarters,- G. Riddiford, D. Matheeo/l and Hester; five-eighths, Walters antf Howard; half, Hayne6; forwards, Standen (captain), McHerron, Whiterod, Malnj, -Scott, Duncan. Watson and Beck. Old —Full-back, Malcolm j threequarters, Faber, Gray and Mams; fiveeighths, <3*ibson (captain) and Underhill; half, Hafts>on; forwards, Carr, Barkley, Jones, Owen* Chegwidden, Hislop, Smith and Dalton. Colours.— BeAbampore, light blue; Old Boys, white. Referee.—Mr j T » S. King. Winning the toes, Old Boys elected to play with the string wind in their favour. Shortly vjrfter the commencement of the game, however, thj# advantage ceased, as the wind blew directly across the field. Fahey (Old Boys) soon became conspicuous by his bold dash, which was, however, quite equalled by the determined, clever . follow-up of Brooks, Malcolm being everywhere when needed in an emergency. Considerable vacillating play resulted, the scrums *being hot and fiercely contested. There was a good deal of excellent passing «n both sides, Standen, Haynes and McHerron *being conspicuous for Berhampore, and Hislop, Dalton, Gibson and Faber for Old Boys. FIRST BLOOD. So hotly was the contest raging during the whole of the first half that during the forty minutes' play only one small score was made. On several occasions when tries were imminent the splendid defence of the Old Boys saved the situation ; Brooke, also, saving for his own side in excellent manner twice. A fine display of attacking play by Standen, however, took the ball straight to his objective from the line-out, and scored. Watson failed to convert hie beautifully aimed shot because of the cross-wind. .Score— Berhampore 3 Old Boys 0 When, some minutes afVvwards, a score for the Old Boys seemed to bo imminent, Matheson and Brooks relieved the pressure. A free kick given to Old Boys failed to produce any figures, it being seemingly impossible for Malcolm to allow the right amount for windage in the ‘cross-crale then raging. The whistle found the score, therefore, only— Berhampore 3 Old Boys 0 SECOND HALF. Berhampore came back with an evident determination to push the attack vigorously, Gibson and Scott displaying fine form. Watson failing to convert a free kick given to Berhampore, a similar failure shortly afterwards was sustained by the Old Boys. Hester and Walters made a fine effort, the latter, especially, getting the ball well down the field, then passing to Riddiford, who scored in ripping style. Hester converted with a beautifully-judged 6hot, the only goal achieved during the entire game. Berhampore S Old Boys 0 THIRD SCORE. Attacking again. Old Boys made an. other desperato effort, but S-tanden. getting the leather, passed beautifully to Malin. The latter was, however, declared off-side. Watson should have scored from a pretty piece of play, but, unluckily, the ball went out. Lovely passing a minute afterwards by Standen to Howard and on to McHerron, resulted in one of the best tries scored. Hester failed to convert against the cross-wind Berhampore 11 Old Boys 0 SCORED -AGAIN. Faber made a fine sprint, stopped Ib.v Howard, Scott making one of the finest runs seen in the game; while, again, when Howard looked like scoring, Malcolm was an impregnable obstacle. From a hot scrum away down the field Me Herron again secured the ball and got

past the Oid Boys’ defence in a very spirited dash. Berhampore 14 Old Boys 0 Flaying an excellent follow-up game, Malcolm made a desperate attempt to get through the Berhampore defences, but Brooks saved the situation. When the final whistle blew* the score remained — Berhampore 14 Old Boys 0

PLAY AND PLAYERS

The Berhampore forwards were very strong and played a magnificent game, Hester, Howard and Walters, especially, being prominent. Standen, McHerron and Ecclr must also be mentioned for ’their dash and initiative, while Brooks ‘played one of the most scientific games possible, his determined follow-up being well worthy of imitation. . Gi-bson was undoubtedly the mainstay Of the Old Boys. Only for the splendid follow-up tactic? displayed by the opposing* -forwards Berhampore murf: have Increased their score. The Old Boys played a better game of forward coordination, and they deserved better luck. Their defences were weaker in tho second half than those of their opponents, although Malcolm put up a great fight, ably seconded by Faber, Marris and Gibson. Old Boys were up against a heavier and stronger team, however, and their defeat, therefore, came as no surprise.