RUGBY NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26782, 27 May 1948, Page 3

RUGBY NOTES

Leading Teams Well Matched

Although the greasy ball and heavy ground prevented any really fast and open play by the backs, followers of Rugby in Oamaru were not disappointed when they went to the Oval last Saturday expecting to see a hard-fought match between the two leading teams, Excelsior and Athletic. Athletic was defeated in a previous match by Excelsior some weeks ago, and it was perhaps unfortunate that on this occasion Athletic defeated Excelsior only by a penalty goal, as the margin between the teams was greater than indicated by the low score. Athletic and Excelsior are now first equal in the competition with eight points each, Old Boys is next with four points, and Maheno has not won a match so far this season. Both sets of backs were handicapped by the difficulty in handling the-ball, so the forward packs had to bear the brunt of the game. Solid packing was a feature of the Athletic forwards, who worked well together, although in the loose several chances were spoilt by poor control when almost at the line. The Excelsior players were not so fit as their opponents, and this was a serious disadvantage in a predominantly forward game. A disturbing feature of the afternoon was the attitude of a considerable section of the spectators, who appeared to think that penalty kicks should be awarded to both teams to provide a diversion from tile normal progress of the game. When one team was penalised more than the other, however, this aroused the indignation of the opposition supporters, who, instead of blaming the offending players, took the regrettable action of booing the referee. These incidents were discussed at a meeting of the North Otago Rugby Football Union on Monday, when a motion of confidence in the referee controlling the match was carried unanimously. The match between Old Boys and Maheno was far from spectacular football. Neither side endeavoured to make use of its back line although movements such as these would probably have rewarded both sides. Although some good forward play was seen on several occasions in the early stages of the game, this rapidly deteriorated and the rucks hecame more or less a scramble with a lack of good solid packing by both sides F. Daly scored the only points in the match when he scored wide out after breaking around the side of the scrum well in Maheno territority. Although he did not serve his backs as well as usual, his try was well deserved. P. Rose was again sound in the position of full-back. A. Rainey played well, but is inclined to take too much upon himself and his constant cutting in will not bear results in bigger football. The forwards played well in the loose with S. Codings and R Twaddle showing out in the rushes. The Maheno forwards played well in the set scrums and tight and out-hooked their opponents. The breakaways were fast off the mark and always ready to take advantage of dropped passes. The backs did not handle the wet ball confidently and never looked like making any scoring thrusts. The Maheno pack is solid and is likely to Hive some of the leading teams a hard game in the forwards when they meet. W. Muldrew and P. Wilkie played well and led the Maheno nack - <■ Draw for Saturday Seniors.—Athletic v. Maheno, Oval 2.45 p.in. (T. Cahill); Excelsior v. Old Boys, No. 2, 2.45 p.m. (J. MacMillan). Juniors.—Old Boys v. Enfield, No. 3 (J. Cossens); St. Kevin's v. Excelsior. No. 2, 1.15 p.m. (C. Diver); Waitaki v. Athletic, Oval" 1.15 p.m. (H. Tempero). Third Grade.—Maheno v. Waitaki A, No. 3, 2.45 p.m. (R. Hedges); Old Boys v Waitaki C, Milner Park, 2.45 p.m. (F. McGreevey); Excelsior v. Waitaki B, Milner Park, 1.15 "p.m, (A. Paterson); Athletic v. St. Kevin's, 2.45 p.m., St. Kevin's (L R. Hill). Fourth Grade.—Waitaki B v. Enfield. No 4, 2.45 p.m. (E. Lapslie); Athletic v. Waitaki D, Milner Park, 2.45 p.m. (W. Bee); Waitaki A v. Waitaki C, at school during week; St. Kevin’s v. Athletic B, St. Kevin’s, 1.15 p.m. (R. Tempero). Fifth Grade.—Waitaki A v. St. Kevin's, Milner Park, 1.15 p.m. (D. Grant); Waitaki B, a bye. Sixth Grade.—Waitaki A v. St. Kevin’s. No. 4. 1.15 p.m. (C. McKenzie); Waitaki B, a bye Seventh Grade.—Waitaki A v. St. Kevin’s, Milner Park, 1.15 p.m. (P. Hanley). Teams Chosen Teams for Saturday are:— Old Boys.—Seniors; Rose, Currie. Light - wood,’ Walsh, Ramsay, Young, McKone, Daly, Twaddle, Campbell, Wilson, Collings, Black; Millin, Meikle, Clarkson, Somers, Maiharoa. Juniors: Scott (2), Gawn, Irvine (2),. Thompson, Dobson, McMullen, Collings, Gibson, McKone. Black, Blair, Oliver, Lindsay, Wormald, Robinson, Greaney, Bell. Maiharoa. Third Grade; Meikle,’ Gawn, Wilson, Familton, Robertson, Lee, Mathieson. Adamson, Scott, Sandrl, Hamilton, • Waldron, Rawson, Brinsdon, Cowles.