INTERESTING COMPETITION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19336, 28 May 1937, Page 7

INTERESTING COMPETITION

RUGBY IN POVERTY BAY THREE SENIOR TEAMS CLOSE POINTS LAST YEAR COMPARED (By “Observer.”) At this stage of the senior competition of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union it is of interest to refer to the championship points for the same period last year and in doing that it is seen that the series then had an even more promising outlook than this season. The compared points, those for 1037 being in parentheses, are as follow: — Old ' Bovs. .0 ($); ' Celtic, S (10); Y.M.P., 7 (4); Mnrist, ti (—); H. 5.0.8., 4 (10); P.W.D., (4).

The sixth match of the series seems to be an unlucky one for the Celtic t<gun, as it was in that match last year that Old Boys secured the lead from Celtic aft Or beating them in a game that resulted in a score of 12 points to 11. The three teams in the running for honours last season were Old Boys, Celtic, and Y.M.r., but this year the place of YLM.P. so far has been taken by the H. 5.0.8. club.

The championship points at the end of the series last year were:—Old Boys, 2d; Celtic, 2d; Y.M.P., 10. Old Boys won the play-oIY against Celtic, as is well remembered. The matches on the Oval to-morrow will have a bearing on the competition in that if 11.5.0. E. win they will remain level with Celtic, and if, on the other hand, Old Boys carry on in their winning vein those two teams will be sitting two points under the Celts on the championship ladder. Celtic’s First, Defeat

Playing with plenty of vim and pep in their solid set id' forwards, Old Boys had the edge on the Celts in last Saturday V engagement and ran out the winners by nine points to four, ft was a dour struggle in the second half and the superior combination in the Old Boys’ pack carried the day. Their fast-breaking flank men and loose forward, Cook, gavo the Celtic inside backs a torrid time and rarely did the ball get out to Green, McArieny and company, all of whom in consequence had a quiet time. At fullback Vincent had a strenuous afternoon arid, though he had to bo attended to twice by St. John Ambulance men, he caine through' with flying colours. Agriew, a junior, and Patty, on the wings, had very little to do. Patty showed sound defence, but was still slow to move when he had the ball.

Alec McAncny, at centre, was closely watched and was allowed little room in which to work. When he got *nway on a dashing run he was soon brought to earth with deadly tackling. W. AleArieney, at second five-eighths, like the rest of the backs, did not receive much of the ball, but displayed good form, and along with Bog Green stood rip to the Old Bovs’ onslaughts with plenty of grit. Green was Celtic’s best back, his Held goal showing quick anticipation. Jim Milligan had a hard time, behind the serum, the opposing breakaways never' leaving him in doubt. At times lliey were round the scrum a little 100 quickly, catching the Celts,’ half before lie had' a eh tin co 16 get away the ball. Fred McAnenv and Bill Steel were the best of the forwards, and they toiled all afternoon. Jack McKinley received a knock on the nose and though he displayed good form it is thought that his play suffered on that account. Walker, Knni Pere, and Bol) Turnbull worked hard to support their leaders. Stevens is not yet lit arid was riot consistent as a result. Trevor is a good forward, but all good forwards must train assiduously. The veteran, George Murlaml, turned out to Jill a gap and one or two of his bursts were reminiscent of the dashing Murlaml of old.. Old Boys deserved their win and in the second' half the game seemed to be in the bag. Celtic missed sadly the services of L. Turnbull, R. Rogers, and Solomon. Turnbull and Rogers are both on the sideline through injuries and Solomon was unable to get into town for the match. Pat Scholium has fully recovered from his injuries and will bo on trie side to-mor-row against P.W.D. H. 5.0.8. Prepared The senior team of the H. 5.0.8. .club realises that it will have to extend itself to retain its favourable position on the championship list with the Celtic team in trie match to-mor-row with Old Boys, but that contingency also has been considered ami fear of defeat was lessened when it was ascertained that the team would be back to its old strength for the occasion.

With Morrison, Sharp, Harris, Thompson, Webster, Grant, and Reed for a back line, together with the vastly improved pack, the Old Hoys will have to produce their best form to come out the victors to-morrow. Of late, injuries or absence from the district have prevented the playing of Curtayne, M. Rogers, and McDuffie, but they are also included in to-mor-row's team. A warning is required here, however, in regard to an overconfident team. A team that goes on to the field in that frame of mind is very often a disappointed fifteen when the iinal whistle blows.