RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27096, 2 June 1949, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

UNIVERSITY A HELD DRAWN GAME WITH TRAINING COLLEGE * The fit and lively Training College team brought, off one of the surprises of the Rugby season when it had none the worse of a 6 —all draw against University A in the postponed game which was played at Tahuna Park yesterday afternoon. Although the ground conditions were against good football, both sides handled the ball well under the circumstances, but the Training College forwards more readily adapted themselves to the state of the ground, and to them was due in no small measure the fine performance of their team. The College backs playea well enough but lacked the finish to press home many of their attacks. The College forwards rucked with vigour came through from the line outs with great dash, and were splendidly led throughout by E. P. Lovett and L. Thompson. The former was one of the most outstanding players on the field. W. Hill, the College hooker, gave a good display and D. L. Philip showed up in the loose.

Behind the College pack, J. Averill got through an immense amount of work and although inclined to run a little too much from the scrum, maintained a good delivery and sent out clean and well directed passes. I. Aitkenhead and T. Campbell, the fiveeighths, both showed thrust although the former was inclined to go a shale far before handing the ball on." D. J. Simpson, at centre, was very sound on defence.

The University forwards lacked cohesion and life for the greater part of the game, only R. D. Fraser, K. J. Morgan and the promoted University B player, D. Ludbrook, playing with any sting. Fraser was easily the best of the pack, and in the second half especially made repeated efforts to rally the others. K. J. O’Connor showed up in line out play, but was somewhat spasmodic in the open.

As a result of the general lifelessness of the forwards, the backs had fewer opportunities than usual, bat in the closing stages they threw the ball about with abandon in an effort to retrieve the situation. The College defence stood the strain, however, and a draw was a fair result. T. Svensen, J. Fitzgerald, and G. J. Moore were the best of the University backs, R. Sellar made several good openings, but his play suffered from a tendency to give away possession by the not altogether judicious use of the short punt. Moore, playing on the wing, showed great dash and determination, and scored two tries by strong running and the use of a dangerous fend. Several times in the closing stages, too, he was very nearly through the defence. C. Bayley gave „a, very sound display at full-back. For Training College O. Craig kicked a goal from a penalty in the first half, which ended with the score 3—all, and in the second half A. J. Robinson finished off passing witb a try. Mr R. Marshall was the referee. Second Grade Match In a Second Grade match at Tahuna Park, Training College defeated University C by 14 points to 3. Mr R. Corkin was the referee.