FORWARDS WELL MATCHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27093, 30 May 1949, Page 6

FORWARDS WELL MATCHED

ALHAMBRA BEATS UNION In a hard • game at the North Ground in which the winning . side showed superiority only in the very late stages, ■Alhambra defeated Union by 14 points to 5. Although the game for the most part was fast and willing it was marred by too much broken play and penalties Alhambra were first on the offensive, but Union defended well and soon the play was taken to the other end of the field. Union was first to score, K, Knox charging down a kick to score in a handv position for W Trevathan to convert From then on, play ranged the field until the final stages of the game, when Alhambra pressed hard on Union's goal line. Although Alhambra won the greater share of the ball from the scrums. Union held the advantage in the line outs. E. Michie and S. Winter were always at the fore of the Alhambra pack, while G. Porteous. J McCrorie, R. Smitheram and G. Holden were conspicuous among the Union forwards. The Alhambra rearguard showed better combination but solid tackling by Union prevented any movements from going far. Both halfbacks, R. Stewart for Alhambra and W Woods for Union, gave competent displays, Stewart in particular shining in blind-side pISy. P Mitchell, at first fiveeighth for Alhambra, was the most resourceful of the other backs. For Alhambra, A. Brown and Winter scored tries, one of which was converted by Michie. who also kicked two goals from penalties. Union’s points comprised a trv bv K. Knox, which was converted by Trevathan. „ . „ The referee was Mr R Marshall.